Everything is almost ready for the start of the Davis Cup Finals, the last official tournament of Rafael Nadal's career. The former world No. 1 will have the chance to play for the last time in front of his fans in Malaga and hopes that his last dance will last as long as possible.
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The 22-time Grand Slam champion has made history in the sport and has broken numerous records, especially on his beloved red clay. The Spanish legend has demanded a lot of his body over the past two decades, never giving up even in the face of the most serious injuries.
This year Rafa realized that he would never be able to compete for the most important titles again, taking the right time to reflect on his future and accepting reality after the Paris Olympics. The 14-time French Open champion can have no regrets, he has always given his best and has become a complete player on all surfaces by chastely improving his game. In addition, the 38-year-old from Manacor has created a beautiful family and will be able to enjoy the second chapter of his life with the utmost serenity.
Andy Roddick opens up on Rafa
Malaga welcomed the former world number 1 in style, who arrived a few days early to better adapt to the conditions. Insiders and fans continue to wonder if Rafa will be able to play singles or if he will only play doubles at the Davis Cup Finals.
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The 22-time Grand Slam champion has practiced hard at his academy and looks in good shape, but it will be captain David Ferrer who will make the final decision just before the start of the event.
On the latest edition of his podcast, former American ace Andy Roddick expressed his point of view on Nadals role at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga: I think we will definitely see him in the doubles.
If you look at their team with RBA (Roberto Bautista Agut), the Chukster (Alcaraz), Marcel Granollers, even if the Chukster takes the heavy lift with the singles court, Granollers is a great partner and I think Rafa has played with him before.
It would be truly amazing if the former world No. 1 won a title in the last official tournament of his legendary career. Spain has a good chance of lifting the trophy by having a very competitive team, but the top favorite will still be Italy. The Italian team - which triumphed in the last edition - will be able to field world number 1 Jannik Sinner, 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini and a great talent like Lorenzo Musetti.
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Nadal'snumbers on clay
Rafa's numbers will remain forever etched in the history of this sport. His wins at the French Open were truly iconic and facing him on Philippe Chatrier was perhaps the greatest challenge in the history of modern sport. The Spanish legend dominated in Paris like no other player had done before him, not even a champion like Bjorn Borg. Roger Federer would have won several editions of Roland Garros without him, while Nole Djokovic managed to defeat him in Paris in 2015 and 2021.
In a recent interview with Radio Marca, former Spanish ace Nicolas Almagro opened up on Nadals supremacy on clay: It was like going to the slaughterhouse. It was a not unpleasant feeling, because you are in the biggest tournament that a sportsman who likes clay can play on, but if you go in with few options at the beginning of the match, you realize that you have none.
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It was like going into his garden and wanting to take his fruit and he wouldnt let you.
Almagro also added: Its something that those of us who have played against him there will take with us, we will retain it in our memories and we will tell our children and grandchildren about it.
Getting a hold of him, especially in Paris, was difficult. He forged a legend based on work, sacrifice and values. Its something that should be taught in schools. That made it so difficult when you played against him to come close to beating him.
The former world No. 1 had hoped that the French Open would give him one last joy this year, but his level was not high enough for him to aspire to win the trophy. Rafa's physical shape has improved over the months, but not enough to be able to return to the highest level of competitiveness. When the Spaniard realized what was happening, he decided not to extend his career any further. In 2024, Roland Garros was won by his natural heir Carlitos Alcaraz.
