MALAGA, Spain — In a poignant moment for tennis fans, Rafael Nadal faced a challenging match on Tuesday, suffering a 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp at the Davis Cup. This match could possibly mark the end of Nadal’s illustrious career as he prepares for retirement from professional tennis following the conclusion of the team tournament in Malaga.

With Spain’s fate hanging in the balance, Nadal’s loss means that he will not have another opportunity to compete if the team does not secure a victory against the Netherlands in the subsequent singles match. Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked third in the world, is set to take on the No. 40 player, Tallon Griekspoor, in what could be a decisive matchup for Spain.

Should the series remain tied after the singles matches, the pressure will turn to the doubles team, where Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers will step onto the court against the Dutch duo of van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof. The stakes are high as Spain seeks a chance to advance to the semifinal round on Friday, depending on the outcome against the Netherlands.

Nadal’s potential exit from the sport adds an emotional layer to the competition, as fans and players alike reflect on his remarkable contributions to tennis throughout his career.