Rafael Nadal's career ends as Spain lose 2-1 to the Netherlands in Davis Cup
Nadal lost 6-4 6-4 to Van de Zandschulp in what was last match of his career
Carlos Alcaraz beat Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (7-0) 6-3 to level tie
But Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers lost 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-3) to Wesley Koolhof and Botic van de Zandschulp in deciding doubles
22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal announced impending retirement earlier in year
*Van de Zandschulp 0-1 Nadal
Rafael Nadal clenches his fist in celebration as Botic van de Zandschulp drops a shot into the net, the Spaniard avoiding an early break point against him as he levels for 30-30.
The crowd rally behind Nadal, who responds as he proceeds to complete the fightback from 15-30 down to get Spain up and running!
Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport in Malaga
Rafa's coming up so you'd better get this party started.
Oh, the Spanish are already cracking on.
The Malaga MC calls out each of Nadal's 22 Grand Slam victories by year, leading to a roar of 'Ole' every time.
He builds into a crescendo without barely taking breath. Very impressive.
As is the ferocity with which a woman near me proudly punches the air on 22 occasions.
Van de Zandschulp 0-0 Nadal*
Here we go then!
Rafael Nadal will serve first at the start of what is potentially the final singles match of his career.
What level is he capable of producing here? We're about to find out.
Image source, Getty ImagesRafael Nadal has tried to play down the significance of his personal farewell to the sport as a strong Spain squad attempts to win the Davis Cup for the first time since 2019.
“There’s no ideal farewell. Movie-script finales are for American movies and I realised a long time ago that I wouldn’t have one of those, so it’s not something that I’m worried about," Nadal said in the build up.
But while the Spaniard has been keen to shift the spotlight away from himself and on to the team's title potential, he was always unlikely to persuade the home support inside the stadium and his fans watching from afar to allow that.
“I’m handling it as well as possible, with the same normality with which I’ve tried to approach everything during good and bad times, without any kind of excess," said Nadal.
“I know that I’ve done everything I can, my time has come, [I must] accept it as such without any kind of drama so that I can leave with the personal satisfaction that I always made the effort required by the situation."
Whether it all comes to an end today or later this week, the tributes will continue to pour in for one of the sport's all-time greats.
Image source, Getty ImagesVan de Zandschulp v Nadal
There's a brilliant atmosphere already inside the sold-out arena as Rafael Nadal and world number 80 Botic van de Zandschulp warm up for this opening contest.
Just imagine what it will be like if Nadal can get the home nation off to a winning start...
While Nadal appeared a little emotional during the national anthem, he looks very much in the zone now as the anticipation builds.
Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport in Malaga
Yesterday, in a pre-tournament news conference, Rafael Nadal said the emotion of his retirement would have to wait until the end.
Well, it's already got to him.
Nadal's eyes fill up during the Spanish national anthem. His right hands shakes uncontrollably.
Once the anthem stops, he is able to raise it into the air and mouths 'Gracias' to the supporters chanting his name.
Image source, Getty ImagesThis is it. The final tournament of Rafael Nadal's illustrious career is about to begin in Malaga.
The 38-year-old, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, announced in October that he will retire from tennis after representing Spain at the men's team event, having barely played over the past two seasons because of injuries.
Nadal will retire as the second-most successful men's singles player of all time, behind only long-time rival Novak Djokovic.
He is guaranteed at least one last appearance after being named in the singles against the Netherlands. It remains to be seen just how long his farewell will last for.
Image source, Getty ImagesJonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport in Malaga
Image source, BBC SportMy word. What a noise!
The crowd erupts as Team Spain is introduced and the players file out into the arena.
Nadal walks out at the back of the line, instantly recognisable with that iconic headband.
All eyes instantly focus on him.
As you'd expect, a huge roar greets Rafael Nadal's arrival out on court and the crowd are chanting his name as the national anthems come to an end.
It already has the feeling of a special occasion.
Spain have a strong squad as they seek Davis Cup glory on home soil in Malaga, and the additional motivation of providing a fitting farewell for Rafael Nadal.
David Ferrer's squad is headed by reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Roberto Bautista Agut and Pedro Martinez are both ranked inside the top 50 of the ATP singles, while doubles specialist Marcel Granollers completes the team.
Nadal, ranked 154th in the world, arrived in Malaga on Thursday and, after practising with the other members of the team over the past three days, has been deemed ready to lead his side today - in his first match since defeat by long-time rival Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympics in early August.
Image source, Getty ImagesHere is the last-eight line up in Malaga for the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, with reigning champions Italy among the teams challenging for the world title:
Netherlands v Spain
Germany v Canada
Italy v Argentina
USA v Australia
If Spain manage to beat the Netherlands today, they will move into a semi-final against Germany or Canada, who meet for their quarter-final on Wednesday.
Spain's semi-final would take place on Friday, with the final held on Sunday.
Image source, Getty ImagesA short distance away from the arena hosting this years' Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, the Billie Jean King Cup is taking place, and Great Britain are currently battling for a place in the final of the women's team competition.
GB, who have never won the prestigious women's team title, went 1-0 up after Emma Raducanu beat Viktoria Hruncakova in the first singles match, but a doubles decider is just about to get under way after Katie Boulter lost out to Rebecca Sramkova.
Heather Watson and Olivia Nicholls will face Viktoria Hruncakova and Tereza Mihalikova - and you can follow that match on our live text over here.
Image source, Getty ImagesJonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport in Malaga
Image source, BBC SportThe scene at the Palacio de Deportes has been serene for the past week.
Not any more.
A sell-out 11,500 crowd has arrived at the José María Martin Carpena Arena for the hottest ticket in tennis.
Earlier today, even before we knew Nadal would be playing singles (or at all), tickets were going on resale platforms for €24,000.
The big team news from Malaga is that not only will we definitely see Rafael Nadal in action at his farewell tournament - but that he will contest the opening match against Botic van de Zandschulp.
That will be followed by Carlos Alcaraz versus Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles.
Alcaraz is also set to contest the doubles alongside Marcel Granollers, with Van de Zandschulp partnering the retiring Wesley Koolhof for the Netherlands.
All matches at the Davis Cup Finals are the best-of-three tie-break sets.
Image source, Getty ImagesHello and welcome to BBC Sport's live text coverage of the 2024 Davis Cup Finals!
While there's no Great Britain in the men's team event, there's certainly no shortage of storylines to follow in Malaga - not least right here, right now on the opening day.
The opening match of the Finals sees Spain, featuring the retiring Rafael Nadal, up against the Netherlands.
Image source, Getty Images