Rafael Nadal was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in the second semi-final of the 'Six Kings Slam' in Saudi Arabia, a result that meets expectations since Rafa has not played since this summer. The last match of the Spanish legend was in fact back to the Olympics in Paris, where he played both singles and doubles with Carlitos.
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The 22-time Grand Slam champion has proven to be in good shape, but can no longer compete against top players. As everyone knows by now, Nadals career will end in November at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. The former world number 1 decided to represent his country for the last time before he says goodbye to professional tennis and begins his second life. His results were not brilliant in 2024, with only one final reached on the red clay of Bastad and lost sharply against Nuno Borges, who achieved the most prestigious result of his career.
The 14-time French Open champion has realized that he can no longer play without physical restrictions and has decided to retire at the end of 2024. The fans hope that the legend from Manacor will stay in close contact with the tennis world and organize exhibition matches with his old rivals (like Roger Federer and Andy Murray).
Rafa vs. Nole
Rafa will play another match in Saudi Arabia, as he will face his great rival Novak Djokovic tomorrow in the final for third and fourth place. During the press conference, the 22-time Grand Slam champion opened up on his performance against Carlitos: It's been my first match here, I'm struck by the energy experienced on the court, since I arrived I have felt very close the affection of the people, it's been something huge. I am very happy for the welcome I have received and the support I have been feeling all these days. Of course, the event is pure show with all the lights and the rest of the spectacle, so we are all enjoying it a lot, facing it in a competitive way and trying to bring out our best version.
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The former world number 1 will try to help his Spain in the Davis Cup Finals, perhaps playing in doubles with Alcaraz. Captain David Ferrer will be called in to assess Rafas condition before the start of the event. The Spaniard also revealed his role at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga: I made the decision a few weeks ago, it was actually quite difficult for me, but after the Olympics I had some weeks to think, to realize some things and answer some questions that made me see that this was the right decision today. Am I ready for the Davis Cup? Emotionally, for sure; in physical and tennis terms, I still have a month ahead.
I will prepare for it, I will try to arrive in good shape to help the team win. If I feel prepared and the captain thinks the same, it will be his decision. If I don't feel ready myself, then I will be the first to step aside from the individual and see how else I can help. First, I have to feel competitive to enter the competition, then you can win or lose, that's part of the sport. If I'm not at 100% or I see myself far from winning my match, I wont step onto the court.
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The golden era is over
With the retirement of Rafa, Andy and Roger, Djokovic is set to remain the only survivor of the Fab Four in the coming season. The 37-year-old from Belgrade is determined to play for a long time, but the signs of age are starting to plague him too. Novak did not win a single Major title in 2024, for the first time since 2017 and for the second time since 2011.
Recently, tennis pundit Matt Roberts spoke about Nadals retirement: We have to take into the context of Nadal retiring. I genuinely think that has an impact on Djokovic. He gave a great quote saying part of me leaves with them, talking about Federer, Nadal and Murray all retiring recently. If he doesnt have payoff I think in the first half of next year I think hes suddenly going to feel a bit lonely like out there.
Without his biggest rivals hes got these two new younger rivals who at this stage hes struggling to beat, I think next year for Novak Djokovic is going to be so interesting. Im kind of leaning towards that we might not be seeing Novak Djokovic for much beyond next year, thats kind of just how it feels to me right now.
