Nadal has admitted that he may sit out the singles at next week's Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, where he will bring the curtain down on his legendary career. The 38-year-old tennis icon, who has not played since the Paris Olympics in July, explained that his participation would depend on how he feels during training and whether he believes he can still compete at a high level. Nadal’s ranking has dropped to No. 155, and he has not played singles since a second-round defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympics.
“If I don’t feel ready, I’ll be the first to speak to the captain (David Ferrer) and tell him not to include me,” Nadal stated in comments to the Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET). The Spanish team begins their Davis Cup campaign in the quarterfinals against the Netherlands on Tuesday, and Nadal's status for the singles remains uncertain. Despite his doubts, the former world No. 1 is eager to contribute to Spain's quest for a fifth Davis Cup, a title he hopes to win in his final appearance at the event, adding to his 22 Grand Slam singles titles.
Carlos Alcaraz, the current World No. 1, is guaranteed to play singles for Spain, and veterans Pedro Martinez and Roberto Bautista Agut are likely to push Nadal for the second singles nomination. However, if Nadal is not fit to play singles, he could potentially pair up with Alcaraz in the doubles, as the two have previously teamed up at the Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals together.
Nadal expressed that he had prepared as best as possible and would take it day by day, wanting to experience his last moments as a professional with appreciation and acceptance. Reflecting on his career, Nadal acknowledged that he could not have asked for more and was deeply grateful for everything he had achieved, including his Olympic singles gold in 2008 and doubles gold in 2016. With 92 singles titles and 36 Masters crowns, Nadal’s legacy in tennis is secure, but his focus now is on helping Spain win another Davis Cup, whether from the court or from the sidelines.
Ultimately, Nadal's farewell to professional tennis will be a celebration of an extraordinary career, and he expressed a desire to finish his journey on a positive note. Whether playing or supporting his teammates, Nadal remains committed to the success of the Spanish Davis Cup team.
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