Rafael Nadal will undoubtedly be the first to acknowledge that he is not ready to play if that is the case, according to team captain David Ferrer, so he is not at all concerned that the 38-year-old will cause him or the Spanish Davis Cup squad any issues in Malaga
The 22-time Grand Slam champion is scheduled to retire at the forthcoming Davis Cup Finals between November 19 and 24 after appearing at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh in mid-October, his first competitive appearance since the Olympics in Paris
Many have been interested in Nadal’s involvement in Malaga ever since he revealed that he decided to play for Spain in his final professional event. He used to be their top player and would definitely play singles. However, the obvious question is how much the former world No. 1 can provide Spain at the Davis Cup Finals after struggling with serious injury concerns for the past two years, playing little, and eventually being pushed into retiremen
Based on the most recent information he has received, Ferrer now believes Nadal will be prepared to play. However, the former world No. 3 anticipates that the 38-year-old would let the team know so that they can decide on the best course of action
“Yes, without a doubt. ‘What a disaster you’ve been dealt’ is a common comment I hear. “No, it’s lucky,” I reply. It is true that I am ultimately in charge and must make the final decision. Because I’ve worked with Rafa my entire career and I know he’s honest about whether or not he believes he can compete, I have a lot of faith in him. After spoken with him, I believe he’s prepared to participate,” the captain of the Spanish Davis Cup squad said Marca
It was confirmed in October that the 42-year-old captain hoped the record 14-time French Open champion would be able to play singles. In order to receive daily updates, he has maintained constant communication with Nadal’s management ever since
“He’s training, so I’m not sure. On Wednesday, I had a conversation with Rafa. I also keep in close communication with his agent, Carlos Costa, and coach, Carlos Moyá. I’m getting updates from them every day. When I see how he is training in Malaga, I will make a decision. However, the remaining gamers will experience the same thing. Nadal is an option, of course, if he is physically fit and trained well,” Ferrer said
Carlos Alcaraz will undoubtedly play singles for Spain unless he sustains an injury. As for the second choice, if Nadal is prepared to play, it will be him. The Spanish captain responded that it will probably take place two or three days prior to the start of the Davis Cup Finals when asked when an official confirmation may be made
“I normally choose the team three days in advance, and the players are informed so they can mentally get ready. That’s how I’ve always worked. You can always wait a bit longer in Malaga because of Rafa. However, Ferrer stated, “I believe I’ll have it fairly clear two or three days before
“The 27-time ATP champion resigned from professional tennis in 2019 after 20 years on the Tour. Although he didn’t cry at the time, the 2013 French Open finalist acknowledges that he might become emotional in Malaga”I’m not sure, but I might have sobbed for Rafa even though I didn’t weep when I retired from tennis. I mean, as a buddy, I’m thrilled to see Rafa
doing well. If he ended up happy and doing well, I would be overjoyed. What does winning mean in that context? Yes, it does involve winning—not for me, but for all that he has accomplished and all that he deserves. The problem is that you have no control over this. His life and career will not be altered by what transpires in Malaga. However, I personally want him to leave tennis with a positive impression,” Ferrer said
The former world No. 3 added that if Nadal ever wanted to be the captain of the Spanish Davis Cup squad, he would be a fantastic pick
“Obviously. Rafa is free to do anything he wants, and since he enjoys playing in the Davis Cup, he would make an excellent captain. He will make an excellent captain given his modesty and skill as a player,” Ferrer remarked.