There is a faint hope that Rafael Nadal could still play a part in the 2023 tennis season with Spain's Davis Cup captain David Ferrer not ruling out that possibility.
Nadal is currently recuperating from a serious hip injury he sustained at this year's Australian Open for which he underwent successful surgery in June. In recent weeks, Nadal was spotted vacationing across Europe before embarking on a fitness routine at the gym.
Nadal's rehabilitation is going smoothly, according to retired fellow countryman Feliciano Lopez. The 41-year-old spoke during the Davis Cup Finals press conference where he is serving as the tournament director for this year's edition that will contest the finals in Malaga later this year.
"Well, I think Rafa is now going through a rehab process. I think he's doing well. I was talking to him just recently. He told me everything is going well.
"But I don't really know if he's planning to play the Davis Cup. If this is going to happen, I'll be super happy because that will be a dream for David as a captain and for us as a nation to see Carlos and Rafa together playing for Spain. It would be amazing."
Lopez admits it would be a dream to have Nadal back and potentially join forces with Spain's man of the moment Carlos Alcaraz in doubles. However, his country still needs to navigate through a tough group that contains Novak Djokovic's Serbia and a vibrant Czech team in Valencia to reach the final eight in Malaga.
"I think it's too early to say, honestly. I just wish Rafa a speedy recovery. I hope Carlos also will be able to play in Valencia. The most important thing is that Spain will qualify for the Final 8 in Malaga. Having said that, I think David Ferrer would be a good guy to respond to your question."
In response to that, David Ferrer who is Spain's team captain ahead of matches against Serbia, South Korea, and the Czech Republic later this month, echoed Lopez sentiment's when he told Marca that it is his dream to pair Nadal and Alcaraz in doubles if the opportunity arises.
"I can't say much more, but I hope he can be with us in November, now he has taken a vacation and is doing his things. My dream is to join Rafa and Carlos in the Davis Cup team."
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