Spain’s Davis Cup captain David Ferrer reacts to Rafael Nadal being named in the team alongside Carlos Alcaraz

Spain's Davis Cup captain David Ferrer has stated that only Rafael Nadal can make any decision concerning his retirement.

Spain’s Davis Cup captain David Ferrer reacts to Rafael Nadal being named in the team alongside Carlos Alcaraz

Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer (via Daily Mail/Puntodebreak)

Rafael Nadal has been surprisingly included in Spain’s squad for the Davis Cup Final Eight in November. However, there are rumors that the competition might be the final tournament of his career. David Ferrer, Spain’s Davis Cup captain, revealed that only Nadal can make any decision on his retirement.

Nadal last played on the ATP Tour at the Nordea Open, where he reached the final before losing to Portuguese Nuno Borges in straight sets. He then competed at the Paris Olympics, exiting in the second round of the singles after losing to Novak Djokovic and in the quarterfinals of the doubles alongside his partner Carlos Alcaraz.

YouTube video

Nadal has failed to compete in any events since then, withdrawing from the US Open and the Laver Cup in Berlin. Despite missing out on the Davis Cup Group phase, he has been added alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Marcel Granollers in Spain’s squad for the last eight phase.

During an interview, Davis Cup captain Ferrer admitted that Nadal’s retirement from the sport is a decision no one else can take or influence.

It's a very personal thing, everyone retires as they wish. I can't say what the ideal retirement would be. It's very difficult to manage. But as long as Rafa is happy, I'm fine with that.
David Ferrer said (via Malaga Hoy)

Nadal replaces Pedro Martinez in Spain’s team. He has not competed in the Davis Cup since he won it in 2019 and will be returning after five years to help them across the finish line.

David Ferrer revealed Rafael Nadal expressed his desire to be with Spain’s Davis Cup Team after quarterfinals qualification

David Ferrer admitted that he has been in touch with Rafael Nadal even before the Davis Cup group phase matches in Valencia. Spain’s captain added that the 38-year-old legend expressed his desire to be with the team during the Final Eight phase of the competition.

Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer (via BBC/Puntodebreak)
I spoke with Rafa before we started competing in Valencia and before we qualified. He mentioned the idea and his desire to be there if we had the chance to qualify. The day after or two days after achieving the pass, we talked, and his intention was to be prepared and excited to be in Malaga.
David Ferrer said (via Malaga Hoy)

Spain has won six editions of the Davis Cup, with Nadal helping them win four of them. They qualified for the quarterfinals phase after beating the Czech Republic, France, and Australia to top Group B.

Spain will face the Netherlands, who finished second in Group A. The Dutch team is made up of Tallon Griekspoor, Botic Van de Zandschulp, Jesper de Jong, and Wesley Koolhof. If Spain earns a victory over the Netherlands, they play the winner between Germany and Canada in the semifinals for a place in the final.