Tennis: The final stage for Nadal

Rafael Nadal is everywhere. On a gigantic poster in the vicinity of the Málaga Arena, in the fine thread on the red carpet before the team dinner or during training with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz – before the Davis Cup Finals, no one can ignore Spain’s tennis legend.

The departure of the greatest clay court player in history in his own country, it overshadows everything at the most important team event in the world. Nadal wants to stand on the court one last time, adjust his pants one last time, fight for a title one last time, soak up and enjoy everything one last time.

Until recently, however, there were doubts as to whether he could really fulfill his dream of the last big hurray.

“I don’t know whether I will play a match or not because I have played very little recently,” Nadal said, not wanting to jeopardize the team’s success. The final solution to the big mystery will probably only come an hour before the first match (starts at 5 p.m.): Only then should it be officially announced who is playing.

However, Spanish media reported euphorically on Tuesday afternoon that, after positive training impressions from Davis Cup captain David Ferrer, Nadal was actually scheduled for the opening match against the Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp and should, if possible, score the first Spanish point there.

Regardless, at the packed press conference, Nadal said he was “very excited and happy to be here.” Playing for your country is still “something incredible”.

On Tuesday afternoon, the 38-year-old and his teammates set off on their picture-book farewell mission. For the “Bull of Manacor” it would be the sixth title at the traditional event, 20 years after his emotional first Davis Cup triumph at the age of 18, a circle could close in an almost kitschy way.

In the quarter-finals, however, the Netherlands are waiting first – and despite the fact that the home team is clearly the favorite: In the event of a defeat, Nadal’s career could already be over.

Just like on Friday in a possible semi-final against the German team if they prevail against Canada.

So, just to be on the safe side, will the crème de la crème of sport flock to the multi-purpose hall in Malaga in the quarter-finals to pay homage to the clay court king? Roger Federer for example? Nadal’s great ex-rival and friend will at least “try” to be there like many other celebrities, as the Spaniard revealed. The Swiss had already written an emotional farewell letter to his competitor and friend in advance.

And the tournament director is also prepared: “We are planning something very special for him, we have to celebrate his career and his legacy,” said Feliciano López.

Despite Nadal’s doubts – a pure spectator role is hardly imaginable. Especially since the legend, who has been badly injured over the past two years, made a good impression in training.

The powerful biceps still whip his forehand powerfully over the net in the last week of his career. And the many imponderables in Málaga hardly affect Nadal.

An “ideal ending,” said Nadal, only exists “in American films” anyway: “That’s nothing that worries me.” And anyway, shortly before the end, it’s not just worth looking ahead.

In 2001, the left-hander set out from Mallorca to conquer the tennis world. This was followed by 22 Grand Slam titles, including a crazy 14 at his favorite tournament in Paris, a single and a double Olympic victory and a total of 92 triumphs on the ATP tour.

Nadal, whose body was increasingly on strike towards the end, played over 1,300 matches and won almost 135 million US dollars in prize money. Above all, the numerous duels with his big rivals: Federer and Novak Djokovic will remain unforgettable.

The latter will soon be the last remaining of the Big Three, who have shaped tennis in the past almost 25 years like no trio before them. At the latest on Sunday, when the king finally abdicates.