Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal aims to cap his emotional farewell to tennis with another Davis Cup triumph in Malaga next week. Nadal, 38, has battled injuries in recent years and it is unknown to what extent he can compete for his country, but all eyes will be on the 22-time Grand Slam winner. The veteran led Spain to victory in Madrid five years ago, the last time they won the trophy and Nadal’s fourth. However, he admitted on Saturday that his role in Malaga may be limited to doubles and not singles.
“First of all, we will have to see how I feel in training and, if I really feel that I have no chance of winning singles, I will be the first to not want to play,” Nadal said in comments. to the Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET).
“If I don’t feel ready I will be the first to talk to the captain (David Ferrer). “I have already told him on a few occasions not to make any decisions based on the fact that it is my last week as coach.” a professional tennis player.”
French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz will be Spain’s top player and his presence offers Nadal a current chance to retire on a high note.
“Probably one of the most special tournaments I will play in. Rafa’s last tournament, I will be able to be with him in the last moments on a tennis court for him,” said Alcaraz, who played alongside Nadal in a double at the Paris Olympics this year.
“I think it is the most important thing for Rafa, for his last tournament. I really want him to retire with a degree. “It is going to be very, very emotional and a very special tournament for me.”
Representing Spain, Nadal won individual gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and triumphed in doubles at Rio 2016 alongside Marc López.
But former world number one Nadal’s injury setbacks in the twilight of his career have seen his rating fall to 155th place.
The last of his 92 career titles came with his 14th French Open and his 22nd Main at Roland Garros in 2022.
He has not played a single competitive match since losing to Novak Djokovic at the Olympics in July, while in 2023 he played just four times.
Many expect Spain and Alcaraz to face world number one Jannik Sinner’s Italy, the defending champions, in the final, as the two young stars continue to build a passionate rivalry.
The United States, a record 32-time champion, has selected a strong team led by US Open finalist Taylor Fritz and is also among the most likely contenders.
Nadal faced Alcaraz in Saudi Arabia at the “Six Kings Slam” exhibition in October, losing in straight sets, but they will fight for the same goal in Andalusia.
The start of the Billie Jean King Cup was delayed due to a weather alert in the Malaga region, following devastating floods in eastern Spain.
Alcaraz, third in the world, said the floods in Valencia increased his motivation to help his country succeed.
“I’m here to give my two cents because playing for Spain is the greatest thing there is for me,” he continued.
Tennis greats and stars from other sports are among those clamoring to see Nadal’s farewell, with career rivals Djokovic and Roger Federer expected to attend.
Spain will face the Netherlands on Tuesday in the quarterfinals and the winner will face either Germany or Canada in the semifinals.
defense of italy
Italy ended a 47-year wait to win the Davis Cup again a year ago when they beat Australia in the final with Sinner as their key player and are favorites to defend their title.
The Australian Open and US Open winner is still waiting for a World Anti-Doping Agency appeal against him to be resolved.
Sinner tested positive twice for traces of an anabolic steroid in March, but the International Tennis Integrity Agency cleared him of guilt in August.
Italy will face Argentina in the quarterfinals and the winner will face either the United States or Australia.
Australia, captained by Lleyton Hewitt, were runners-up last year and are second only to the United States in Davis Cup triumphs, winning the title 28 times.
The final will take place next Sunday and all matches will be played at the Martín Carpena indoor hardcourt stadium.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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