Match Report
Dutch double seals Nadal’s destiny in Malaga
Netherlands beat Spain 2-1 to advance to Davis Cup SFs, finish Nadal’s profession
November 19, 2024
Jorge Guerrero/Getty Photographs
Botic van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof in motion towards Spain on Tuesday on the Davis Cup in Malaga.
By ATP Employees
Wesley Koolhof made positive to remind everybody that Rafael Nadal wasn’t the one one retiring from skilled tennis this week on the Davis Cup in Malaga.
The 35-year-old, competing in his ultimate tour-level occasion, teamed up with Botic van de Zandschulp to safe a significant 7-6(4), 7-6(3) victory over Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers on Tuesday night to ebook The Netherland’s spot within the semi-finals. Defeat for Spain ensured that Nadal’s straight-sets loss to Van de Zandschulp within the first singles rubber was the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s ultimate match as a professional.
“I reached a really, very excessive stage as we speak, which I’m very completely happy about,” mentioned Koolhof. “I believe we, as a group, did a tremendous job once more. Botic instructed me he struggled on returns, however so long as he made it on match level, I’m completely happy. This was considered one of my greatest matches of the 12 months. I’m trying ahead to the subsequent one.”
A bullet return from @wesleykoolhof 💥@DavisCup | #DavisCuppic.twitter.com/ty0nr0Re3T
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 19, 2024
Producing assured tennis on each serve and return to maintain his enjoying profession alive, Koolhof was on the coronary heart of their two-hour-12-minute victory. A string of scorching return winners and fashionable internet play in key moments despatched the Dutch duo on their method to reaching the final 4 within the Davis Cup for the primary time since 2001.
“Wesley helped me quite a bit there, he returned unbelievably,” mentioned Van de Zandschulp. “He performed wonderful, it’s a disgrace he’s going to retire after this occasion. We may use him subsequent 12 months. It’s been an unimaginable day.”
Alcaraz, the No. 3 within the PIF ATP Rankings, had levelled the quarter-final tie at 1-1 together with his conquer Tallon Griekspoor, and it appeared as if he was pulling Spain to an epic comeback when he fired a forehand winner to interrupt Van de Zandschulp’s serve within the second set. The tactical enter and emotional assist from Nadal on the sidelines didn’t show sufficient, nonetheless, because the Dutch duo refused to roll over.
