Rafael Nadal will play his last official tournament at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga where he will therefore close his glorious career by representing Spain in the most important team event in tennis.
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It is not yet clear what the Majorcan's role will be in the team led by David Ferrer: obviously everyone is wondering if Rafa will be able to take to the court in singles, doubles or if he will decide to give space to the others, if he does not feel ready.
"I made the decision a few weeks ago, the truth is that it took me a bit of time, but after the Olympics I had a few weeks to think, to realize some things and answer some questions that made me understand that this was the right decision today," he said, in his moving message with which he announced his tennis farewell.
Nadal, at the press conference after his loss to Carlos Alcaraz at the Six Kings Slam, explained that he will only play if he can get to Malaga physically ready.
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"On an emotional level I will definitely be there; on a physical and tennis level I still have a month ahead of me. I will prepare myself, I will try to be in shape to help the team win. If I feel ready and the captain thinks the same, he will decide. If I don't feel ready, then I will be the first to step away from the singles and see how else I can be useful. First of all, I have to feel competitive to enter the court and compete, then you can win or lose, this is part of the sport. If I am not 100% or I am far from being able to win my match, I will not go out on the court," he analyzed.
Rafa deserves to close his glorious career on the tennis court, where he was a sidekick in a thousand battles, where he wrote history and where he sacrificed himself several times, rising again like a phoenix when many thought he was done for. This was his greatest strength, and for this reason, the Tennis World USA staff and I hope he can say goodbye to his millions of fans on the court, standing, like a warrior who brandishes his racket like a sword, the last knight of a generation of tennis phenomena.
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Rafael Nadal praises Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner
The last challenge between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, even if it came in The Six Kings Slam exhibition match, seemed like the passing of the baton from a champion who is about to leave to one who has just started his career. One last time as opponents, before the two will find themselves playing together on the occasion of the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. In the post-match press conference, the 22-time Slam champion spoke about the future of tennis and his experience at the Saudi tournament.
"It was my first match here, I was left with the energy that was experienced inside the court, since I arrived I have noticed very closely all the affection of the people, it is becoming something huge. I am very happy with the welcome I have had and the support I am feeling these days. Of course, the event is pure spectacle with all the lights and the rest of the show, so we are all having a lot of fun, approaching it competitively and trying to do our best. Tennis is in good hands, Jannik and Carlos are two fantastic people and of course they have a great future ahead of them, let's hope that both of them manage to stay away from injuries and continue to build this beautiful rivalry between them.
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If we talk about level, it is obvious that these two at the moment are a cut above the others, especially in terms of constant concentration. From here on we will see how the other players evolve, because it is very difficult to always stay at the top.
I am sure that ne guys will arrive with other skills and that other rivalries will be created. For my part, I am calm and I am looking forward to enjoying tennis from a different perspective," he explained.
Nadal concluded by explaining his decision to end his career by participating in the Davis Cup.
"I made the decision a few weeks ago, the truth is that it took me a while, but after the Olympics I had a few weeks to think, to realize some things and answer some questions that made me understand that this was the right decision today.
Will I be ready for the Davis Cup? On an emotional level, definitely; on a physical and tennis level, I still have a month ahead of me. I will prepare myself, I will try to be in shape to help the team win.
If I feel ready and the captain thinks the same, he will decide. If I don't feel ready, then I will be the first to move away from the singles and see how else I can be useful.
First of all, I have to feel competitive to enter the court and compete, then you can win or lose, this is part of the sport. If I'm not 100% or I'm far from winning my match, I won't go on court," he explained.
