Like every greatstory, Rafael Nadal's incredible career will come to its end at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. Plagued with injuries andmost recent setbacks, Nadal decided to terminate his tennis journey after 23 years on the professional Tour. The Spanish warriorgaveeverything to our sport, and true tennis fans will never forget his achievements.
ADVERTISEMENT
Unlike Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, Casper Ruud will not travel to Malaga to support his friend and idol. The Norwegian is tired of tennis after a grueling season, but he wants to watch Rafa on TV, backing him to enjoy a great week and the retirement ceremony.
Casper and Rafa are tied with strong links. The young gun cameto train at Rafa Nadal Academy, making speedy progress and leaving the paradise island of Mallorca with massive improvements. Also, the two rivals battled for a Major title two years ago.
Let's revive the 2022 Roland Garros final
Rafa played his 14th and last final in Paris in 2022, with Casper standing on the other side of the net. The king of clay scored a 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in two hours and 18 minutes, lifting his 22nd and last Major title on his beloved Court Philippe-Chatrier. Ruud took his chances en route to the final, becoming the first player from his country to chase a Major trophy.
He fought well in the opening two sets, as you only get a few chances against the legend of the sport! Casper built an early advantage in the second set before the veteran responded, rattling off 11 games and firing a backhand down the line winner to write record books.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nadal served like he could have only wished for, playing against three break points and suffering two breaks. His return was also a top notch, stealing 55% of the points in Ruud's games and securing eight breaks from 16 opportunities. I could not have predicted it would be Rafa's penultimate match in Paris; no one could!
The Spaniard fired 37 winners and 18 unforced errors, targeting the rival's backhand and taking charge in one of the most one-sided finals in Paris. The king of clay ruled the most advanced exchanges, limiting the errors and sailing over the top.
"I was pretty optimistic against Rafa, considering his foot injury.I was not too nervous before the match.However, he broke me in my first service game and took those positive vibes away from me," Casper Ruud said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nadal's rollercoaster ride and latest struggles
Rafa stopped the clock in the first part of 2022, lifting two Major titles and heading toward the GOAT status. However, injuries plagued the second part of the season, and he came to Australia for the new seasonunprepared. The veteran injured his left hip in Melbourne and called it a season, undergoing surgery and raising doubts over his future.
Unwilling to end his final tennis chapterthat way, Nadal returned in 2024, embracing 19 singles matches and winning 12. Still, he could not regain his well-known A-game, suffering early losses at notable tournaments in May and July and deciding to retire at the Davis Cup Finals.
The Spaniard trained at home in Mallorca before heading to Malaga on Thursday, making final preparations for his last tennis dance. Two decades after his debut in the national jersey, Rafa would love to see Spain winning the title, the first since 2019.
Nadal led Spain toward the crown five years ago, winning all eight matches and enjoying an incredible ride with his compatriots at Caja Magica. If his body gives him positive signals, we should expect the veteran on the court against the Netherlands in five days.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I will not be in Malaga to support Rafa. I have played and seen enough tennis for this season. I will probably watch it on TV on some beach while relaxing. Rafa's retirement announcement caught me a bit by surprise. I thought he would give it one more try on clay next year. At the same time, I know what he has been through due to injuries. The pain and setbacks tear you mentally, and you call it a day at some point. It will be a nice finish for Rafa in Malaga; he deserves a memorable retirement.I hope Spain can reach the finalso the fans can watch him for a couple of days," Casper Ruud said.
