MALAGA, Spain — The Davis Cup Final 8 kicks off on Tuesday in southern Spain, overshadowed by Rafael Nadal’s anticipated retirement.

A striking 28,000 square-foot banner, nearly half the size of a football field, adorns a soccer stadium nearby, dedicated to the tennis superstar.

Display in bold white letters, the banner reads “GRACIAS, RAFA,” featuring an image of Nadal holding a tennis racket in his signature sleeveless attire and headband, symbolizing his farewell from the sport.

“It’s going to be very exciting for everyone,” noted tournament director Feliciano Lopez, who previously competed against Nadal and shared the court with him in the Davis Cup.

“It’s going to be very emotional, at the same time,” he added, highlighting the touching atmosphere anticipated in Malaga.

Fans, fellow players, family members, including his wife and son who have been present during practice, all share in this sentiment as they prepare for Spain’s match against the Netherlands on indoor hard courts at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena.

“It’s amazing that it might be the last match that Nadal plays,” expressed Dutch captain Paul Haarhuis.

He mentioned their hope to give Nadal a fitting farewell.

Nadal underwent hip surgery in June 2023 and was unable to compete for much of the season.

Compounding his difficulties, a new hip muscle concern and an abdominal injury plagued the 22-time Grand Slam champion, leading him to describe his physical state as “a jungle” following his first-round exit at the French Open, a tournament he has historically dominated.

This year, he made just one Grand Slam appearance and participated in only 23 singles matches over the last two seasons combined.

His last competitive outings were during the Olympics in early August, where he faced losses in both singles and doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz.

Spain’s captain, David Ferrer, remains tight-lipped about how he will deploy Nadal in Malaga.

Whether in singles or doubles with 21-year-old Alcaraz in a “Nadalcaraz” partnership, the decisions remain uncertain as Spain prepares for their quarterfinal showdown.

“If Spain gets past the Netherlands, it would face Germany or Canada in the semifinals on Friday,” organizers have noted.

“I really want him to retire with a title,” Alcaraz remarked, emphasizing his desire for Nadal’s farewell to be memorable.

The quarterfinals feature notable matchups, including the United States clashing with Australia and defending champions Italy, led by No. 1-ranked Jannik Sinner, competing against Argentina.

The victors from these encounters will advance to the semifinals.

Last month, Nadal reflected on his two-decade-long career, expressing gratitude for his experiences in the sport.

“Really, everything I have experienced has been a dream come true,” he stated.

With Nadal’s retirement, he joins fellow tennis legend Roger Federer, who announced his retirement in 2022.

While Novak Djokovic remains active in the sport, the absence of one of the sport’s most significant figures is palpable.

Though Djokovic’s Serbia did not qualify for the Davis Cup quarterfinals, he plans to attend the event in Malaga.

The excitement is not limited to tennis players; celebrities and athletes from various sports are expected in the sold-out crowd of 9,200 on Tuesday.

“I don’t know if we’re going to have seats for everyone,” Lopez commented on the overwhelming demand, highlighting the importance of this farewell.

Many will also be tuning in remotely to witness this historic event.

“I’m going to watch it. I’m going to enjoy it,” stated Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 U.S. Open champion, who faced Nadal in two Grand Slam finals.

“It’s a big moment for the sport because he did so much for the sport,” he added, encapsulating the significance of Nadal’s impact on tennis.