MALAGA, Spain: Rafael Nadal bit his lower lip and his eyes scanned the stands as he stood alongside his Davis Cup teammates for Spain’s national anthem Tuesday before what he — and everyone — knew might be the last match of his career, a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands.
There were no tears streaming down Nadal’s cheeks, no outward sign of what this moment meant to the 22-time Grand Slam champion, even amid the roars of a sign- and flag-toting crowd, mostly here for one player and one player only. Nadal said beforehand that the emotions would need to wait, that this week was about attempting to claim one last title for his country, not about his impending retirement.
The 38-year-old Spaniard announced last month this event would be it for him as a professional tennis player after two years of injuries that limited him to competing only sparingly, but no one could be sure if that end would arrive in Tuesday’s quarterfinals or later in the Davis Cup Final 8, which wraps up Sunday.
Nadal’s defeat in the opening contest was only the start of the best-of-three Spain vs. Netherlands matchup on an indoor hard court at the sold-out Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena in southern Spain. It was to be followed by No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz against No. 40 Tallon Griekspoor later Tuesday, and doubles, too, if the teams were tied 1-all after singles.
So it was up to Nadal’s countrymen to extend his career. If Spain managed to advance to the semifinals, Nadal’s playing days could continue. If the Netherlands were to win, he would be finished.
“It’s amazing that it might be the last match that Nadal plays,” Dutch captain Paul Haarhuis said beforehand, “and we hope to give him a nice ‘Adios.’”
When it ended, with Nadal ranging to his left but not quite able to get into proper position and putting a forehand into the net, he walked to the net for a quick hug with his opponent.
In certain ways, this was, unmistakably, the Nadal everyone remembers. The white headband, marked with the red bull logo he made famous. The white tape wrapped around all four of his left, racket-holding fingers. The water bottles by his sideline bench, placed just so.
There was the occasional ace right on a line. The occasional serve-and-volley foray forward. The occasional over-the-shoulder putaway. And, yes, the occasional hop and uppercut and scream of “Vamos!” after claiming a key point or closing out a game.
There also were, neither to Nadal’s or most of the 9,200 spectators’ liking, several points where he did look like what he truly is right now: a once-dominant figure diminished by age and injuries. His forehand didn’t always have the same verve, and his total of 10 groundstroke winners was barely half of van de Zandschulp’s 19. His footwork and speed were hardly what they once were, no matter how many chants of “Ra-fa!” or “España!” broke out in a bid to spur him.
This result ended Nadal’s 29-match winning streak in Davis Cup singles; the only other blemish on his record, which stood at 29-1 entering Tuesday, came in his debut all the way back in 2004.
But this version of Nadal had hip issues, including surgery in June 2023, and abdominal problems that combined to limit him to only 23 matches over the past two years. He was 12-7 in singles in 2024 before Tuesday.
Indeed, the match against van de Zandschulp — who upset Alcaraz at the US Open — was Nadal’s first outing that counted since early August at the Paris Olympics. He lost there in the second round of singles to Novak Djokovic and bowed out in the doubles quarterfinals alongside Alcaraz.
Nadal and Alcaraz — at 21, a four-time major champion considered his heir apparent — practiced with each other hours before the start of play. The run-up to this Davis Cup has largely been about memories of, and tributes to, Nadal — including a lengthy post on social media by his rival and friend Roger Federer.
Nadal will forever be remembered for his rivalries with Federer and Djokovic as part of the Big Three of men’s tennis, a trio of generational talents who ruled the sport for much of the past two decades.
Federer, now 43, announced his departure in 2022; only Djokovic, 37, remains active.
All three were talented. All three were successful. All three were popular.
Nadal’s appeal with fans was in the way he played and the humble way he conducted himself away from a court, which might explain why there were fans wearing the orange representing Netherlands who applauded for him when he was introduced. Or why there were spectators from countries other than Spain who toted their nations’ flags bearing messages supporting him.
The locals expressed their love over and over, from the raucous standing ovation that greeted his entrance to the court. During pre-match player introductions, as Nadal’s many accomplishments were read over the speaker system, there were yells that greeted the listing of each of the 14 years he won the French Open on its red clay and each of the five times he helped Spain claim the Davis Cup.
In an example of the sort of home-court advantage frequently seen at this team event — more soccer rowdiness than stereotypical tennis genteelness — they jeered and whistled whenever the contingent of Netherlands fans in a small section of the lower bowl tried to offer encouragement to their guy.
During play, Nadal’s backers shouted “Si, se puede!” (“Yes, you can!”) to try to encourage him. Nadal, simply, could not.
Rafael Nadal loses at the Davis Cup in what could be his last match
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Rafael Nadal loses at the Davis Cup in what could be his last match
- Nadal’s defeat in the opening contest was only the start of the best-of-three Spain vs. Netherlands matchup on an indoor hard court at the sold-out Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena in southern Spain
Saudi Esports Federation and King Saud University Medical City unite on mental health initiative
- Three-year program will research esports, including anti-doping in e-sports and the importance of physical activity for gamers
RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation and King Saud University Medical City have agreed to collaborate on implementing physical and mental wellbeing initiatives, developing health programs and conducting advanced research for electronic sports players.
