Retiring Rafael Nadal defeated on ’emotional day’ at Davis Cup Finals farewell

Rafael Nadal soaked in the emotion of a memorable but bittersweet evening in Malaga.

The 38-year-old is playing in his farewell tournament at the Davis Cup Finals having finally accepted last month that his body would no longer allow him to compete at the highest level.

He was hoping for one final victory on home soil – and that could yet still come if his Spanish team-mates can turn around the quarter-final against the Netherlands to send the home nation to the semi-finals – but Botic van de Zandschulp spoiled the party with a 6-4 6-4 victory.

An emotional anthem for @RafaelNadal