Davis Cup 2024: When and where to watch Spanish legend Rafael Nadal’s farewell match

Davis Cup 2024: Rafael Nadal is expected to play the opening singles match in the quarter-finals against Netherlands, where he will take on Botic van de Zandschulp.

The King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, is all set for his farewell tournament. The tennis great, who has been battling injury and a subsequent lack of form in the last couple of years, had on October 10 announced his retirement from the sport, adding that the Davis Cup would be his last professional commitment.

Nadal is expected to play the opening singles match on November 19, although he expressed doubt about his participation at the team press conference on November 18. "I don’t know if I will play any matches. I have played very little in recent times,” Nadal said, prompting speculation that he may remain a non-playing member of the team as they head into the quarter-final.

Adios champ: Tennis great Rafael Nadal announces retirement from professional tennis

Rafael Nadal vs Botic van de Zanschulp?

Should Nadal play, he will take on 29-year-old Botic van de Zandschulp at the Martin Carpena Arena in Malaga, Spain. Nadal has a 2:0 head-to-head record against Zandschulp, both victories coming in 2022, at the French Open and Wimbledon. Since then, the Dutch player has recorded at least 3 wins over top 10 players, including at the US Open this year, when he sent Carlos Alcaraz packing in the second round.

Rafael Nadal explains he’s skipping Wimbledon and eyeing Olympic glory in Paris

The first match on November 19 is at 9.30 pm (IST) and will be available to watch on the Sony Sports Network or Sony LIV. As of now, there’s also uncertainty over whether Nadal will join Alcaraz in the doubles match, stating that non-playing captain David Ferrer will take a final call on who to send in. Alcaraz is to play Tallon Griekspoor, in the second singles match.

Team compositions at the Davis Cup Finals 2024 Quarter-final 1

Spain: Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Roberto Bautista Agut, Pedro Martinez, Marcel Granollers, David Ferrer (non-playing captain)

Netherlands: Tallon Griekspoor, Botic van de Zandschulp, Jesper de Jong, Wesley Koohlof, Paul Haarhuis (non-playing captain)

Share