Nadal, who will end his record-breaking career after nearly 23 years, has not played an official singles match since his second-round elimination at the Olympics in July.
Rafael Nadal aims to keep his emotions over his retirement under control until the completion of the Davis Cup campaign, and he is focused on Spain’s forthcoming quarter-final against the Netherlands.
Nadal and his Spanish colleagues addressed to the media ahead of the final professional tournament of his career on Tuesday, when the hosts face the Dutch in Malaga.
“I am not here to retire. “I’m here to try to help the team,” Nadal stated on Monday.
“It’s of course going to be my last week on the professional tour, but at the end, we are here in a teams competition.”
“The most important thing here is to keep focused on what we need to do: play tennis and do it well. Because the rival will be difficult, as will the conditions.
“So then the emotions are going to be for the end.”
Nadal, who will end his record-breaking career after nearly 23 years, has not played an official singles match since his second-round elimination at the Olympics in July.
The former world number one has worked hard for the past six weeks to prepare for the Davis Cup, but he has stated that it is ultimately up to Spain captain David Ferrer to decide whether he will play singles or doubles versus the Netherlands.
“Of course, when you don’t compete as frequently, it’s more difficult to maintain a consistent level; I’ve had good and bad moments. “I think the improvement is there every day, but we have a great team in Spain,” Nadal added.
“All of the guys on the circuit are having excellent seasons. It is up to the captain to decide what he believes is best for the squad.
Ferrer mum on Nadal status
Ferrer claims he hasn’t decided on his quarter-final lineup yet and will unveil it on Tuesday before the match.
Nadal, who has a 29-1 win-loss record in Davis Cup singles matches and an 8-4 record in doubles, has not featured in the international team competition since 2019, when he helped Spain win its sixth Davis Cup title.
This week’s Spanish squad includes reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, Roberto Bautista Agut, Pedro Martinez, and Marcel Granollers.
Nadal’s body has been ravaged by injuries throughout his career, but especially in the last two years, prompting him to retire, admitting he is unable to compete on tour.
“I achieved the most important thing for me, because I arrived to this day and I am in peace that I gave all that I had,” says Nadal.
“I’m going to leave this professional tour with the calm and with the personal satisfaction that I gave my best almost in every single moment.”
Nadal stated that he is “not worried” about the next chapter of his life and that he must “accept the process” of going through this huge shift.
Novak Djokovic, Nadal’s toughest opponent, has confirmed that he will be in Malaga for the Spaniard’s farewell tournament. When asked if Roger Federer will be making an appearance, Nadal replied, “I haven’t spoken to Roger. I believe Roger has a hectic schedule.
“This is going to be my final week on the professional tour, but I don’t think it will be my last goodbye. So there will be other opportunities to accomplish anything.
