Spanish Davis Cup team captain David Ferrer defended his decision to pick Rafael Nadal for singles by claiming that he noticed daily improvement in the Spaniard's level and that he was confident that he would go out and compete as hard as ever.

Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest men's tennis players in history, closed out his legendary career playing for Spain in the Davis Cup.

Rafael Nadal has lost 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals in what could be the last match of the 22-time Grand Slam champion's career.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion lost what could be his final tennis match in the first rubber of Spain's tie against the Netherlands.

Rafa Nadal will not dwell on his impending retirement at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga and only focus on helping Spain claim the trophy this week should he be called into action, the 38-year-old said on Monday.

Neither Rafael Nadal nor Spanish captain David Ferrer would say Monday whether the 22-time Grand Slam champion will play singles or doubles — or maybe not at all — at the Davis Cup Final 8, his last event before retirement.

Rafael Nadal's illustrious career is over after his Spain team were beaten by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals.

With a 2-1 loss to the Netherlands, which included Nadal's first loss in 29 Davis Cup matches, Spain was ousted, ending the indomitable Spaniard's historic court career.

Rafael Nadal’s relatively low-key retirement ceremony at the Davis Cup has been defended by the head of the International Tennis Federation as being dictated by the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s wishes.

The Davis Cup Finals in Malaga marked the conclusion of an extraordinary career as Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, played his final professional tennis match.