Spanish Davis Cup team captain David Ferrer confirmed that Rafael Nadal will be in contention for a spot on the Spanish team for the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8.
The Final 8 is the concluding stage of the Davis Cup competition, and as in previous years, it will be held in Malaga. That city is in Spain, making Spain the home team, as they have been in years before.
Despite being the home team, the Spanish team hasn’t been able to win due to various reasons. Part of that is certainly down to not having their best players available, as Carlos Alcaraz could not participate, and Nadal also missed out.
In the 38-year-old's case, it hasn't been as much of a handicap, as his level, unfortunately, hasn’t been particularly special lately. Even so, the Spaniard will be in contention for a spot on the team.
The reasons are obvious. His presence there would certainly be a huge boost for the team, regardless of whether he plays or not. As things stand, it’s unlikely he will play, as he himself confirmed recently that he doesn’t have any more goals for this year.
However, Ferrer has spoken to Nadal, and when asked about his inclusion in the knock-out stage of the 2024 Davis Cup, running from November 19th to 24th, he didn’t rule it out.
"I have spoken to Rafa... And why not? There is still time, I will speak to him and we will decide what we will do. The important thing is that he is well and, if he wants to, he will be in good condition."
When asked why Nadal wasn't part of the team this time around, Ferrer simply said that he needed time to recover and rest after the Olympics, so essentially, it wasn't his time to play.
Alcaraz signed up and was able to push his team past the other teams, allowing Spain to top the group and secure a seeding spot in Malaga.
"It was not his turn, he needed days of rest and to be with his family and recharge his batteries. I will attend some tournaments and decide on the team."
"The good thing is that I have great players and the bad thing is that there are always some who have to be left out, but as of today I don't have a 100% clear team. What I do know is that this week I have been immensely happy to see them compete and the great team atmosphere they have had."
Alcaraz's availability at the Final 8 event isn't certain either because the Davis Cup Final 8 comes right behind the ATP Finals. Depending on how the 21-year-old plays at the year-end championships, he might find himself unable to attend.
However, last year, Jannik Sinner attended the Davis Cup Finals despite playing in the ATP Finals. Technically, it can be done, but with Alcaraz's sometimes shaky health, he might just opt not to play.
That would severely diminish the country's chances, but maybe Nadal can be a hero for Spain in Malaga.
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