Rafael Nadal's upcoming final professional appearance at November's Davis Cup Finals will be memorable. One consequence is the extraordinary prices seen for resold tickets for what might be his last match.
Nadal announced his retirement from tennis in a video on Thursday. He also confirmed that he would bid farewell to professional tennis at the Davis Cup Finals on home soil in Malaga.
For years, most expected Nadal to retire at the French Open after winning the men's singles at Roland-Garros 14 times. No player has dominated to such a degree at a Grand Slam in tennis history.
However, Nadal got to play at Roland-Garros twice this year. He was unfortunate to draw the eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev in the French Open first round, losing in straight sets despite playing quite well.
Nadal then played in the men's singles and doubles at the Olympics, which were also held at Roland-Garros. He faced his old rival Djokovic in the second round of the singles but could not effectively compete against the Serbian.
Although it was a shame that the match did not live up to their past epics, it was quite fitting that Nadal's last singles contest at Roland-Garros was against Djokovic after all their incredible contests during Nadal's fantastic career.
Djokovic's respect for Nadal was abundantly clear in his reaction to the news of the 22-Grand Slam champion's upcoming retirement. Djokovic promised to be in the stadium for Nadal's last match.
It is uncertain when his last match will be at the Davis Cup Finals. Team Spain face the Netherlands in the quarterfinal. The Dutch team includes Botic van de Zandschulp, who stunned Carlos Alcaraz in the second round of this year's US Open.
Team Spain is the favorite to overcome the Dutch team. Having Alcaraz for singles and doubles makes them a formidable outfit. The team also has doubles specialist Marcel Granollers, but he may have to accept being benched for the doubles.
That is because most expect Nadal to team up with Alcaraz in the doubles. The duo played together in the Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals. Nadal and Alcaraz teaming up again is an incredibly exciting prospect.
The Spaniards being the favorites against Team Netherlands means it is not certain that Nadal's last match will come against them. However, the possibility of Nadal saying farewell if Spain is knocked out means tickets are being resold at outrageous prices.
Tickets for the quarterfinals are being resold for as much as €34,500. That is an astonishing number, the type only seen for the most important sporting and entertainment events.
The vast majority of fans who have tickets for the quarterfinal are undoubtedly grateful and cannot wait to watch Nadal in what could be his final appearance, but there is always a tiny minority who only buy tickets to try and profit from them.
It remains to be seen if the tickets are resold for even more than €34,500. Nadal has passionate fans worldwide, so the possibility cannot be ruled out.
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