Rafael Nadal farewell: Tennis great 'will decide if he is ready to play' at Davis Cup
11/15/2024 09:07 AM
Rafael Nadal’s Davis Cup teammate Roberto Bautista Agut believes the legendary Spaniard will decide himself if he is ready to play in Malaga.
Former world No 1 and 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal is set to call time on his career at the Davis Cup Finals next week.
The 38-year-old is part of the Spanish team chosen by captain David Ferrer, alongside Bautista Agut, Carlos Alcaraz, Pedro Martinez, and Marcel Granollers.
It is widely expected that world No 3 Alcaraz will be the nation’s leading singles player in Malaga, with Spain facing the Netherlands in their quarter-final on November 19th.
However, Spain’s second singles player is yet to be decided.
Nadal is a potential pick but, as the current world No 155, he is significantly behind Martinez and Bautista Agut in the rankings.
The 22-time major winner could instead play in the doubles rubber but, speaking to Marca, former world No 9 Bautista Agut insisted his compatriot would himself decide if he could play.
“More than between me and Rafa, Rafa will decide if he is ready to play or not,” said Bautista Agut.
“Let’s hope he is fine and we will see who plays. I am ready and I will try to prepare myself as I always do for the Davis Cup – I am ready to play.
“Then there are many factors. Let’s hope that Charlie [Alcaraz] plays very well in the Masters [ATP Finals], the tournament is very close to the Davis Cup.
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“Many things can happen. Luckily we are five players who will be there giving it our all.
“Knowing Rafa, I know he’s going to do everything possible to play, he’s going to prepare. He’s a born competitor and there have been very few of those.
“I know him and I know he’s going to give his all and he’s going to try to be fully prepared for his last match.”
Should they win their quarter-final against the Netherlands, Spain would then face a semi-final against Germany or Canada on November 22nd.
The host nation is considered among the favourites for victory in Malaga, but Bautista Agut is refusing to dwell on home expectations.
He added: “I’m not worried because I don’t read or watch. I know how difficult each tie is.
“Spain has to do a good job if it wants to be in the final in Malaga. Last year we didn’t qualify for the finals and now we have to face Holland in the quarterfinals.
“It would be very foolish to think or see ourselves in the final.”
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