Spanish star Rafael Nadal seeks to conclude his emotional farewell to tennis with another Davis Cup win in Malaga next week.
Nadal (38 years old) has suffered from injuries over the past few years, and it is not known the extent of his ability to compete with his country’s national team, but all eyes will turn to the winner of 22 major championship titles.
The veteran led Spain to victory in Madrid five years ago, the last time they won the title and Nadal’s fourth.
However, he admitted on Saturday that his role at Malaga may be limited to doubles rather than singles.
Nadal said in his statements: “First, we have to see how I feel in training, and if I don’t really feel that I have a chance to win the singles, I will be the first one who does not want to play.” of the Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET).
“If I don’t feel ready, I’ll be the first to talk to the captain (David Ferrer). I’ve already told him on several occasions not to make any decisions based on the fact that it’s my last week as coach.” Professional tennis player.”
Carlos Alcaraz, the French Open and Wimbledon champion, will be Spain’s most prominent player, and his presence gives Nadal a real chance to retire well.
Alcaraz, who played alongside Nadal in the tournament, said, “It will probably be one of the most special tournaments that I will participate in. Rafa’s last tournament, I will be able to be by his side in the last moments on the tennis court for him.” Doubles at the Olympic Games in Paris this year.
“I think the most important thing is for Rafa, in his last tournament. I really want him to retire with a title. It will be a really emotional tournament and a very special tournament for me.”
Like Spain, Nadal won singles gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and triumphed in doubles at Rio 2016 alongside Marc Lopez.
But the setbacks that former world number one Nadal suffered due to injury at the end of his career led to his ranking falling to 155th place.
The last of his 92 titles came with his 14th French Open and 22nd Roland Garros in 2022.
He has not played any official singles match since losing to Novak Djokovic at the Olympics in July while in 2023 he has played just four times.
Many are hoping that Spain and Alcaraz will face Jannik Sinner’s Italy, the world number one and defending champion, in the final, as the two young stars continue to build on the strong rivalry.
The United States, the record 32-time champion, has selected a strong team led by US Open finalist Taylor Fritz, who is also among the most likely contenders.
Nadal clashed with Alcaraz in Saudi Arabia at the Six Kings Slam exhibition last October, and lost in two straight sets, but they will compete for the same goal in Andalusia.
The start of the Billie Jean King Cup was postponed due to a weather alert in the Malaga region, following devastating floods in eastern Spain.
Alcaraz, ranked third in the world, said that the floods in Valencia increased his motivation to help his country win.
He continued: “I am here to give a grain of sand because playing for Spain is the biggest thing for me.”
Tennis greats and stars of other sports were among those demanding to watch Nadal’s farewell, and his rivals Djokovic and Roger Federer are expected to attend.
Spain will meet the Netherlands on Tuesday in the quarter-finals, where the winner will face Germany or Canada in the semi-finals.
Italy’s defence
Italy ended a 47-year wait to win the Davis Cup again a year ago when it beat Australia in the final and Sinner was its main player and favorite to win the title.
The Australian Open and US Open winner is still awaiting a resolution of the appeal filed by the World Anti-Doping Agency against him.
Sinner tested positive twice last March, but the International Tennis Integrity Agency cleared him of the charge in August.
Italy will face Argentina in the quarter-finals, and the winner will face the United States or Australia.
Australia, led by Lleyton Hewitt, finished second last year and is second only to the United States in Davis Cup victories, having won the title 28 times.
The final will be held next Sunday, and all matches will be held at the Martin Carpina Stadium, which has indoor hard courts.