Rafael Nadal suffered a disappointing straight-sets defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp as the Netherlands took the early lead in their Davis Cup Finals tie.

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

Nadal and Spain's early exit left a void in Malaga, with empty stands and a soulless event. Tourist bookings plummeted and the interest of the local

The hosts fell behind in their quarter-final after Nadal was beaten in straight sets by Botic van de Zandschulp

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.

The Netherlands reach the final of the Davis Cup for the first time as Tallon Griekspoor fights back in his singles match to clinch a 2-0 win over Germany.

An inspired Netherlands team made Davis Cup history as they put their nation into the final for the first time ever with a 2-0 defeat of Germany on Friday. Singles wins for Botic Van de Zandschulp and Tallon Griekspoor sparked a party amongst an army of orange-clad Dutch fans inside the Jose Maria Martin Carpena arena.

Botic van de Zandschulp converted his 10th match point and Tallon Griekspoor hit 25 aces to help the Netherlands reach its first Davis Cup final by sweeping Germany.

Rafael Nadal in professional tennis, 80th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp, gave the Netherlands a 1-0 lead over Germany in the Davis Cup semifinals Friday by hanging on to defeat Daniel Altmaier 6-4, 6-7 (12),

The Netherlands moved to the brink of their first Davis Cup final as Botic Van de Zandschulp held his nerve to beat Germany's Daniel Altmaier 6-4 6-7(12) 6-3 on Friday. Van de Zandschulp, the player who ended Spanish great Rafa Nadal's career on Tuesday,