Exhibition Six Kings’ Slam – Rafael Nadal: “Playing against Novak Djokovic makes me nostalgic”

He is living the last days of his immense career. So each appearance on a court by Rafael Nadal, a true living legend of tennis, is scrutinized and dissected. And this even in the context of an exhibition as controversial as the “Six Kings’ Slam” which contributes to the “sportswashing” – the fact of improving one’s image through sport – of Saudi Arabia. Thursday, the Mallorcan pleased enthusiastic fans by distributing a few breads on the forehand, despite a defeat that was as logical as it was clear against Carlos Alcaraz (6-3, 6-3).

But beyond promoting the event, it was an opportunity to get a glimpse of what he’s feeling right now. “I don’t have a lot of pressure herehe smiled at a press conference. I just try to have fun, enjoy every moment on the court. I know I’m going to face players who are in much better shape than me, because they play a lot on tour and win tournaments. I’m at a different stage in my career and I still have one tournament to potentially win: the Davis Cup in a month. I’m doing my best to play at the best possible level, but I’m taking these two matches a little bit as preparation. The result is not that important, even if I want to win like everyone else.“

As long as Nadal plays, he will keep this aggressiveness, this desire not to give up. Facing Alcaraz, we saw him clench his fist, brandishing it towards an audience who applauded wildly at each point scored. But he also displayed a smile typical of the relaxed exhibition player and aware that these opportunities will soon disappear. On Saturday, he will meet his old rival Novak Djokovic, whom he has faced 60 times on the circuit, the last of which in the 2nd round of the Paris Olympic Games (6-1, 6-4 defeat). A necessarily special occasion even if this duel will obviously not count in their face-to-face matches.

“I’m enjoying the fact that I’m playing for one of the last times as a pro. That’s all. I’m excited to get back on the court, regardless of the opponent. But of course, having Novak in front of me makes me a little nostalgiche admitted. We clashed so much. It will be fun to play each other once again. In the end, I hope we put on a show and a good match to offer the spectators a good level of tennis and entertain them. I’ll try to do that and I’m sure he will too. I’m happy to play it once again.”

Having fun on the court and a little rhythm, this is the mission that awaits Nadal, as the sporting stakes and interest are derisory (by the person concerned’s own admission). On the other hand, the countdown to his farewell to the Davis Cup has already started in his head. This “Six Kings’ Slam” is the first phase of a final preparation which he hopes will be sufficient to help Spain win the Silver Salad Bowl again in front of their home crowd in Malaga. But he will have to juggle his personal emotion and the collective sporting issue.

“There will be emotions during the Davis Cup, of course, because it will be my last tournament and I will represent my country one last time. But I’m sure I’ll be emotionally ready. Physically and in terms of tennis… There is one month left. I’m going to prepare and try to be in good shape to help the team try to win. If the captain thinks I’m ready, that will be his decision. If I don’t feel ready, I’ll be the first to say, ‘I can’t play singles, let’s see if I can help in another way.’ I will only be on court if my captain feels I am a better choice to win, not because I am retiring“, he stressed.

And Nadal insisted: “I can find myself ready, go on the court and lose. It’s part of the sport, without a doubt. But be 100% certain that I will not be on the court if I don’t feel ready to win. It’s the Davis Cup, you represent your country, that’s very clear“There is therefore no question of asking for a singles start as a farewell gift to reward an illustrious career. Until the end, the Majorcan will respect the sport for which he has given so much. This is also why he took so long to confirm his decision to stop in 2024, even though he had indicated that this season would probably be the last in January.

“After the Games, I gave myself a few weeks to think and I realized that I had answered the questions I asked myself to make this decision, which is the right one. I took time because it’s a decision that will change my life, change what I’ve done for 30 years. I have not only been playing tennis since I was professional, but since before then. I had to be 100% sure and not take it lightly. I didn’t want to say goodbye to Rome or Paris because I didn’t want to close any doors“, he recalled.

“I’m not tired of playing tennis, I stop because my body no longer responds well enough for me to play continuously at the level and standards that motivate me“, he concluded. If he can do it punctually in Malaga, he will not deprive himself of it. Otherwise, perhaps he will bow out twice? At this stage, everything is still open .