Specific areas of joint focus include groundbreaking research into anti-doping in e-sports, the importance of physical activity for e-sports athletes and preventing and managing injuries. A medical committee will be established to combat doping.
The agreement, which aligns with the aims of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, will last for three years and is one of the first of its kind in the world.
Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “The memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Esports Federation and King Saud University Medical City positions Saudi Arabia as a global leader in e-sports governance and integrating health and wellness into e-sports. The words innovative and groundbreaking are often overused but it is impossible to overstate how important this MoU could be for implementing physical and mental wellbeing initiatives not just in our nation, but in our industry. This is particularly prevalent considering that there remains a lingering public perception among some that gaming is an unhealthy pastime.
“As a global-leading federation, we at SEF relish the responsibility of enhancing best practice in gaming and e-sports and improving the lives of our community, and feel this collaboration is full proof of that in action. The MoU advances public health, fosters innovation and fully focuses on e-sports excellence and the health requirements that are vital to ensure e-sports excellence.”
The work achieved through the agreement will go towards the aims of Saudi Arabia’s National and Gaming Esports Strategy, which has ambitions to make the country a global hub for the gaming industry by 2030.
The research into anti-doping in e-sports is especially groundbreaking. As part of that, the agreement will help establish what exactly is doping in e-sports and how to combat it. Currently, the e-sports industry lacks consistent anti-doping standards, with few organizations adhering to any guidelines, and those that do often follow fragmented and inconsistent practices. It is hoped that the research by SEF and KSUMC could in time develop specific e-sports processes and guidelines on anti-doping.
The MoU will also help with the future implementation of health-related regulatory issues in e-sports as a global industry. It will help encourage healthy practices among gamers not just in Saudi Arabia but, when the research is shared, the wider world.
In addition, the agreement will assist all those in the SEF Career Pathway Strategy, which is implemented through the SEF Academy and the member clubs in Saudi Arabia. All professional, semi-professional, retired, youth and amateur players — male and female will benefit from the work conducted through the SEF and KSUMC.
Paul Hughes planning to become ‘face of the PFL’
- The 27-year-old from Belfast faces reigning Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov in Dubai on Jan. 25
DUBAI: Ireland’s rising mixed martial arts star Paul “Big News” Hughes has his sights set on becoming the new face of the game-changing Professional Fighters League.
The 27-year-old from Belfast plans to do so by knocking out reigning and defending Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
Hughes and the undefeated Nurmagomedov go head-to-head in the main event of the PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
While taking on the reigning Bellator champion is a challenging task for someone who just recently started to make noise in the MMA world, Hughes believes in himself.
“I absolutely foresee a knockout. I think it’s my destiny to knock him out here and to just rise to superstardom of the MMA sphere. I can feel it within my bones, I can feel it in my preparation, everything’s just going right,” Hughes told MMA journalist Paul Browne recently.
He added: “I think this is just my time to make my mark in this sport, not just become the Bellator lightweight champion and one of the faces of PFL — probably the face — but to be one of the biggest superstars in the sport and to forge my own pathway in this sport, to trailblaze my own way.
“That’s what I’ve foreseen when I made my decision to come to the PFL.”
With the Bellator brand being folded by the PFL, Hughes has plans to make his mark. “I’m gonna be making a few different pieces of history: first global MMA show in Dubai, last-ever Bellator titleholder.
“And potentially, I would love if they made a PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series (belt), if they made a new belt. I mean, I’m just putting that out there. If I can leave there with two belts, that would be even better.”
He added: “There’s gonna be no denying that when I knock Usman out, I’ll be the face of the PFL, or at least one of them. There’s no denying that any fight I have from here forth is going to be big, and that’s what I deserve.
“I’m here for the big nights, I’m here for the big fights, and I see myself selling out venues around the world. But where I would like to do that first is absolutely, no question, in Belfast.”
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club announces showjumping calendar with total prize money of $1.36m
- The Abu Dhabi International Showjumping Event takes place from Jan. 24-26
ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club has announced its 2025 showjumping calendar, with a series of events that will see local and international stars compete for a total prize purse of $1.36 million.
Among the highlights is the Abu Dhabi International Showjumping Event, which will take place from Jan. 24 to 26 and feature the renowned CSI4*-W International Show Jumping Competition, and the prestigious Grand Prix World Cup Qualifier.
This announcement coincides with the unveiling of the ADEC’s state-of-the-art equestrian and lifestyle destination, an expansive venue spanning 54 acres.
The facility features indoor, covered, and outdoor arenas, lush grass paddocks, extensive hacking tracks, and premium arena seating.
Ali Al-Shaiba, director-general of the ADEC, said in a statement: “We are proud to unveil this new, immersive venue in time for the showjumping season. This world-class development further affirms the UAE’s commitment to preserving and promoting our equestrian heritage on a global stage.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and President of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club for his continuous support and guidance, which has been instrumental in elevating the sport to international audiences.”
The Abu Dhabi International Showjumping Event will also feature a Country Flags Parade and Indoor Drone Show.
