Rafael Nadal’s 6 Davis Cup rubber defeats – as he’s handed second singles loss

Rafael Nadal’s Davis Cup campaign started in unfortunate fashion for the 38-year-old, beaten in straight sets by Botic van de Zandschulp.

Defeat to the Dutchman is just the sixth defeat in 43 Davis Cup rubbers for his nation – and it is only the second time Nadal has been beaten in a singles rubber.

It is also his first loss in almost two decades; here, we look at the rare occasions he’s failed to triumph in Davis Cup action.

2004: Jiri Novak, Czech Republic

As a 17-year-old, Nadal made his Davis Cup debut in February 2004 in a World Group Round 1 tie against the Czech Republic in Brno.

Up against former world No 5 Jiri Novak in his first-ever rubber, the Spaniard fought hard but was ultimately beaten 6-7(2), 6-3, 7-6(3) as Novak put his nation 1-0 up in the tie.

2004: Jiri Novak & Radek Stepanek, Czech Republic (Doubles)

The day after losing to Novak in singles, Nadal and Tommy Robredo paired up to take on the Czech and doubles partner Radek Stepanek.

The Czech pair faced little trouble in sealing a 6-4, 7-6(6), 6-3 victory to move 2-1 up overall, and initially hand Nadal a 0-2 record in Davis Cup action.

However, the future world No 1 beat Stepanek in the decisive rubber on Sunday to seal a 3-2 triumph.

2004: John van Lottum & Martin Verkek, The Netherlands (Doubles)

Two months after Spain’s tie against Czech Republic, Nadal was back in doubles action alongside Robredo in his nation’s quarter-final against The Netherlands.

Up against van Lottum and Verkek, the Spanish pair stormed to a two-set lead, though were pegged back and ultimately beaten 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

However, Spain were still 2-1 up after that result, and singles wins for Carlos Moya and Juan Carlos Ferrero sealed a 4-1 victory.

Spain would ultimately claim the title that year – the first of five triumphs for Nadal.

Rafael Nadal News

Rafael Nadal’s astonishing Davis Cup record, including his 20-year unbeaten streak

Inside story on Rafael Nadal’s tennis rackets in an exclusive interview

2005: Karol Beck & Michal Mertinek, Slovakia (Doubles)

Spain fell in the first hurdle of their title defence in 2005, beaten 4-1 by Slovakia in Bratislava.

And, after falling 0-2 down on the opening day, it was a doubles defeat for Nadal and partner Albert Costa that sealed Spain’s fate.

Nadal and Costa won the opening set, by opponents Beck and Mertinek rallied to prevail 6-7(3), 6-4, 7-6(8) and build an unassailable 3-0 lead in the tie.

2005: Daniele Bracciali & Giorgi Galimberti, Italy (Doubles)

After their loss to Slovakia, Spain defeated Italy 3-2 in the play-off later that season to stay in the World Group for 2006.

Nadal played a starring role for his nation, picking up vital singles victories against Daniele Bracciali and Andreas Seppi.

However, he and Feliciano Lopez were beaten 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 9-7 by Bracciali and Galimberti in an epic doubles clash, which – at the time – put Italy 2-1 ahead.

2024: Botic van de Zandschulp, The Netherlands

Two decades on from his sole singles loss, Nadal was beaten for just the second time in a Davis Cup singles rubber by van de Zandschulp on Wednesday night.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner competed well in the first set, though was broken in the ninth game as the Dutchman claimed the opener.

There were signs of a comeback after Nadal got one of two service breaks back in the second set, but van de Zandschulp held firm to seal a 6-4, 6-4 win.

WATCH: Rafael Nadal tears up ahead of Davis Cup farewell in Malaga