'Do what is best for the team': Rafael Nadal set to cut farewell tour short as Davis Cup looms
Updated . First published at
Rafael Nadal is ready to skip singles matches at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga if he feels he is not good enough to help Spain succeed in his farewell tournament.
Nadal is retiring after the Davis Cup, the 22-time Grand Slam champion worn down by too many injuries at the end of his 20 years on tour.
“I'll try to prepare as best as possible so I can be available to play, but I want to help anyway I can, playing or not playing," the 38-year-old Nadal told the Spanish tennis federation.
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“First we have to see how I'm feeling in training. If I really don't see myself ready to have a chance of winning in singles, I'll be the first who won't want to play.”
Rafael Nadal of Team Spain plays a backhand. Getty Images for ITF
Nadal's singles record in 2024 is only 12-7. His last official competition was the Paris Olympics in August, a second round loss to longtime rival — and eventual gold medalist — Novak Djokovic.
Nadal also reached the doubles quarterfinals with Carlos Alcaraz at the Games.
Last month, he played two exhibition matches in Saudi Arabia.
“I have already told (Spain captain David Ferrer) on many occasions not to make any decision based on the fact that this is my last week as a professional tennis player,” Nadal said.
“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 (L) and partner Carlos Alcaraz of Team Spain at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Getty
World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz revealed his determination to win the Davis Cup for the retiring star, with the victory set to mark the "most special" tournament of his young career.
"The Davis Cup has always been a tournament that I'd love to win one day. I'm passionate about representing Spain," he said.
"Having Rafa by my side, knowing it's his last tournament, will make it much more special.
"No player deserves more to finish the incredible career he had with a title... it will be a difficult challenge but winning it for Rafa is a huge motivation," Alcaraz added in an interview with ATP.
"His farewell is much more important. Saying goodbye to a legend of the sport, unfortunately only happens once.
"I'm very excited to be by Rafa's side for his farewell."
Spain will open on Wednesday (AEDT) against the Netherlands, and if it wins it will advance to the semifinals on Friday against Canada or Germany.
Rafael Nadal is nearing the end of his career. Getty
"My first great joy as a professional tennis player was in the Davis Cup in 2004,” Nadal said.
He helped Spain win the Davis Cup in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2019.
“I'm more than grateful with everything that has happened to me in all these years," he continued.
"I obviously would like for the team to do well and for me to have the chance to win another Davis Cup, whether by playing or cheering from the stands.
"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.”
