There are only a few days left before the start of the Davis Cup Finals, which will have an even more special value this year. It will in fact be the last official event of Rafael Nadal’s career, who has decided to close his long journey on the professional tour by trying to drag Spain to yet another success in this competition.
Rafael Nadal, Six Kings Slam 2024© Stream screenshot
Unlike the other times, the 22-time Grand Slam champion will have a secondary role this time due to his precarious physical shape. It is not yet clear if the former world number 1 will only play doubles or if he will be risked for singles, but captain David Ferrer knows how to handle this situation and will also trust Rafa’s feelings.
The 14-time French Open champion did not play much in 2024 and the results were not satisfactory, having reached the final in Bastad as his best result. In addition, the surface on which the Davis Cup Finals will be played – the indoor hard court – is certainly not ideal for the Spanish legend’s game.
Nadal practices with Bautista Agut
Nadal will give his best as always and will certainly receive a tribute that will make all fans cry. His legacy will last forever, as will his impact on this sport and his influence on young talents. No one wants to miss the last event of Rafa’s career and tournament director Feliciano Lopez has received numerous requests from VIPs. Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray will be present, while the appearance of Roger Federer is uncertain. The former Swiss champion will certainly want to reciprocate the gesture of his great rival, who participated in the 2022 Laver Cup in London despite an injury.
Recently, WTA star Iga Swiatek was asked if she will be present in Malaga to pay tribute to her idol. “I would love to see it, but I have to start the pre-season after competing here” – she said in an interview with AS. “Rafa has had a huge impact on me, on how I see tennis and my career as well. But I am going to miss him on the court. I know it’s a good decision for him, he’s played so well for so many years that he deserves to enjoy the second half of his life as well. So I hope he finds goals that make him happy. He’s a great person and I wish him the best” – Iga added.
The Spanish legend wants to arrive in good shape at the Davis Cup Finals, which will start on November 19th. For this reason, Rafa has been practicing very hard in recent weeks and has also had a practice session with Roberto Bautista Agut in his Academy. According to the latest rumors, Bautista Agut should play singles together with Carlos Alcaraz, while Nadal should only play doubles in Malaga.
Getting ready for the @DavisCup with a good friend!
Welcome to the @rnadalacademy, @BautistaAgut! Vamos 🇪🇸! pic.twitter.com/4muPJyJjYV
— Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rnadalacademy) November 11, 2024
Swiatek and Ruud will not be there
There is no doubt that Rafa – along with Roger and Novak – has had a huge impact on everyone who has approached tennis in the last two decades. Their rivalry has transcended the sport and helped increase the popularity of tennis in every corner of the world. After his win over Carlitos Alcaraz at the Nitto ATP Finals, Casper Ruud talked about Nadal’s influence: “I won’t go in Malaga. I’ve played and seen enough tennis during the year, so I’ll watch it probably on TV, but hopefully on a beach, quiet, just relaxed.
I think it was inevitable obviously with Roger, him, Andy and Novak kind of being the last of those guys who will retire at some point. I kind of think Novak said it well during the Saudi tournament. Please don’t retire yet because you have so many fans around the world. Even among the players, it’s kind of… one match that showed it quite clearly to me was during the Roland Garros this year, there were a lot of players that came out to watch Rafa-Zverev. Typically, you don’t have Iga Swiatek, Novak, Carlos Alcaraz, everyone coming out to watch the first round of a Slam. But when it’s Rafa, it’s different.
Rafael Nadal, Six Kings Slam 2024© Stream screenshot
He continued: “It’s going to be sad and there will be some tears obviously. As a big fan myself, I hope they make it to the final and you get to watch him at least for a few more days. I hope he has the kind of retirement that he deserves. Just the best for him for the next.” Ruud had the chance to play a Major final against Nadal, at the 2022 French Open, when he was defeated by the Spaniard despite a serious foot injury.