Everyone is wondering what role Rafael Nadal will play in the 2024 edition of the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. As everyone knows by now, this event will be the last of one of the best athletes of the modern era. The Spanish legend will say goodbye to professional tennis after representing his country for the last time, which will celebrate it as a champion of his caliber deserves.
Rafael Nadal, 2022 Roland Garros© Stream screenshot
The former world number 1 would have dreamed of a different end, perhaps winning a last great title in 2024, but his level was not enough to be able to aspire to this goal. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has played only one final this year, in the ATP 250 of Bastad, losing sharply to Nuno Borges after struggling all week.
The premature eliminations at the French Open and the Olympic tournament convinced him that it was time to say enough and start a new chapter in his life. Recently, the 14-time French Open champion participated in the ‘Six Kings Slam’ in Saudi Arabia and received a precious golden racket from the event organizers.
Will Rafa be ready?
Rafa was beaten fairly clearly by both Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, which is why many fans and insiders think he will only play doubles in Malaga. Nadal said he would practice a lot this month to get to Malaga in the best possible conditions, where there will be a magical atmosphere to offer him the tribute he deserves. To date, the most likely option is for Carlitos Alcaraz and Roberto Bautista Agut to play singles and Rafa to play doubles to avoid further stress on his body.
During a recent interview with MARCA, Spain’s captain David Ferrer commented on Nadal’s current status and his role in Malaga: “I will make the final decision in Malaga when I see how he is training. I want him to be ready to play, and I know his honesty; if he doesn’t feel ready, he will say it himself that he won’t play.”
Rafael Nadal© Rafael Nadal/Instagram – Fair Use
Alcaraz has had the opportunity to play against or alongside Rafael Nadal several times in his last year as a professional tennis player. The Spanish tennis player is ready to inherit the scepter of Rafa and bring Spain high at least for the next decade: a kind of handover will take place during the Davis Cup Finals scheduled in Malaga from 19th to 24th November, with both of them who will be part of the Iberian formation to go hunting for salad bowl. The 38-year-old from Manacor will give the official farewell to tennis and next to him there will also be Carlitos, who will enjoy every moment of the last event together with his idol since childhood.
The 21-year-old spoke again about his compatriot’s announced farewell to competitions at a recent press conference in Paris-Bercy: “That Rafa retires is a shame for Spanish sport, for the sport in general, but also for me. I grew up watching him play on TV, one of the main reasons why I wanted to become a professional tennis player is because of him. Nadal has always inspired me to keep fighting, training and competing. I really appreciate his figure but I don’t want to see myself as a substitute for Rafa, because there I lose everything he has done for the sport and for Spain. We will try to enjoy his last tournament, we will see in the future what will happen to me”.
Before the team finals in Malaga, Alcaraz will make a stop in Turin for the eagerly awaited Nitto ATP Finals among the best eight players of the season. The world number 2 will try to give himself another great satisfaction in an important year, with 2 Slams won in Paris and London, but not as continuous in results as it was for the direct rival Jannik Sinner.
Guillermo Coria pays tribute to Nadal
Speaking with MARCA, Rafa’s former rival Guillermo Coria paid tribute to the Spaniard: “Personally, I feel privileged to be the captain of the Argentine team and to be present in Malaga and to be able to experience it up close. Especially the days leading up to it, which will be very emotional for him and for all tennis lovers. It is incredible that Federer is no longer here, that Rafa is leaving now, it will be very emotional and will leave a very big mark.
Rafael Nadal, Six Kings Slam 2024© Stream screenshot
His absence will surely be felt, as will the way he competes. I have not seen Vilas play live, but I have seen him on video, and I think that after Vilas, Rafa appeared in the sense of that way of competing, that physical strength. I suffered and enjoyed it, especially in the final in Rome. It was very difficult to beat him at his best because he beat you both on the tennis and physical level.”