The 38-year-old Spaniard announced this event would be it for him as a professional tennis player after two years of injuries that allowed him to compete only sparingly.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion lost what could be his final tennis match in the first rubber of Spain's tie against the Netherlands.

Rafael Nadal said on Tuesday if he was Spain's Davis Cup captain he would not pick himself to play singles if they advance in the tournament after he lost their opening quarter-finals match 6-4 6-4 against the Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp.