The Davis Cup Finals are perhaps the most anticipated event of this late part of the season and have even more significance than the Nitto ATP Finals. The reason is very simple: this event will be the last of the legendary career of Rafael Nadal. The Spanish champion chose Malaga to play in his last official tournament before retiring from professional tennis and starting a new chapter in his life. The 22-time Grand Slam champion thought a lot about how best to say enough, not excluding the possibility of playing some tournaments in 2025, but then he realized that it would not make sense to continue in these conditions.
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Rafas results in 2024 have certified that the former world number 1 is no longer able to fight for the most important titles and that his body can no longer sustain certain efforts. The 14-time French Open champion was not able to play all the tournaments he would have liked this year, but he did receive some exciting tributes in the tournaments where he made history.
It remains to be seen what role the 38-year-old Spaniard will play in the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, but neither he nor Spanish captain David Ferrer wanted to get out of hand about it. After the Paris Olympics this summer, Nadal has only participated in the 'Six Kings Slam' in Saudi Arabia missing both the US Open and the Laver Cup.
The former world number 1 has decided not to add tournaments to his schedule prior to the Davis Cup Finals, fueling speculation that he can only be played in doubles in Malaga. Spains hopes will be mainly placed in the hands of four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz, while the other singles match should be played by Roberto Bautista Agut.
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Rafa is the Spanish GOAT
In a recent interview with Relevo, former ATP ace Feliciano Lopez selected Rafa as the best Spanish athlete of all-time: He was world number one, he won Olympic medals there has not been an athlete in Spain comparable to Rafa in sporting terms. Sometimes the debate is fueled in a journalistic way, and I understand that it is nice to ask who is the best. But this debate dilutes reality a little: if we talk about sporting performances, honestly and without offending anyone, I do not think that anyone can match him. And then there is what has transcended, what has moved. He has provoked emotions and feelings in so many people. Things have happened with Rafa in this country that have not happened with any other athlete and that also contributes to it.
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Many fans dreamed that the 22-time Grand Slam champion would last a while longer and play another French Open in 2025, but Rafa decided it was the right time to say goodbye. The last two years have been too complicated for Nadal, who has moved away from the top of mens tennis due to numerous injuries. Despite practicing hard and his condition improved over the months, the former world number 1 has realized that he is too far from the current top players level.
The final effort
During an interview with MARCA, Spains captain Ferrer opened up on Nadals current status: I have great confidence in Rafa because Ive spent my entire career with him and I know hes honest about whether or not he feels capable of competing. My idea after talking with him is that hes ready to play. I spoke with Rafa on Wednesday, and I am also in constant contact with his coach Carlos Moy and his agent Carlos Costa. They keep me informed of developments day by day. I will decide in Malaga what match he will play when I see how he trains. But the same thing will happen with the rest of the players. If Nadal is training at a good level and is in good physical shape, he is an option, of course.
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He also added: It is true that I am four or five years older than him and you never know what may happen. Its clear that my career, since I retired, has evolved: coach, tournament director and Davis Cup captain. And I have that opportunity. If I had been told six years ago that I would give him instructions, I might not have believed it, but now there is this possibility. I am happy and lucky to be able to experience these things, to be close to these special moments.
Regardless of what role Rafa will play in Malaga, it will definitely be a memorable and heartbreaking moment for all sports fans. One of the greatest athletes ever is about to say goodbye after having excited millions of people for nearly two decades.
