MADRID — Rafael Nadal is contemplating the possibility of not participating in singles matches during the upcoming Davis Cup finals in Malaga if he feels he cannot contribute effectively to Spain’s performance in what is set to be his final tournament. After two decades on the professional circuit, the 22-time Grand Slam champion has decided to retire following the Davis Cup, having suffered numerous injuries that have hindered his playing ability.
“I will strive to be as prepared as possible to play, but my priority is to assist the team in whatever capacity I can, whether that means playing or not,” the 38-year-old Nadal stated in a Saturday interview released by the Spanish tennis federation. He emphasized the importance of assessing his condition based on his training sessions. “If I genuinely feel that I am not equipped to secure a win in singles, I will be the first to step back from competing.”
Currently, Nadal’s singles record for the year stands at a modest 12-7, with his latest appearance in a competitive event occurring at the Paris Olympics in August, where he faced a second-round exit against long-time rival Novak Djokovic, who ultimately won the gold medal. Besides that, he made it to the doubles quarterfinals alongside compatriot Carlos Alcaraz and participated in two exhibition matches in Saudi Arabia last month.
Nadal has communicated with Spain’s captain David Ferrer, expressing that decisions should not be influenced by the significance of this being his last week as a professional athlete. “I have reiterated to him several times that the team’s needs must take precedence, and he should remain unaffected by any excitement surrounding my departure from the sport. His responsibility is to prioritize what is best for the team, which is also what I desire,” Nadal remarked.
Spain’s journey in the tournament will kick off on Tuesday against the Netherlands. A victory would secure them a place in the semifinals against either Canada or Germany later in the week. Reflecting on his career, Nadal shared, “My greatest initial joy as a professional tennis player was experienced in the Davis Cup back in 2004.”
His contributions have been pivotal in bringing home the Davis Cup for Spain in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2019. “I am deeply grateful for all the experiences I’ve had throughout the years. Naturally, I hope for the team’s success and for the opportunity to win another Davis Cup, whether that entails playing matches or cheering from the sidelines. This week represents a chance for me to relish the moment and conclude a remarkable chapter of my life, acknowledging that all journeys have a beginning and an end.”