A Clash of Titans in the Davis Cup

First Set

Van de Zandschulp is called for a foot fault and his serving woes from the start of the match return as Nadal makes it deuce, seizing upon his opponent's less than confident second serve. And then, out of nowhere, Van de Zandschulp finds a big first serve at the bottom of his backpack and pulls it out to take advantage. A neat bit of net play sees to a hold.

Both players are beginning to get the winners going, cutting out their early rustiness. Van de Zandschulp takes advantage of an awry backhand volley from Nadal to send a forehand down the line. A perfectly placed forehand to Nadal's left sees Van de Zandschulp make it 30 - all but Nadal aces in response. We head into deuce but Nadal avoids any drama.

Second Set

Nadal's serve down the middle helps him to 40 - 30 and he manages to hold. Now he has no choice but to break back.

Van de Zandschulp bounces back from 0 - 30 down to unleash a fierce ace down the middle before Nadal nets a return. Another ace sucks the atmosphere out of the arena, and then another ace secures the game. That's some serious ticker from the big Dutchman.

The decibels are up as Nadal goes 30 - up but Van de Zandschulp levels after a double fault. Nadal goes long with a cross - court forehand and now there's a chance for Van de Zandschulp to break … but Nadal's overhead volley, pedalling back, hits the spot. Nadal manages to hold.

Nadal refuses to go gently, setting up a break point at 30 - 40 … but he can't outdo Van de Zandschulp with a drop shot, and the Dutchman becomes a wall at the net to win the point. Nadal shakes his head as he goes long with a forehand, providing Van de Zandschulp the advantage. A forehand winner keeps Nadal believing … and he has another break point as Van de Zandschulp nets. He can't convert but lands another chance … which he does take! Van de Zandschulp's sliced backhand went wide and Nadal wants to play a little longer.

Van de Zandschulp breaks: *Van de Zandschulp 6 - 4, 4 - 1 Nadal (*denotes next server)

Nadal makes it 30 - 30 on his serve with an overhead smash and is up to the net again, ready to win the next point … but he sends it wide. Van de Zandschulp has a break point … but a big serve down the middle takes us to deuce. Van de Zandschulp unfurls a cross - court forehand to secure another break point … and he converts it with a passing forehand.