”
data-script=”https://static.lefigaro.fr/widget-video/short-ttl/video/index.js”
>
The Spanish legend took stock after his defeat against the Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp (6-4, 6-4) this Tuesday, in Malaga, in the quarter-finals. His last professional match, even if he didn’t know it yet at the time.
His emotion during the hymns : «It was a day full of emotions before what could be my last match as an individual as a professional. Of course, the emotions during what will perhaps be my last professional anthem, it was special. And then, with various emotions, it made things more difficult. I tried to do my best, stay as positive as possible, play with the right energy, it wasn’t enough, congratulations to Botic, he was better than me. Nothing more to say, no need to do more analysis (smile)».
The selection process : «What is internal must remain internal, but it was not an easy decision for the captain (David Ferrer). I believe David decided to play the player he felt had the best chance of winning. From the beginning, I told him that he had no pressure to put me on the court. I wasn’t sure about playing, that’s the truth. There were a lot of conversations during the week. After training yesterday (Monday) it was positive, I trained well and David was confident that I was the player who was going to play. Things may go well… or not. Playing me was a risk, obviously. But the captain has to make decisions. He made his choice thinking about what was best for the team, I’m sure, not for me, and I respect that. I try to make it simple for him so that he can decide what he wants. I even talked about the hypothesis of putting Roberto (Bautista Agut) in all week (smiles). But he chose to make me play. I have nothing, no injury to say that I am not ready to play. He decided after seeing us in training and I respect this choice, I thank him for this opportunity.»
Also read
Tennis: Rafael Nadal, a legend of earth and gold
If I was captain, I’d probably make a change and not get played the next game.
Rafael Nadal
If this was his last match… or not : «It’s not my decision. That’s why we have a captain (smile). I’m not the captain. He made a decision today. I hope we will qualify (for the semi-finals). Probably the decision to play me didn’t work… The simplest solution, and perhaps the right one, would be to make a change. It’s the truth… That’s what I think. If I was captain, I’d probably make a change and not get played the next game. That’s my feeling. But in the end, it’s not my decision. I’m sure he will make the best decision for the team. In a way, that’s good. It might have been my last game, it might have been my last game…if nothing happens. I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, I lost my last match in the Davis Cup, the circle is complete (smile).»
If this potential ending would suit him : «Things are what they are! What would be satisfying is to give the team the point, help it advance in the competition and that was not the case. I came with the goal of helping the team. I was selected to play, I tried to win, it wasn’t possible. At this stage of my career, I can’t complain: I’m doing my best, I’m trying to have fun, playing with the right energy, the right attitude. It just didn’t work… It was a possibility. I hope Carlos (Alcaraz) will win his match and the doubles, I hope we will continue. In any case, I will continue to work hard every day in case the team needs me again. Otherwise, I would support her from the bench.»
Comments collected at a press conference
