When Rafael Nadal stepped on the court on Tuesday, into his farewell match at the Davis Cup, he was hoping to end his career on a high. Millions of fans worldwide were backing the King of Clay to register a thumping victory over his Dutch opponent Botic Van de Zandschulp. However, little did they, and Nadal himself, know that Botic had other plans. The latter stunned the 22-time Grand Slam champion and took the match 6-4, 6-4 in straight sets. According to a former American pro, there’s a crucial reason why Nadal’s winning streak in the Davis Cup came to an end and how Botic managed to reign supreme over him.

Speaking in an episode of the Tennis Channel podcast, dated November 20th, ex-American player Paul Annacone shared his thoughts on Nadal’s farewell match. While he applauded his intense efforts against Botic, Annacone believes the latter proved to be too good for the Spaniard. “I’ll tell you what, he actually played a guy who is very, very dangerous,” said Paul. He simply called the Dutchman “just really tough” to beat. The World No.80 broke Nadal’s 20-year winning streak of 29-1 in the event.

Annacone specifically cited Nadal’s long break from tennis as one possible reason behind his loss against Van de Zandschulp. For those unaware, Rafael Nadal’s last major appearance was during July’s Swedish Open. There, he lost the final encounter 6-3, 6-2 against Portugal’s Nuno Borges. Paul said that Nadal’s appearance in the Davis Cup, after an extended break, “against a guy that can play this offensive and take the racket out of your hand” didn’t turn out as expected. “And we know what Rafa does when he hasn’t played a ton of matches,” he said. Further, he revealed that Botic had answers to all of Nadal’s shots. Although Rafa tried to make a comeback “Van de Zanskchulp did not blink and just kept playing offensive tennis. So for me, Nadal did as well as he could do given the situation” but “that man just played a little bit better,” said Annacone in the podcast.

While he may have witnessed a defeat in his last appearance, Nadal is feeling content. According to him, he’s somehow completed his circle at the Davis Cup, thanks to the loss against Botic Van de Zandschulp.

Rafael Nadal reveals how his journey at the Davis Cup came full circle

When Nadal appeared in the event in 2004, he lost his first match against Czech Republic’s Jiri Novak. However, it was the last time that he failed to win a match at the Davis Cup. Since the last two decades, he remained indomitable. Interestingly, his last match also saw him losing, making Rafa ponder upon his Davis Cup run in an amusing manner. “Probably that was my last match…It’s in some ways good maybe if that was my last match. I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So we close the circle,” he said.

During his stint of twenty years at the Davis Cup, the former World No.1 helped Spain in winning the title five times. Last time the country clinched the trophy was during the 2019 event.

Meanwhile, Nadal thanked everyone who supported him throughout his highs and lows. He expressed gratitude towards his avid fans, his team, and his lovely family members. “I feel super privileged, I’ve been able to make my hobby my profession for a long time. I also remember my family, my team, you have been an unforgettable part of my life for all these years,” he said.

With Rafa’s retirement, a glorious era has also come to an end. From now on, he won’t be seen in any major tennis event. But his legacy will always make its presence felt while inspiring millions of tennis lovers.