Romario Shepherd and Nicholas Pooran lead MI Emirates to vital win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
- Captain Pooran top scorer as his team retains 2nd place in the DP World ILT20 table
ABU DHABI: The MI Emirates produced a clinical display with both bat and ball to hand the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders a 28-run defeat at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday.
The MI Emirates had the likes of Romario Shepherd and team captain Nicholas Pooran to thank as they played a crucial part in helping their side get to within two points of the table toppers. Their bowlers were in fine form, with four of them picking a wicket each while Alzarri Joseph and Shepherd bagged two each to derail the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ chase.
Put into bat first, the MI Emirates started off well, with openers Kusal Perera and Muhammad Waseem. After the duo put on a 42-run stand, Sri Lankan Perera was the first to depart for 23, just before the end of the powerplay. In walked Tom Banton who, along with Waseem, ensured the MI Emirates kept the scoreboard ticking over.
Halfway into the innings Banton was dismissed for nine and, soon after, Waseem followed on 38. Skipper Pooran was joined by Kieron Pollard, but the veteran right-hander found it tough to get going and was eventually knocked over by Ali Khan for five.
At this point, the score read 102/4, with just over six overs to go.
Dan Mousley was the next to fall for six, after which Shepherd joined his captain for the final phase of the innings. Pooran, striking cleanly, was closing in on his half-century before Jason Holder had his number after a well-made 49.
That put the focus on Shepherd in the final few overs. The big-hitting right-hander then went through the gears and smashed three maximums along with four boundaries, to finish with an unbeaten 38 from 13 deliveries. The MI Emirates, who had slowed down for a few overs in the middle, eventually posted 186/6.
The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders got off to a quick start, as openers Kyle Mayers and Andries Gous took the attack to the MI Emirates bowlers. Mayers, who smashed three sixes, scored 22 off 14 deliveries, before Dan Mousley ran him out with a fine a piece of fielding. That ended a 39-run stand in the fourth over, after which the MI Emirates took control.
Akeal Hosein dismissed Joe Clarke for three, after which Shepherd accounted for Michael-Kyle Pepper for five and Alishan Sharafu for four. At the end of an action-packed powerplay, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders were 56/4.
Waqar Salamkheil cleaned up Laurie Evans for seven, and Zahoor Khan then had Gous caught out in the deep for 34, which put further pressure on the Knight Riders. That brought Sunil Narine and Andre Russell to the middle, and the big-hitting batters put on a half-century stand, raising hopes of a comeback.
However, in the 18th over, Narine was caught at cover for 13, and Fazalhaq Farooqi then cleaned up David Willey in the 19th. Russell, who remained unbeaten on 37 from 23 deliveries, could not take his side over the line as the MI Emirates came away with a comfortable win.
Player of the match Shepherd said: “It feels good, and we knew how important this game was. I was relaxed because Nicholas Pooran was there and I was just trying to get to the last over and see what I could get. Whenever you do well in one department it gives you confidence.”
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders captain Narine said, “We were going good till the 18th over, but we had to have a fielder in for the slow over-rate and Shepherd is a powerful player. And we lost a cluster of wickets, but still played good cricket, and we started off good. We need to get on top of the key moments.”
Brief Scores
MI Emirates beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by 28 runs
MI Emirates 186/6 in 20 overs (Nicholas Pooran 49, Romario Shepherd 38 not out, Muhammad Waseem 38, Jason Holder 2 for 38, Ali Khan 2 for 58)
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 158/9 in 20 overs (Andre Russell 37 not out, Andries Gous 34, Romario Shepherd 2/14, Alzarri Joseph 2/33, Waqar Salamkheil 1/13)
Player of the Match: Romario Shepherd
Buttler rejects calls for England to boycott Afghanistan match
- Captain Jos Buttler says England’s match against Afghanistan at the Champions Trophy should go ahead after calls for a boycott over the Taliban regime’s assault on women’s rights
KOLKATA: Captain Jos Buttler says England’s match against Afghanistan at the Champions Trophy should go ahead after calls for a boycott over the Taliban regime’s assault on women’s rights.
A group of more than 160 British politicians have written to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) calling for England not to play the match in Lahore on February 26.
Since returning to power in 2021 the Taliban have effectively banned the participation of women in both sport and broader public life.
That puts the Afghanistan Cricket Board at odds with the rules of governing body the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Buttler said sports and politics should be kept separate.
“Political situations like this, as a player you’re trying to be as informed as you can be,” he told reporters ahead of the first T20 against India in Kolkata on Wednesday.
“The experts know a lot more about it, so I’ve been trying to stay in dialogue with Rob Key (managing director of ECB) and the guys above to see how they see it.
“I don’t think a boycott is the way to go about it,” he added.
“Certainly as a player, you don’t want political situations to affect sport. We hope to go to the Champions Trophy and play that game and have a really good tournament.”
The ECB have resisted calls for a boycott, with chief executive Richard Gould saying instead he would “actively advocate” for collective action by the ICC instead.
The ICC have allowed the Afghanistan men’s team to keep competing in global competitions.
England are clubbed with Afghanistan, Australia and South Africa in the group phase of the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.
