Wesley Koolhof made sure to remind everyone that Rafael Nadal wasn’t the only one retiring from professional tennis this week at the Davis Cup in Malaga.
The 35-year-old, competing in his final tour-level event, teamed up with Botic van de Zandschulp to secure a vital 7-6(4), 7-6(3) victory over Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers on Tuesday evening to book The Netherland’s spot in the semi-finals. Defeat for Spain ensured that Nadal’s straight-sets loss to Van de Zandschulp in the first singles rubber was the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s final match as a pro.
“I reached a very, very high level today, which I am very happy about,” said Koolhof. “I think we, as a team, did an amazing job again. Botic told me he struggled on returns, but as long as he made it on match point, I’m happy. This was one of my best matches of the year. I’m looking forward to the next one.”
A bullet return from @wesleykoolhof 💥@DavisCup | #DavisCuppic.twitter.com/ty0nr0Re3T
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 19, 2024Producing assured tennis on both serve and return to keep his playing career alive, Koolhof was at the heart of their two-hour, 12-minute victory. A string of sizzling return winners and classy net play in key moments sent the Dutch duo on their way to reaching the last four in the Davis Cup for the first time since 2001.
“Wesley helped me a lot there, he returned unbelievably,” said Van de Zandschulp. “He played amazing, it’s a shame he is going to retire after this event. We could use him next year. It’s been an incredible day.”
Alcaraz, the No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings, had levelled the quarter-final tie at 1-1 with his triumph over Tallon Griekspoor, and it seemed as if he was pulling Spain to an epic comeback when he fired a forehand winner to break Van de Zandschulp’s serve in the second set. The tactical input and emotional support from Nadal on the sidelines didn’t prove enough, however, as the Dutch duo refused to roll over.
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