Retiring Rafael Nadal reveals message to David Ferrer as he’s ready to step aside at Davis Cup because ‘team comes first’
Rafael Nadal revealed whether he would play singles at the Davis Cup, his career's final tournament, which starts on November 19.
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Rafael Nadal (Image via BBC)
After the conclusion of the ATP Finals, the tennis world’s focus has now shifted to the Davis Cup, which kick starts on November 19. Rafael Nadal, who previously announced his retirement, will be playing his final tournament in Malaga.
Nadal played a huge role in Spain’s victory at the Davis Cup in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2019. But this time, as he is not confident about his form and fitness, he has left the decision of his participation in singles to Spain’s captain David Ferrer.
Nadal wants to help the team ‘playing or not playing’. If he doesn’t feel he could contribute to the team, he would be the ‘first’ to step aside.
I have already told [Ferrer] on many occasions not to make any decision based on the fact that this is my last week as a professional tennis player. The team comes first, and he should not be affected in the slightest by any hype that may come along because of me. He has to do what is best for the team and that is what I want.
Rafael Nadal told Royal Spanish Tennis Federation
Spain is set to lock horns with the Netherlands on November 19. Apart from Nadal, the team also has Carlos Alcaraz, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Roberto Carballes Baena, Jaume Munar, and Marcel Granollers.
Rafael Nadal is ready to end a long chapter of his life
Nadal has barely played in 2023. However, since making his comeback at the 2024 Barcelona Open, he hasn’t faced any major fitness problem.
Nadal only participated in the clay tournaments, skipping the Wimbledon and the US Open. At this year’s French Open, he suffered a first-round loss to eventual finalist Alexander Zverev.
Although the tennis community anticipated hearing about Nadal calling time on his career, that he would retire this year, took them by surprise. Nadal’s main goal this week would be to enjoy as much as possible his time on court.
I’d like to enjoy this week and close a very beautiful and very long cycle of my life, accepting that everything has a beginning and an end.
Rafael Nadal said (via Royal Spanish Tennis Federation)
Nadal last participated at the Paris Olympics where he played both singles and doubles and lost in the second round and quarterfinals respectively. The 22-time Grand Slam champion lifted his last major title in the 2022 French Open.
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