Team captain David Ferrer says he is not worried a bit that Rafael Nadal will cause him or the Spanish Davis Cup team any problems in Malaga because he is certain that the 38-year-old will be the first to admit that he is not ready to play if that's the case.
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After competing at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh in mid-October - in what was his first competitive appearance since the Paris Olympics - the 22-time Grand Slam champion is now set to retire at the upcoming Davis Cup Finals between November 19-24.
Since Nadal confirmed that he chose to represent Spain in his last pro event, many have been curious about what role he will have in Malaga. In the past, he would undoubtedly play singles and be their No. 1 player. But after battling major injury issues in the last two years and not playing much and ultimately being forced into retirement, the logical question is how much the former world No. 1 can give to Spain at the Davis Cup Finals.
As it stands now, Ferrer expects Nadal to be ready to play because of the latest information he has been given. But whatever is the case, the former world No. 3 expects the 38-year-old to communicate it with the team so they can make the best possible decision.
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"Yes, absolutely. I often get told: 'what a mess you've been dealt'. And I say no, it's lucky. It's true that in the end I'm the captain and I'm the one who has to decide. I have a lot of confidence in Rafa because I've spent my entire career with him and I know he's honest about whether he sees himself capable of competing or not. My idea after talking to him is that he's ready to play," the Spanish Davis Cup team captain told Marca.
Ferrer on his plan to have Nadal play singles
In October, the 42-year-old captain confirmed that his hope was that the record 14-time French Open champion would be able to play in singles. And since then, he has been in a regular contact with Nadal's management so he can get daily updates.
"I don't know, he is training. I spoke to Rafa on Wednesday, I am also in constant contact with his coach Carlos Moy and his agent Carlos Costa. They are updating me day by day. I will decide in Malaga, when I see how he is training. But the same will happen with the rest of the players. If Nadal is training at a good level and is physically fit, he is an option, of course," Ferrer explained.
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Barring an injury, Carlos Alcaraz is guaranteed to play singles for Spain. When it comes to the second option, it will be Nadal if he is ready to play. When asked to reveal when could come an official confirmation, the Spanish captain shared that it will likely happen two or three days before the start of the Davis Cup Finals.
"I usually decide the team three days before and the players know it so they can prepare themselves mentally. That's always been my way of working. In Malaga, because of Rafa, you can always wait a little longer. But I think I'll have it pretty clear two or three days before," Ferrer said.
Ferrer admits he may get emotional over Nadal's retirement
After two decades on the Tour, the former 27-time ATP champion retired from pro tennis in 2019. The 2013 French Open finalist didn't cry back then but admits he may get emotional in Malaga.
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"I don't know, I didn't cry when I retired from tennis, but maybe I cried for Rafa, I don't know. I mean, I'm really excited that things go well for Rafa, as a friend. I'd be really excited if he ended up happy and doing well. What does that mean winning? Yes, it does mean winning, but not for me, but for everything he deserves for everything he has achieved. The thing is that this is something you can't control. What happens in Malaga is not going to change his life or his career. But on a personal level I would like him to leave tennis with a good taste in his mouth," Ferrer admitted.
Also, the former world No. 3 noted that Nadal would be a great choice for the Spanish Davis Cup team captain if he decided to pursue that job one day.
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"Of course. Rafa can do whatever he wants and he would be a great Davis Cup captain because he loves this competition. For the rest and the humility he has for such a great player, he will be a very good captain," Ferrer said.
