It is unknown whether Rafael Nadal will play singles at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals before he retires, but Ben Shelton says playing him in his last singles match could be a nightmare.
Most expect Nadal to compete in the doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz next month at the Davis Cup Finals. The duo played together at the Olympics and reached the quarterfinal before losing to Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek.
Nadal has not committed to playing in the singles of the team event he has won four times. The 38-year-old stated he will not be on the court if he is not physically ready for it.
That means the 22-time Grand Slam champion's final singles matches might have already happened at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia. He lost to Carlos Alcaraz and his old rival Novak Djokovic in the Middle East.
However, Nadal competed well in both contests, considering his numerous injury issues in recent years. That might give him more confidence about competing in the singles at the Davis Cup Finals.
His loss against Djokovic was followed by touching scenes on-court afterward. Djokovic paid an emotional tribute to his long-term rival and thanked him for everything he had done for the sport over many years.
Although those were stirring scenes, the emotions during and after Nadal's final professional appearance on home soil in Malaga at the Davis Cup Finals will be even more emotional.
Spain plays the Netherlands in the quarterfinal. If the Spaniards negotiate that test, Germany and Canada await in the semifinal before a possible meeting against the United States in the final.
Footage emerged of U.S. star Ben Shelton talking to the French veteran Gael Monfils at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown. The American pondered whether Nadal will play in the singles, and Monfils responded that he would be a beast if he does.
Shelton: "Will Rafa play singles?"
Monfils: "It's a good question,"
Shelton: "Because, are they going to make him retire in doubles? "It's his choice, right?"
Monfils: "Rafa is Rafa, you know. If he feels ready, they will make him play. 100%. And he'll be a beast."
Shelton feels playing Nadal in his last singles contest in front of a fiercely partisan atmosphere could be a nightmare, but he and Monfils agreed it would also be an incredible experience.
Shelton: "If it's our match, he ends up playing me, I'm gonna be so tight. So tight. He’s gonna be (grunting). The crowd, everything… No. This is my nightmare."
Monfils: "But it will be a crazy experience for you."
Shelton: "I'm praying that it happens. I'm praying it doesn't happen."
Monfils: "I understand. But it can be, as I told you, one of the best experiences of your career."
Shelton: "For sure."
Although Shelton thinks competing against Nadal in that environment could be challenging, someone with his personality would probably relish the opportunity. Team USA and Spain will need to make the final to make that a possibility.