“It was not easy,” David Ferrer explains his decision to play Rafael Nadal at the Davis Cup Finals
David Ferrer explained his decision to play Rafael Nadal after Spain exited the Davis Cup Finals following defeat to the Netherlands.
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Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer (via Daily Mail/Puntodebreak)
Rafael Nadal bid an emotional farewell to professional tennis after losing in straight sets to Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp at the Davis Cup. For days leading up to the event, there were questions surrounding whether the 38-year-old will feature for Spain in the important match.
Captain David Ferrer kept faith in the Spaniard and finally revealed his reasons. Tuesday night (November 19) didn’t go as many fans would have hoped after Nadal lost the first set tie against Van de Zandschulp.
Nadal did show some glimpses of his old full-blooded forehand strikes, with his first pumps that were greeted with the home crowd roar. However, that didn’t derail his Dutch opponent’s quality.
The Mallorcan tried to make a comeback but could not do so, losing 4-6, 4-6. That defeat became a mountain for Spain, who needed a resounding fightback, which Carlos Alcaraz provided. However, that was not enough as Spain lost 1-2 to the Netherlands.
Roberto Bautista Agut, who recently won the Antwerp Open, was benched by Nadal. After Spain exited the event, when asked if Agut would have been a better choice than Nadal in the opening match, Ferrer gave an insight into why he took that decision.
I decided yesterday as Rafa was improving everyday. Marcel was my pick for doubles and on Sunday we tried to partner him with Carlos and we decided to put them together. I had other options for singles and doubles, it was not easy.
David Ferrer said during a post match conference
Alcaraz did his best by beating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0), 6-3. However, he and Marcel Granollers lost 7-6 (4), 7-5 in the decisive doubles match to Wesley Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp. This will be the fifth consecutive year that Spain has failed to lift the Davis Cup.
David Ferrer excited that Rafael Nadal retired from tennis in peace
Rafael Nadal’s loss to Botic van de Zandschulp was his second-ever singles defeat in the Davis Cup. The last time the Spaniard suffered a loss was in 2004 against Czech Republic’s Jiri Novak. That same year, Nadal went on to help Spain win the title after stunning American legend Andy Roddick in the final.
On Tuesday, Nadal’s retirement farewell ceremony overshadowed his defeat. David Ferrer stated that despite things not going as planned, he was happy that Nadal bid goodbye to tennis with peace.
Beyond the friendship we share, he is a player who has been a world figure and has made a mark. Now everything feels a bit strange, one is focused on Davis Cup, but when you lose, everything adds up. The important thing is for Rafa to leave feeling happy, proud, and peaceful, being privileged.
David Ferrer said (via Puntodebreak)
Nadal ended the season having played just eight tournaments this year. But, he will end his illustrious career with record-breaking achievements, including winning 22 Grand Slams and 36 Masters 1000 titles.
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Victor Okechukwu
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