Van de Zandschulp poured it on by coming through another gritty game against Nadal’s serve with another dazzling crosscourt passing shot winner, this time on the forehand side, to move ahead by a double break.
The 38-year-old didn’t let the deficit deter him from fighting, getting one break back to ignite cheers of “Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole!” inside Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena. Donating a double fault and framed forehand to launch his next service game, van de Zandschulp yet again contained his nerves to stay in front. Asked the question one final time two games later, finished the job for his nation with two of his best second serves on the day.
“In the beginning, I think we were both nervous,” van de Zandschulp said afterwards. “The first service game didn’t go smoothly. The crowd was tough, of course. Understandable. That’s what it is to play here in Spain against Rafa.
“I think he’s the biggest sportsman here in Spain that ever lived. It was a really special event.”
