Rafael Nadal's retirement is getting closer and closer. The 22-time Grand Slam champion is ready to play the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, which become perhaps the most anticipated event of the entire season. One of the greatest athletes ever is preparing to leave professional sport and start a new part of his life, in which he will be happy together with his beautiful family.
Before the start of this season, the former world No. 1 had made it clear that 2024 would be the last year of his career. However - as the months went by - he had almost changed his mind and had opened up the possibility of playing some tournaments in 2025 as well. For this reason, Rafa did not want to receive any tribute from the organizers of the Masters 1000 in Rome and the French Open. His main goals were Roland Garros and the Paris Olympics, where he hoped to win another medal after the joys of Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016, but the results fell far short of his expectations in both tournaments.
At that point, Nadal took the right time to reflect on his future together with his family and team. Through a video posted on his social profiles, the 14-time French Open champion announced his decision to end his career at the age of 38. The former world number 1 has been practicing a lot in his academy in recent weeks to arrive in good shape at the Davis Cup Finals, in which he wants to help his country even if in a secondary role.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has not played an official event since the Paris Olympics, having missed both the US Open and the Laver Cup. Rafa played the 'Six Kings Slam' in Saudi Arabia last month, but it was only an exhibition. Insiders expected that he would ask for a wild card for one of the indoor tournaments, such as the Rolex Paris Masters, but Rafa made a different decision.
Malaga is ready
Meanwhile, the city of Malaga is preparing for the arrival of the Spanish legend as the well-known journalist Jos Morgado showed on his X profile.
Although Nadal's decision was not very surprising, everyone was shocked when they heard his announcement. In an interview with Eurosport, Roger Federers former coach Ivan Ljubicic commented on Rafas decision: I was surprised when Nadal announced his retirement. I can obviously understand why, thats not the question. But for me, Rafa Nadal is Roland Garros, and seeing that hes not going to play Roland Garros is hard to accept.
Playing against Rafa on the Philippe-Chatrier is difficult. Its a traumatic experience. I never played against Federer at Wimbledon, but I faced him many times and it was complicated because he had all the solutions. Rafas tennis is tactically quite simple, but impossible to manage with his topspin in particular. But Roger came up with different solutions each time, and for me, tactically, it was very complicated. Champions like that play to win, not to participate. I dont know his level of play and his physical shape exactly, but its not the one were used to and which allows him to be competitive at a very high level. Hes going to finish in the Davis Cup, at home.
An amazing journey
During his glorious career, the Spanish legend has won a lot on all surfaces. His victories would have been even more if he had had fewer injuries and if he had not had to play against two other legends like Federer and Djokovic. Their rivalry has 'forced' all three to improve their game and has been a huge stimulus for their longevity. Rafa's records on red clay are set to remain unbeaten, making him one of the most iconic athletes of the modern era. In addition, the Spaniard showed the whole world what it means to play every point as if it were the last.
After playing the 'Six Kings Slam', Nadal spoke about his role at the Davis Cup Finals: "Emotionally, I'm sure I'll be ready. I will try to be in good shape to help the team to win. If I don't feel ready for the singles, I'll be the first one to say. Be 100% sure, I will not be on court if I don't feel ready to win my match." Spains captain David Ferrer said he would assess Rafa's condition as soon as he arrives in Malaga and then make a decision on his role. Carlos Alcaraz will be the leader of the Spanish team, while the other singles could be played by Roberto Bautista Agut.
