Rafael Nadal's chances of playing singles in Davis Cup farewell revealed by Spain captain
11/02/2024 04:20 AM
The prospect of Rafael Nadal playing singles matches in the last event of his career at the Davis Cup Finals has been assessed by Spanish captain David Ferrer.
Ferrer revealed he thinks Nadal is “ready to play” after talking to his legendary compatriot, while he also explained he will not choose his lineup until two or three days before Spain’s quarter-final tie.
Nadal will retire following his appearance at the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8 stage in Malaga, which will be held from November 19-24.
It is unclear whether Nadal will feature in singles, doubles, or both, but the 38-year-old icon has suggested he may not play at all if he does not feel physically ready.
"Will I be ready for the Davis Cup? Emotionally, yes, that's for sure; physically and tennis-wise, I still have a month ahead of me," the 22-time Grand Slam winner said at a press conference during the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh last month.
"I will prepare, I will try to be in shape to help the team win. If I feel ready and the captain feels the same way, it will be his decision. If I don't feel ready, I will be the first to step away and see how I can help.
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"First, I have to be the one who feels competitive to get into the game, then you can win or lose, that's part of the sport. If I'm not 100% or if I'm far from winning my match, I won't go on the court."
In an interview with Marca, Ferrer was asked if the fact Nadal will only compete if he feels ready gives him peace of mind.
“Yes, absolutely. I often get told: ‘what a mess you’ve been dealt’. And I say no, it’s lucky. It’s true that in the end, I’m the captain and I’m the one who has to decide,” the Spaniard said.
“I have a lot of confidence in Rafa because I’ve spent my entire career with him and I know he’s honest about whether he sees himself capable of competing or not. My idea after talking to him is that he’s ready to play.”
The former world No 3 addressed whether the Six Kings Slam changed the likelihood of him selecting Nadal to play singles.
“I don’t know, he is training. I spoke to Rafa on Wednesday, I am also in constant contact with his coach Carlos Moya and his agent Carlos Costa. They are updating me day by day,” Ferrer continued.
“I will decide in Malaga, when I see how he is training. But the same will happen with the rest of the players. If Nadal is training at a good level and is physically fit, he is an option, of course.
“I’ll know who’s going to play two or three days before. Normally I decide the team three days before and the players know it so they can prepare themselves mentally. That’s always been my way of working.
“In Malaga, because of Rafa, you can always wait a little longer. But I think I’ll have it pretty clear two or three days before.”
Spain will face Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals on November 19. Along with Nadal — Carlos Alcaraz, Roberto Bautista Agut and Marcel Granollers have been named in Spain’s squad, while a fifth player is yet to be confirmed.
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