FUENGIROLA, Spain (AP) — Rafael Nadal and Spanish captain David Ferrer did not confirm whether the 22-time Grand Slam champion will participate in the Davis Cup Final 8, his last event before retirement. Spain is set to compete against the Netherlands on Tuesday in the quarterfinals at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena in Malaga. The winning team will advance to the semifinals on Friday, with the championship match scheduled for Sunday.
During a team news conference in Fuengirola, Nadal was asked about his readiness to play, to which he deferred to Ferrer. The captain, in turn, stated that he had not yet decided on the players for the upcoming matches. Nadal boasts an impressive 29-1 record in Davis Cup singles and an 8-4 record in doubles.
The upcoming matchup between Spain and the Netherlands will consist of two singles matches and one doubles match. Nadal's participation remains uncertain, with Ferrer having the final say on the lineup. The sold-out arena anticipates a potentially emotional moment as this could be Nadal's final competitive match.
Nadal, who announced his retirement last month, expressed his focus on helping the team win rather than dwelling on his impending retirement. Despite facing injuries and limited match play in recent years, Nadal remains committed to giving his best for the team during his last week in team competition.
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Nadal emphasized the importance of being competitive at the level he desires, acknowledging that his body may no longer allow him to do so. With his last competitive match at the Olympics in August, Nadal has been preparing diligently for the Davis Cup.
Spain's Davis Cup team includes Nadal, Alcaraz, Granollers, Bautista Agut, and Martinez. As Nadal approaches the end of his illustrious career, he looks forward to the adrenaline and atmosphere of competitive matches, highlighting the aspects he will miss the most.
As Nadal and his teammates concluded the press conference, Alcaraz shared a moment with Nadal, symbolizing the potential finality of their on-court partnership. Whether Nadal will play in the upcoming matches remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his retirement is imminent.
