Spanish captain David Ferrer discussed Rafael Nadal's hopes of being ready for his farewell at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals.
Nadal announced last month that he would end his illustrious career at the Davis Cup Finals, which will be held on home soil in Malaga. The 38-year-old has won the team event on four occasions.
His sole appearance since that huge news was at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event held in Saudi Arabia from October 16th to 19th. He played singles matches against Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic at the event.
Despite losing to both men in straight sets, Nadal's level was quite encouraging. The 22-time Grand Slam champion came close to winning his first set on a hardcourt against Djokovic since 2013 in a 2-6, 6-7 defeat.
Djokovic's victory against Nadal was also poignant because it marked the final match of their legendary rivalry before the latter retired. The Serbian paid an emotional tribute to him afterward.
Although his performances gave reasons for encouragement, Nadal's constant physical issues, the reason for his retirement, means how ready he will be for his farewell at the Davis Cup Finals is uncertain.
The man who must decide how much Nadal features is Spain's Davis Cup captain, Ferrer, who lost to Nadal in the 2013 French Open final. Ferrer discussed the condition of the former world No. 1 in an interview with MARCA.
Encouragingly, Ferrer feels that Nadal will be ready to compete in Malaga, but he is also in daily contact with members of his team to see how he is progressing.
"I have a lot of confidence in Rafa because I’ve spent my entire career with him and I know he’s honest about whether he sees himself capable of competing or not. My idea after talking to him is that he’s ready to play."
"I spoke to Rafa on Wednesday, I am also in constant contact with his coach Carlos Moyá and his agent Carlos Costa. They are updating me day by day. I will decide in Malaga (on what match he will play) when I see how he is training. But the same will happen with the rest of the players. If Nadal is training at a good level and is physically fit, he is an option, of course."
That is encouraging news, although it also does not confirm Nadal's readiness for singles and doubles. The 14-time French Open champion is expected to play doubles with Alcaraz, but his involvement in the singles is less certain.
Ferrer was also asked about the pressure of giving Nadal the send-off he deserves. Spain's Davis Cup captain answered that it is better to have the extra pressure of a big occasion.
"I think it’s always better to have that extra pressure. It’s Rafa’s last tournament and everyone wants to be there. That motivation and that desire to go as far as possible. It’s always better to play at home and with the crowd behind you."
"Pressure? That’s what there is when you play in a competition and you have to accept it. This is still sport. Winning or not winning is not going to change the players’ careers. What will change is that it will be a different year because of what Rafa Nadal represents.”
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