Spain’s Rafael Nadal talks to former tennis participant Billie Jean King throughout a observe session, Davis Cup Finals, Malaga, Spain November 16, 2024. — Reuters
Spanish celebrity Rafael Nadal is aiming to cap his emotional farewell from tennis with one other Davis Cup triumph in Malaga subsequent week.
Nadal, 38, has battled accidents over the previous few years and the extent to which he can compete for his nation is unknown, however all eyes shall be on the 22-time Grand Slam winner.
The veteran led Spain to victory in Madrid 5 years in the past — the final time they gained the trophy and Nadal’s fourth.
Nonetheless, he admitted Saturday that his position in Malaga could also be restricted to doubles relatively than singles.
“First off, we’ll have to see how I feel in training and, if I really don’t feel I have a chance to win the singles, I’ll be the first to not want to play,” Nadal mentioned in feedback to the Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET).
“If I don’t feel ready, I’ll be the first to speak to the captain (David Ferrer). I’ve already told him on a few occasions not to make any decisions based on the fact that it’s my last week as a professional tennis player.”
Spain’s Rafael Nadal and coach Carlos Moya talks throughout a observe session, Davis Cup Finals, Malaga, Spain November 16, 2024. — Reuters
French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz shall be Spain’s main participant and his presence presents Nadal an actual probability of retiring on a excessive observe.
“Probably one of the most special tournaments that I’m going to play. Last tournament of Rafa, I’ll be able to be next to him in the last moments on a tennis court for him,” mentioned Alcaraz who performed alongside Nadal in doubles on the Olympics in Paris this 12 months.
“I think it’s most important for Rafa, for his last tournament. I really want him to retire with a title. It’s going to be really, really emotional and a really special tournament for me.”
Representing Spain, Nadal gained singles gold on the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and triumphed within the doubles at Rio 2016 alongside Marc Lopez.
However former world primary Nadal’s harm setbacks within the twilight of his profession have seen his rating stoop to 155.
The final of his 92 profession titles got here along with his 14th French Open and twenty second main at Roland Garros in 2022.
He hasn’t performed a aggressive singles match since dropping to Novak Djokovic on the Olympics in July whereas in 2023 he performed simply 4 instances.
Many are hoping for Spain and Alcaraz to satisfy world primary Jannik Sinner’s Italy, the defending champions, within the last, as the 2 younger stars proceed to construct on a gripping rivalry.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz throughout his singles group stage match in opposition to Germany’s Alexander Zverev, ATP Finals, Turin, Italy November 15, 2024. — Reuters
File 32-time champions the US have chosen a powerful staff spearheaded by US Open finalist Taylor Fritz and are additionally among the many most probably contenders.
Nadal clashed with Alcaraz in Saudi Arabia on the “Six Kings Slam” exhibition in October, dropping in straight units, however they are going to be combating for a similar purpose in Andalucia.
The beginning of the Billie Jean King Cup was delayed due to a climate alert within the Malaga area, within the wake of devastating floods within the east of Spain.
Alcaraz, ranked third on the earth, mentioned the flooding in Valencia elevated his motivation to assist his nation triumph.
“I’m here to give my grain of sand because playing for Spain is the biggest thing that there is for me,” he continued.
Tennis greats and stars from different sports activities are amongst these clamouring to observe Nadal’s farewell, with profession rivals Djokovic and Roger Federer amongst these anticipated to attend.
Spain face the Netherlands on Tuesday within the final eight, with the winner taking up Germany or Canada within the semi-finals.
Italy defence
Italy ended a 47-year wait to win the Davis Cup once more a 12 months in the past as they beat Australia within the last with Sinner as their key participant and are favourites to defend their title.
The Australian Open and US Open winner remains to be ready for an attraction from the World Anti-Doping Company in opposition to him to be resolved.
Italy’s Jannik Sinner celebrates successful his semi last match in opposition to Norway’s Casper Ruud, ATP Finals, Turin, Italy November 16, 2024. — Reuters
Sinner twice examined optimistic for traces of an anabolic steroid in March however the Worldwide Tennis Integrity Company cleared him of blame in August.
Italy face Argentina within the quarter-finals with the winner taking up the US or Australia.
Captained by Lleyton Hewitt, Australia had been runners-up final 12 months and are second solely to the US in Davis Cup triumphs, successful the title 28 instances.
The ultimate takes place subsequent Sunday with all matches held on the indoor hard-court Martin Carpena enviornment.
