In his pre-tournament news conference on Monday, Nadal insisted he would not be distracted by emotion as he aimed to help Spain win the Davis Cup for a sixth time in his career.

That was the theory. In practice, the emotion got to Nadal within minutes of walking out to a thunderous ovation.

Nadal’s eyes filled up during the Spanish national anthem. His right hand shook uncontrollably.

Once the anthem stopped, he was able to raise his arm into the air and mouthed “Gracias” to the supporters chanting his name.

“At the beginning I think we were both nervous. The crowd was tough, understandably,” said Van de Zandschulp.

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

Nadal’s level was understandably far below his best.

Occasionally he showed fizz on his famous forehand, but it was not enough to push his opponent deeper in the court.

The shorter balls allowed Van de Zandschulp, who is ranked 80th in the world but beat Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open, to pick off his illustrious opponent.

In a febrile atmosphere where Van de Zandschulp’s missed first serves were cheered, the 29-year-old Dutchman deserved great credit for staying focused and seeing out an important victory for his nation.

“I have to say it is tough to close out a match against him, knowing it could be his last,” said Van de Zandschulp.

“I felt I was hoping a bit more than going for it. I went for it and it helped in the end.”