Rafael Nadal, 38, lost in what may be his final professional match at the Davis Cup in Malaga, ending his 23-year career with 22 Grand Slam titles. Despite not playing competitively for over three months, Nadal was selected by Spain captain David Ferrer but was defeated 6-4 6-4 by Botic van de Zandschulp, putting the Netherlands ahead in the tie and potentially ending Nadal’s career without another opportunity to play professionally. The emotional match saw Nadal graciously thank the crowd of 11,500 fans in the arena after his defeat, with Van de Zandschulp acknowledging the challenge of facing such a legendary athlete in Spain.
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