Image source, Getty Images

Carlos Alcaraz says winning the Davis Cup for Rafael Nadal this week is a "huge motivation" and will mark the "most special" tournament of his career.

Alcaraz, 21, teamed up with his childhood idol Nadal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where they were knocked out in the quarter-finals.

The world number three said: "It's probably the most special tournament I'll play in my career, because of what's happening, because of the circumstances.

"The Davis Cup has always been a tournament that I'd love to win one day. I'm passionate about representing Spain. Having Rafa by my side, knowing it's his last tournament, will make it much more special.

"No player deserves more to finish the incredible career he had with a title, and I know how special the Davis Cup is for him. It will be a difficult challenge but winning it for Rafa is a huge motivation.

"Rafa's farewell is much more important, at least for me. The Davis Cup is every year. Rafa's farewell, saying goodbye to a legend of the sport, unfortunately only happens once. Personally I’m very excited to be by Rafa's side for his farewell."

A warm reception from the Malaga crowd for Carlos Alcaraz, who raises a single arm to wave his appreciation.

The Spaniard bounces onto the court energetically. He wins the coin toss and chooses to let Tallon Griekspoor serve first.

We can see Carlos Alcaraz lining up in the tunnel, ready to walk out on court behind Tallon Griekspoor.

Spain's captain, David Ferrer, is nattering away to the world number three with some final words of advice.

Here they come...

Spain's Davis Cup hopes - and the chance of another Rafael Nadal appearance - rests on the shoulders of Carlos Alcaraz now.

Alcaraz won the French Open and Wimbledon this year, but his season has fizzled out slightly and he failed to reach the knockout stages of the season-ending ATP Finals earlier this month.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport in Malaga

An excellent charm offensive from Van de Zandschulp, there.

He will not be a popular man in Spain.

Remember, he also ended Carlos Alcaraz's bid for US Open glory in September.

Stay in the hotel tonight, Botic.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport in Malaga

You knew Rafa wasn't gonna slope off with his tail between his legs.

And the Spanish fans wouldn't let him.

A chant of 'si, se puede' - essentially 'yes, you can' - rang around the arena as they told him anything remained possible as he battled to avoid defeat.

Ultimately, he couldn't. Nadal waves to all sides of the adoring crowd.

Image source, BBC Sport

Here's what Botic van de Zandschulp had to say following his victory over Rafael Nadal:

"At the beginning I think we were both nervous. The first games didn't go smoothly. The crowd was tough, understandably.

"That is what it is to play against Rafa in Spain. He is probably the biggest sportsman in Spain to have ever lived.

"I have to say it is tough to close out a match against him, knowing it could be his last. I felt I was hoping a bit more than going for it. I went for it and it helped in the end."

On the support from the Dutch supporters in the crowd, he added: "It was unbelievable. I needed it. There were too many people from Spain here cheering for him.

"If I was sat at the side of the court I would have been cheering for him too."

Rafael Nadal returns to the court with his arms aloft to say a big thank you to the crowd, who backed him all the way out there.

Carlos Alcaraz takes on Tallon Griekspoor in the next singles match, hoping to set up a doubles decider later in the evening.

Botic van de Zandschulp has his first match point for the Netherlands.

Rafael Nadal is relieved to see Botic van de Zandschulp miss the line at the end of a rally which the Spaniard long appeared in control of.

Carlos Alcaraz has made his way out to watch potentially the final points of his childhood hero's career - but Nadal is able to fight back to 30-30.

Rafael Nadal brings his hands up to his face after missing the line, convinced he should have made that one.

It's not the start he needed and another miss leaves Botic van de Zandschulp two points from giving the Netherlands a 1-0 lead.

Image source, Getty Images

Here we go then. It's break or bust for Rafael Nadal in potentially the final match of his career.

Botic van de Zandschulp can see the finish line as he moves 15-30 up but, despite getting a look at a second serve, hits long.

It's all the encouragement Rafael Nadal needs. The Spaniard produces a couple of powerful serves to stay in touch.

One last chance.

The Dutch supporters find their voice again as Botic van de Zandschulp closes in on victory.

He takes the opening point and Rafael Nadal pauses for a moment before taking his next serve.

Botic van de Zandschulp finds a series of timely first serves to relieve the pressure and move within one game of victory.

At 0-30 Rafael Nadal had a big opportunity - but his opponent didn't give him anything from there.

The Spanish crowd continue to cheer both Rafael Nadal's successes and Botic van de Zandschulp's misfortune.

The Dutchman double-faults on his opening point, and the noise levels increase further as Nadal edges to 0-30.

Vamosssss! The Spanish flags are being waved passionately in the stands as Rafael Nadal slams a forehand winner away to hold serve and pull back within striking distance of Botic van de Zandschulp in set two.

Still fighting, until the end.

Image source, Getty Images

Reality strikes after that period of Rafael Nadal resurgence as Botic van de Zandschulp reaches break point - but Nadal comes up with a crucial volley to reach deuce and keep the crowd believing.

What a difference one game can make. The scoreboard remains heavily against Rafael Nadal but there is a feeling in the crowd, based on seeing this sort of drama from their hero over the past two decades, that he is far from done here.

The momentum appears to have switched as Nadal moves 30-0 up on serve, but consecutive double faults by the Spaniard brings the volume down a touch.