Rafael Nadal farewell 'going to be helpful' for Billie Jean King Cup Finals
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Billie Jean King Cup Finals tournament director Conchita Martinez believes Rafael Nadal’s impending retirement will help the event – not overshadow it.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, will call time on his career representing Spain in the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, which overlap with the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in the same venue.
Billie Jean King Cup action was meant to begin on Wednesday, though was delayed due to heavy rain and flooding around the Martin Carpena Arena.
The final is set to take place on November 20th, with Davis Cup Finals action beginning on the 19th – with Nadal’s Spain facing the Netherlands.
Some have cited concerns that the build-up to Nadal’s farewell from the sport could overshadow the Billie Jean King Cup, in particular the closing stages.
However, speaking ahead of action in Malaga, former world No 2 Martinez claimed the build-up would benefit the women’s team competition.
She said: “I think we are going to be in the same place, but we are going to be two different events.
“This is going to be great to see, the atmosphere. People from the Billie Jean King Cup or from Davis Cup can move around into different courts and see great tennis, female and male.
“Of course for Spain, Rafa decided to retire at the Davis Cup – it’s going to be massive – but I don’t think it’s going to overshadow. In fact, I think it’s going to be helpful for [the] Billie Jean King Cup.”
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Nadal’s presence will likely loom large over the coming weeks, with the 38-year-old – considered by some to be the greatest male player in history – in action for the final time.
It has not been confirmed yet if or when the former world No 1 will be in action, but compatriot Martinez is excited by the opportunity to see him compete once more.
“First of all, we don’t know if he’s going to be playing singles, if he’s going to be playing doubles. This is up to the captain, which is David Ferrer,” added Martinez.
“I can imagine he will [play] and for sure, if he’s there, I’m going to try and see him, and watch him practice, and talk to him while we’re there. This is the beauty of it, that we’re going to be in the same place.
“What an amazing champion, what an amazing person, always willing to get better and always coming back stronger from injuries when you thought he was not going to, or not going to stand a chance to come back – and then he’d win another major.
“Amazing competitor and an amazing role model for the young players, to never give up, give everything you can in practice and in your matches. I think he’s someone to look up to.
“It will be great to see him at the Davis Cup and be around him when he’s going to say goodbye.”
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