Rafael Nadal loses at the Davis Cup in what could be his last match before retirement

MALAGA, Spain (AP) — Rafael Nadal lost 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup on Tuesday in what may have been the final match of the Spaniard’s career.

Nadal will retire from professional tennis after the team event in Malaga and will not be able to play again if Spain loses its second singles match against the Netherlands later Tuesday.

Carlos Alcaraz, in third place, will face No. 40 Tallon Greekpoor in the other singles, and if the best-of-three series remains tied, it will be Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers for Spain against van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof for the Netherlands in the final. decide doubles.

Spain will play again in the semi-finals on Friday when they rally to beat the Netherlands.

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis