Rafael Nadal ended his stratospheric tennis career on Tuesday night after Spain lost their Davis Cup quarter-final tie against the Netherlands in Malaga, southern Spain. Nadal, 38, went down in straight sets to Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening match at the José María Martín Carpena Arena before Carlos Alcaraz levelled proceedings with a 7-6,

Nadal won 22 Grand Slam titles in his career and retires as one of the greatest men's tennis players of all time.

The Dutchman dashed the hopes of Nadal and his army of fans by beating the home hero 6-4 6-4 in singles before teaming up with Wesley Koolhof – who is also playing his final event – to beat Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers 7-6 (4) 7-6 (3) in the deciding doubles.