Rafael Nadal is continuing to practice in the days leading up to the start of the Davis Cup Finals. The last event of the season will take place in Malaga from November 19th to 24th and will be one of the most iconic moments in recent years. One of the greatest athletes of all time will say goodbye to professional sport and begin a new chapter of his life.

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The 22-time Grand Slam champion was a role model for all athletes, even outside the tennis world. The former world number 1 had the ability to overcome many difficulties and taught young people how to approach sport. His decision to retire from professional tennis is shared, especially due to the injuries that have afflicted him in recent years. Rafa's body has sent very clear signals and there is no chance that the Spaniard can fight to win the most important titles.

Nadal tried to give himself one last chance in 2024, but the results were disappointing for a legend of his caliber. The 14-time French Open champion was not 'saved' even by his beloved red clay, where he suffered some truly unexpected defeats and seemed very far from his usual level.

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Rafa does not want to be a burden for Spain in this edition of the Davis Cup Finals and has practiced very hard in recent weeks. During his first practice sessions in Malaga, the former world No. 1 looked in good shape and could play singles if he feels ready.

In a video released by Tennis Channel, you can see Rafa's last practice session in which he seems to move and hit quite well.

Rafa is almost ready

The most likely option is that Carlos Alcaraz and Roberto Bautista Agut will play the two singles, while Nadal will only play doubles.

During an interview with Eurosport, former Spanish champion and top analyst Alex Corretja talked about Rafas last dance: I think its going to be very emotional. Weve been following Rafa, dreaming with Rafa. Hes not going to be playing anymore, so its going to be difficult.

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Im receiving so many messages from followers and from people who tell me that they cant believe its going to be the end for Rafa.

It will be very difficult to deal with that for Rafa, for his teammates, even for the opponents. I hope the crowd will be warm but respectful.

It has to feel like a big party, but we all need to remember that this is the Davis Cup, a big event.

The expectation grows

The 14-time French Open champion is sure to receive many tributes during his time at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. Plenty of VIPs and players will be in attendance in Malaga, including Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray (and maybe even Roger Federer). The former world No. 1 will experience truly unforgettable moments, which will testify to his impressive influence on modern sport. Rafa's legacy has a truly profound value and has had an even more significant impact than his wins on the tennis court.

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Recently, WTA star Iga Swiatek paid tribute to his idol: "Honestly, he was the only player I watched, so I don't know if I'm going to watch tennis at all now.

I'm going to watch online his matches, because -- you know, I don't know. I have mixed feelings, because I'm happy that he can start a new chapter, and I'm happy that also he can have a nice finish here on Davis Cup, a tournament that he loves and in Spain, you know. But on the other hand, I really will miss watching him on court."

Iga Swiatek and Rafael Nadal X

If he does not win the Davis Cup with his Spain, Nadal's last title will remain the 2022 French Open. The 38-year-old from Manacor made a memorable feat in Paris two years ago, lifting the trophy despite his foot being in poor condition. After the Rome Masters 1000, many thought that Rafa would not even play that edition of Roland Garros and instead shocked the whole world. A few months earlier, the Spanish legend had won another iconic title at the Australian Open by coming back from two sets to Daniil Medvedev in the final.

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That triumph in Paris was perhaps the last occasion on which the best version of Rafa was seen. Injuries began to haunt him in the following months and the Spaniard was able to play fewer and fewer tournaments.

2024 was supposed to be his last dance, but Nadal had to miss several important events due to the usual injuries. The final reached in Bastad was his best result this season.


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Disclaimer: This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by TakeSporty.
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