Rafael Nadal spoke before the Davis Cup Finals about the probability of Roger Federer attending his final tournament before retirement.
Team Spain will face the Netherlands in the quarterfinal on Tuesday. Although the Davis Cup finals are always a significant part of the tennis calendar, this year's iteration is the most high-profile ever because it marks the end of Nadal's illustrious career.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion's focus and motivation remain high despite being near retirement. Nadal insists he is there to help his country to try and win the Davis Cup and not just to retire.
Although Nadal is trying to focus as much as possible on securing the title for Spain, Carlos Alcaraz openly admitted that giving the 38-year-old a fitting farewell is more important to him than winning the Davis Cup.
How Nadal will be celebrated after his final moment on the court has not been publicly disclosed, but tournament director Feliciano Lopez promised that something special is being planned for him.
Part of celebrating Nadal is having special stars in the crowd for his last appearance before retirement. One of the Spaniard's biggest rivals, Novak Djokovic, has already confirmed he will attend the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
The Serbian already paid an emotional tribute to Nadal after beating him in their last match before he retires at the Six Kings Slam exhibition last month, calling him an incredible person.
Lopex also confirmed that Andy Murray is among those who want to be in the stadium for Nadal's farewell, but the tournament director admitted they cannot accommodate the overwhelming demand for the occasion.
One man who has remained quiet about attending the Davis Cup Finals is Roger Federer. Nadal considers Federer his biggest rival ahead of Djokovic because of how significant the Swiss was at the start of the 14-time French Open champion's career.
Nadal played a central role in Federer's retirement from professional tennis two years ago at the Laver Cup. The pair played doubles together in Federer's final match before an emotional farewell on the court afterward.
In a press conference before the Davis Cup Finals start, Nadal was asked whether Federer would attend his farewell tournament. The former world No. 1 said the Swiss had a busy schedule and the Laver Cup was a different occasion, but also hinted there may be other goodbyes after the Davis Cup.
"Different situation. I was there to play. There we were teammates. Here we are in a Spanish team. I didn't talk to Roger. I think Roger have busy schedule."
"By the way, of course that's going to be my last week on the professional tour, but I don't think going to be my last goodbye. So gonna be other chances to do something."
Although the possibility of other events to say goodbye to Nadal is exciting, it would be very surprising if Federer did not attend his great rival's farewell. He and Nadal may want to keep it private and then excite fans with his appearance.