Rafael Nadal will end his incredible career at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. The 22-time Major winner gave everything to overcome a severe hip injury and extend his tennis journey following the most extended break of his career. However, he could not reach his old level, playing 19 matches in 2024 but deciding to stop while competing in the national jersey two decades after debuting for Spain. The veteran will join Carlos Alcaraz, Roberto BautistaAgut, Pablo Carreno Busta and Marcel Granollers in the Spanish squad, with five home stars chasing Spain's first Davis Cup title since 2019.
Rafa's honest take on playing the Davis Cup
Realistic as always, Rafa does not want to play a match in Malaga only because he is retiring. Placing the team above himself, Nadal is ready to step down and allow Roberto Bautista Agut or Pablo Carreno Busta to embrace the singles duties alongside Carlos Alcaraz if his level remains below his teammates. The 38-year-old will use the upcoming weeks to prepare for Malaga and perform at his best for the last time in a career. If his body fails to respond, Rafa will step aside and cheer for his teammates from the bench. Nadal embraced 11 Davis Cup seasons between 2004 and 2019, scoring eight wins from as many rubbers five years ago and leading Spain toward the trophy.
Raising above injuries in 2022 and the beginning of the end
Rafa left physical issues behind early in 2022, claiming two Major titles and leaving Novak and Roger behind. However, he injured his abdominal muscle at Wimbledon, withdrawing ahead of the semi-final and never recovering that level. Nadal finished the season ranked 2nd behind Carlos Alcaraz, although he entered the 2023 season without form or matches. The Spaniard suffered two losses at the United Cup and experienced a massive blow at the Australian Open. Rafa injured his left hip in the second round against Mackenzie McDonald, missing the rest of the season and undergoing surgery. Eager to extend his career, Nadal trained in the second part of 2023 and announced his comeback for the beginning of 2024.
Nadal returns, but the issues remain
The veteran dropped out from the top-600 and started his comeback with two wins in Brisbane. The Spaniard blew three match points versus Jordan Thompson in the quarter-final, battling for three and a half hours and skipping the Australian Open after feeling the pain around his troubled hip. Like that was not enough, Rafa injured his abdominal muscle in February and extended his break from tennis, returning in April in Barcelona. Competing on the court that carries his name, Nadal fell to Alex de Minaur in the second round and wished for a better run in Madrid. The home favorite defeated three rivals at Caja Magica before Jiri Lehecka ended his journey. Competing in Rome for the last time, Rafa struggled against Hubert Hurkacz, suffering an early loss and gathering dark clouds over his Roland Garros participation.
Final Roland Garros ride and Olympic Games preparations
The 14-time Roland Garros champion did not have luck in the draw, facing world no. 4 Alexander Zverev in the first round on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Rafa fought well in a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 loss in three hours and five minutes, experiencing the earliest loss at his beloved Major. Alexander was the favorite, and he made a better start. Nadal turned the tables in the second set, serving for it but losing serve at the worst moment. The German claimed the set in the tie break and sealed the deal in the third, delivering Rafa's fourth Roland Garros loss. The Spaniard withdrew from the grass swing and entered the ATP 250 event in Bastad. Rafa stopped the clock and ousted four rivals en route to his first ATP final in over two years. The veteran lost the energy and grabbed only five games against Nuno Borges, finishing runner-up.
Final Olympic Games in a career
Nadal headed to Paris for his final Olympic Games with a pain in his right thigh. He defeated Marton Fucsovics in the first round and arranged the 60th clash with his greatest rival, Novak Djokovic. World no. 2 beat the king of clay 6-1, 6-4, ending Rafa's Olympic Games dreams. The Spaniard trailed 6-1, 4-0 before making a push, pulling two breaks back and leveling the score at 4-4. The Serb kept his composure and grabbed a break in the ninth game, sealing the deal and moving through. As expected, Nadal withdrew from the US Open and theLaverCup, not feeling ready to compete. He announced his retirement and cited the Six Kings Slam and the Davis Cup Finals as his final events. Rafa fell to Alcaraz and Djokovic in Riyadh, receiving a golden racquet from the organizers and preparing for his last ride in Malaga next month.
"Davis Cup will be very exciting, competing at my final event while representing my country. However, I have to make things clear. I entered the squad before Ferrer picked me. I will give everything to make a proper preparation for the event, but I will not play if I do not have more chances to deliver a win than some of my teammates. I'm retiring, but that does not have to secure me a spot on the court. I will only play if I'm better prepared than my teammates. If I'm not ready, I will not risk my country's chances," Rafael Nadal said.
