Rafael Nadal's illustrious career came to an end as Spain lost to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup on a emotional night in Malaga.

Spanish great Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, recently announced the men's team event would be the last of his career.

In front of a packed, partisan crowd, the 38-year-old Nadal lost 6-4 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp as the Netherlands took an early lead in the best-of-three quarter-final tie.

Carlos Alcaraz, who has taken over the mantle as Spain's leading player, beat Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (7-0) 6-3 in the second singles match to keep Nadal's hopes of another potential farewell appearance alive.

But Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers were beaten 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-3) by Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof in the deciding doubles.

"It has been 20 years of a professional career in which you have carried me through the good times, and in the bad you pushed me to keep playing," Nadal told the crowd.

"I want to congratulate the Netherlands and thank the whole Spanish team that is here, who have let me play the Davis Cup again, which has not gone as we all wanted. I have given everything I had.

"The truth is that you never want to get to this point. I'm not tired of playing tennis but my body doesn't want to play anymore and you have to accept that. I feel super privileged, I've been able to make my hobby my profession for a long time."