Dutch Team Plans to Gatecrash Nadal’s Retirement Party at Davis Cup*

MÁLAGA (Spain), Nov 18 — The Netherlands Davis Cup team is determined to give Rafael Nadal a fitting farewell as he prepares to retire at this week’s Davis Cup Finals in Málaga. While the Spanish legend hopes to cap his illustrious career with a fifth Davis Cup title, the Dutch team is focused on denying him a smooth exit in tomorrow’s quarter-final clash.

“It’s amazing that this might be Nadal’s last match, and we hope to give him a nice ‘adios’,” said Dutch captain Paul Haarhuis. “But it’s the Davis Cup, anything can happen. We’re aiming for more than just the quarter-finals.”

The Dutch players have faced tough competition from Spain this year, including losses to Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in doubles at the Paris Olympics, and a shock win by Botic van de Zandschulp over Alcaraz at the US Open.

“This is a special occasion with Rafa retiring,” said van de Zandschulp. “It’s going to be a unique atmosphere. Let’s see how it plays out.