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Rafael Nadal’s chances of playing singles in Davis Cup farewell revealed by Spain captain

Umito November 2, 2024

The prospect of Rafael Nadal playing singles matches in the final event of his career in the Davis Cup final has been assessed by Spain captain David Ferrer.

Ferrer revealed he thought Nadal was “ready to play” after speaking to his legendary compatriot, while explaining he would only choose his line-up two or three days before Spain’s quarter-final.

Nadal will retire after participating in the Final 8 stage of the 2024 Davis Cup in Malaga, which will be held from November 19 to 24.

It’s unclear whether Nadal will compete in the singles, doubles or both, but the 38-year-old icon suggested he might not play at all if he doesn’t feel physically ready.

“Will I be ready for the Davis Cup? Emotionally, yes, 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 at 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, it will be his decision. If I don’t feel ready, I’ll be the first to walk 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 field.

In an interview with MarcaFerrer was asked if the fact that Nadal will only compete if he feels ready gives him peace of mind.

“Yes, absolutely. People often say to me: “what a waste you have experienced”. And I say no, it’s lucky. It’s true that at the end of the day I’m the captain and I’m the one who has to decide,” said the Spaniard.

“I have a lot of confidence in Rafa because I spent my whole career with him and I know he is honest about whether he considers himself capable of competing or not. My idea after speaking to him is that He’s ready to play.

The former world number 3 was asked if the Six Kings Slam had changed his chances of selecting Nadal to play singles.

“I don’t know, he’s training. I spoke with Rafa on Wednesday, I am also in constant contact with his coach Carlos Moya and his agent Carlos Costa. They keep me informed day after day,” Ferrer continued.

“I will decide in Malaga, when I see how he trains. But the same thing will happen with the rest of the players. If Nadal trains at a good level and is in good physical shape, he is of course an option.

“I will know who is going to play two or three days before. Normally I decide the team three days in advance and the players know that so they can prepare mentally. This has always been my way of working.

“In Malaga, thanks to Rafa, we can always wait a little longer. But I think I’ll be pretty clear two or three days before.

Spain will face the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals on November 19. Besides Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Roberto Bautista Agut and Marcel Granollers have been named in the Spanish squad, while a fifth player is yet to be confirmed.