Spain will face the Netherlands in their opening match on Tuesday at the Davis Cup Finals in Málaga. So, one of Rafael Nadal’s first opponents might actually be 29-year-old Botic van de Zandschulp (World No. 81). The Dutch player sat down with a reporter from the Spanish newspaper Marca to chat about Rafa’s career. Here’s an excerpt from that interview.

Q: Are you aware that all eyes of the tennis world will be on Málaga for Rafa’s official farewell?

Botic: It’s true that everyone will be focused on our match, but if Spain wins, they will still have to play more matches, so it’s unclear when exactly Nadal’s last professional match will be.

Q: Have you thought about the possibility of being Nadal’s last opponent on a tennis court, and perhaps the last one to beat him? Do you remember the first time you faced him?

Botic: It was when we played at Roland Garros two years ago. I saw him in the locker rooms, and the way he walks, you can tell he’s someone with a different character, with an aura that very few people have.

Q: Would it be a great honor for you to be the last player to face one of the greatest of all time?

Botic: He has always been my idol since I was a child and I watched his matches on TV. It would be a real pleasure to be the last one to face him.

Q: Would you like to be remembered as his final conqueror?

Botic: Of course, when you step onto the court, you want to win, but just facing him would already be something unique.

Q: You beat Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open. Did that show that on a good day, you can beat anyone?

Botic: Even though I beat him, the reality is that he will always be the favorite in our future encounters. In New York, several factors came into play: I played very well, my tennis bothered him and he wasn’t in his best form, he played a bit flat.

Q: Do you remember the first time you faced him?

Botic: It was when we played at Roland Garros two years ago. I saw him in the locker room and the way he walks you can tell he’s someone with a different character, with an aura that very few people have.

Q: How would you describe his career?

Botic: Incredible, that’s the word. Despite having to deal with many injuries over the years, he’s been the greatest warrior ever seen on a tennis court. He wanted to win every point and he played every point 100%. Few players can say they’ve had such a successful career like Rafa.

Q: Where would you place him in the ranking of the greatest players in history?

Botic: That’s a difficult question. If we go by the numbers, it’s clear Djokovic is number one. If we look at the impact they’ve had on tennis, I’d say Roger. Maybe Nadal and Federer have had a greater impact on our sport.

Q: Does all the pressure fall on Spain?

Botic: We have a good team. It’s the third time we’ve made it to the quarterfinals, but they have more pressure since they’re playing at home. But that can also be an advantage. They are the favorites. Alcaraz is the favorite against Tallon (Griekspoor), and the second Spanish player is also the favorite against me. With this format, anything can happen, and if it goes to doubles, it’ll be a close match. I think we have a chance to win.

Source: Marca