Photos: Courtesy by Davis Cup
The first Davis Cup was held at the Longwood Cricket Club in Boston in 1900 between the USA and Great Britain, which competed under the name of the British Isles. In that first match, the Americans pulled off the upset and managed to win the title with a 3-0 score.
Originally the tournament was called the International Lawn Tennis Challenge, but because Dwight Davis, who developed the format of the competition, commissioned the design of the cup from Rowlan Rhodes and donated the money needed for its creation by William Durgin, they decided to rename it the Davis Cup in his honour.
From 19 to 24 November 2024, eight men’s teams took part for the third time in Malaga: the host Spain, Italy who was champion in 2023, Australia as runner-up last year, Germany, Argentina, Canada, USA and Netherlands.
18,000 spectators filled the Martin Carpena stadium with the hope that the Spanish national team would triumph so that Rafa wouldn’t say goodbye yet. However, Botic Van de Zandschulp defeated Rafael Nadal in the first match. Later, Carlos Alcaraz rescued the team with an important victory, but the third match was decisive and the Netherlands defeated Spain, creating a huge void in the fans and in the tennis world.
“It was a very emotional day, with nerves for what could be my last individual match as a professional. That’s the way I felt it. To feel the national anthem for the last time as a professional was something very special,” said the Spanish tennis player.
And after several minutes of applause, the stadium lights focused on Rafa Nadal, who ended his professional career in his homeland, with a ceremony of recognition for the legacy he has left to future champions, for the emotional strength he has shown in every match and who will be remembered as a great person and a legend of Spanish tennis.
David Ferrer expressed, “we are going to miss you, you left us the values of respect, humility and consistency. The best education is that which is given by example, and you have been our example,” said an emotional Ferrer.
The semi-final round saw the Italian national team beat Australia 2-0 and Netherlands, who had already shown their resolve against Spain, repeated it against Germany to reach a final in which the Italian team celebrated their second consecutive Davis Cup title.
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