The Davis Cup Finals in Malaga will host the last official event of Rafael Nadal’s career. The former world number 1 announced his decision to leave professional tennis at 38, having realized that it would be impossible for him to win any other major titles. The legend from Manacor has not been competitive at the highest level since 2022, when he won the Australian Open and the French Open shocking the whole world.
The injury suffered during the match against Taylor Fritz in that edition of the Wimbledon Championships and the subsequent forfeiture on the eve of the semifinal against Nick Kyrgios represented the beginning of his decline, In addition to these, there were other physical problems over the next two years.
Rafael Nadal, Six Kings Slam 2024© Stream screenshot
Insiders are convinced that Rafa made the right decision, while fans hoped to see him in action in 2025. It is still unclear what role the 22-time Grand Slam champion will play in the Davis Cup Finals, having played very little this year and not being an ideal surface for his style of play.
The most likely hypothesis is that the 14-time French Open champion will be lined up in doubles with Carlos Alcaraz, with whom he played at the Paris Olympics this summer. The second singles-player in Spain should be Roberto Bautista Agut. Rafa is back in action this week at the ‘Six Kings Slam’, which took place in Saudi Arabia with some top players.
Rafa will be in Malaga
The former world number 1 has been defeated by both Carlitos Alcaraz and his great rival Novak Djokovic, proving that he is no longer competitive at certain levels. To get ready for the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, some people say that Rafa should participate in an official tournament before the Davis Cup. Everyone’s dream would be to see it in action at Paris-Bercy, but right now the odds are really low.
Rafael Nadal, Six Kings Slam 2024© Stream screenshot
After their match in Saudi Arabia, Djokovic paid tribute to his greatest rival: “I go back to the start, when we first played, in 2005. Who would know we’d be standing here almost 20 years later, with 60 times we faced each other on the biggest stages in the sport. I have the utmost respect for you, incredible athlete, incredible person. The rivalry has been incredible and very intense, so I hope we’ll have the chance to sit on the beach and have a little drink and talk about life, reflecting on something else.
It’s been an incredible honor, an incredible pleasure to share the court with you. It’s quite an emotional moment, we’ve been playing so many matches over the years. Don’t leave tennis man, stay a little bit more. You left an incredible legacy and mark. We really appreciate it.”
A major blow to fans
Rafa, Roger and Nole have made the history of this sport, characterizing the last 20 years as no one had done before them. Their rivalry has helped to improve the game of each and mutual respect was fundamental for the growth of this sport. The Spanish’s legacy goes beyond his tennis court triumphs, having been an example of self-sacrifice and love for sport.
The 14-time French Open champion has many passions outside of the tennis court and will have no problem finding stimuli after the end of his career. After Federer’s retirement in 2022, it is another blow to fans. A new era has begun, even if Djokovic has no intention of giving up.
Nadal/Djokovic© Djokovic Facebook/Fair Use
Despite the sadness at the end of his career, Nadal is ready to start a new chapter of his life: “It will be a big change in my life. I need time to decide what I want to do in the future. I’ve lived as a professional athlete since I was a child. Right now, I am focused on preparing for the Davis Cup and enjoying these last months as a professional. I will prepare myself in the best way to be competitive. After that, I don’t want to put pressure on myself, and I will only need time to reflect.”
He continued: “I have been very fortunate, I have always felt that I’ve been loved in every tournament I’ve traveled to throughout my career. It’s difficult to describe, but the energy and personal satisfaction you feel when you have the support of the people is very special. I can’t thank everyone enough.”
Spain is considered by the bookmakers as the second favorite for victory in Malaga, just after the defending champions of Italy. Italy will be able to host world number 1 Jannik Sinner and many other talents, including Lorenzo Musetti and Matteo Berrettini.
