It has been over 20 years since Rafael Nadal made his debut in the ATP circuit. Almost a generation has picked up their racquets after seeing him compete and win 22 Grand Slam titles and other titles. However, things haven’t changed much for the kids who have now become tennis stars. They are still in awe of the Spaniard like they were in their younger years. They’re eager to see ‘Rafa’ play one last time, hoping to catch a glimpse of his brilliance before his retirement. However, the Dutch star, Botic Van de Zandschulp, has mixed feelings about being on the other side of the court against his idol. 

This time the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup are happening in Malaga, Spain. However, things have moved past the talk of winning and losing. Everyone is heading to Spain to say goodbye to Rafael Nadal and celebrate his legacy. However, Zandschulp is eager to face his idol for the third and last time. With just one thought on his mind, he mentioned during an interview with Marca, how he “could be the last man who has beaten Rafa.”

However, that is just a part of the long story that the Dutchman is eager to face. For Zandschulp, it’s deeper than just a match against Nadal. It’s more about facing the idol and remembering every moment of their last encounter. He opened up about his thoughts on Nadal’s upcoming retirement, and facing him in Spain. “They are playing at home, and Rafa’s retirement adds more specialty. I could be the last man who has beaten Rafa. However, I try not to think about that because I would go crazy. I really want to face him for the third and last time,” Zandschulp remarked.

Zandschulp and Nadal have faced each other 2 times already, at the Roland Garros and Wimbledon Championships in 2022. In both cases, Nadal came out on the top in straight sets. Hence, Zandschulp’s eagerness to compete one last time is understandable. Despite wanting to compete and wanting to win against Nadal, Zandschulp also has some inexplicable feelings. He further added, “Rafa was my idol, and I watched his matches on TV. Of course, you always want to beat such a great player, but facing him alone is something unique.”

However, the Dutchman is not alone when it comes to inexplicable feelings about Rafael Nadal retiring from the tennis scene. He joins the long list of players battling with various emotions, including Jasmine Paolini, Iga Swiatek, and Carlos Alcaraz.

Jasmine Paolini, Swiatek, and Alcaraz get ready to bid adieu to their idol, Rafael Nadal at Malaga

The Italian sensation, Jasmine Paolini, is still trying to get a selfie with the 22-time Grand Slam champion. As Paolini prepares for the BJK Cup semifinals, at the venue. And when it comes to Iga Swiatek, she is troubled about whether she will be watching tennis at all after Nadal’s retirement. Though Swiatek understands that “everything has a beginning and an end.” But it’s still a difficult decision, as the 23-year-old only followed Nadal. She said, “He was the only player I watched, so I don’t know if I’m going to watch tennis at all now.”

Finally, the Prince of Clay, Carlos Alcaraz, Rafa’s retirement is more important than the Davis Cup. Despite his heartbreaking exit at the ATP Finals, as he suffered from cold and congestion, the young Spanish sensation was more focused on Rafael’s retirement than his loss or the Davis Cup. He said, “Rafa’s farewell is more important than the Davis Cup. There are Davis Cups every year, but there is only one ‘farewell’ to a tennis legend. Doing it in a tournament so special for him, which has meant so much to him since that victory against Roddick, it will be very special.”

It’s special for everyone present in Malaga, as they have at some point in time, if not every time, loved him, and learned from him. Over the past two decades, Novak Djokovic and his rival have competed against each other an impressive 61 times, hence Rafa’s retirement would surely be an emotional one for him.

What do you think of Nadal’s retirement? Let us know in the comments below.