When is Rafael Nadal's last match and who does he face before retirement?
10/10/2024 07:27 AM
Rafael Nadal’s last professional tennis match could be on November 19 after announcing his retirement at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals.
The Spanish tennis legend, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, confirmed on Thursday that he will hang up his racket after the team-based event in Malaga.
The tournament takes place from November 19 to November 24 with Spain set to face the Netherlands.
Here is what you need to know…
When is Nadal’s last match?
If Spain fail to progress past the Dutch team, it means Nadal’s last match could come on November 19 – in nine days’ time – against Botic van de Zandschulp.
What is Rafael Nadal’s record against Botic van de Zandschulp?
World No.67 Van de Zandschulp, 29, has twice played Nadal on the ATP Tour, which both came at major tournaments two years ago.
The ‘King of Clay’ won those two matches in straight sets, firstly at the French Open with a 6-3 6-2 6-4 victory.
Their second showdown came at Wimbledon with Nadal once again coming out on top 6-4 6-2 7-6.
Who else could Rafael Nadal face before his retirement?
It should be noted that if Spain progress past the Netherlands, Nadal’s final professional match will come a little later. Spain would face either Germany or Canada in the next round if they beat the Netherlands.
World No.39 Jan-Lennard Struff is in Germany’s squad – but there is no world No.3 Alexander Zverev.
Canada, meanwhile, have the likes of Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime in their squad.
Will Rafael Nadal ever face Roger Federer again?
Roger Federer’s agent Tony Godsick has hinted that there could be one last ‘Fedal’ exhibition match on the cards, with both men now retired from the professional game.
‘We like to do big things,’ Godsick told Marca, referencing the huge 51,000 crowd who watched Federer face Nadal in a South Africa exhibition match in 2020.
‘If there is an option to beat that one day, I’m sure Roger will consider it. They both like to collaborate. I like working with [Nadal’s agent] Carlos Costa. I have very good memories. We did the half-grass, half-earth exhibition in Mallorca. Anything is possible in the future.’
