Rafael Nadal is relishing his final professional appearance at the Davis Cup Finals, and the 14-time French Open champion made some cautious remarks about his preparation.
Nadal has not played in nearly a month since the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia. He lost two matches against Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic at the event, his last contests against both men before retirement.
However, Nadal's level in those matches was quite encouraging. Many expected him to lose without being able to compete after playing so little in the last two years because of repeated injuries, but the 38-year-old produced some good tennis.
That raised hopes about Nadal playing in the singles at the Davis Cup Finals, but no one on the Spanish team has confirmed how likely that is. The former world No. 1 previously vowed not to be on the court if he is not fully ready.
Roberto Bautista Agut, who is almost certain to take Nadal's place in singles if he cannot play, said the 22-time Grand Slam champion would decide if he is ready to compete in the singles and doubles at the event held in Malaga.
Nadal told the Spanish Tennis Federation that he did not want team captain David Ferrer to make any decisions based on the Davis Cup Finals being his final appearance. He insisted that Ferrer do what is in the team's best interests, regardless of how Nadal feels.
"If I don’t feel ready, I’ll be the first to speak to the captain. I’ve already told him on a few occasions not to make any decisions based on the fact that it’s my last week as a professional tennis player."
The tennis legend is cautiously optimistic about the preparations he has done and wants to savor his final tournament before his legendary career ends.
"I’ve been able to prepare pretty well, which is why I’m here, I’ll have to take it day by day. I haven’t competed for a while and I really just want to experience this week however I can."
"So I’m excited to bring to an end a long and beautiful part of my life, relishing these last moments as normal, accepting that everything has a beginning and an end."
Nadal is very grateful to have enjoyed such a successful career and would love to end by winning a fifth Davis Cup in front of home supporters in Malaga.
"I couldn’t ask for more, I’m very grateful and satisfied with everything that has happened to me over all these years. What I would like is obviously for the team to do well and have the chance to win another Davis Cup, whether I’m playing or cheering them on from the stands, to be honest."
Team Spain's quarterfinal against the Netherlands will be played on November 19th. Spain will face Germany or Canada if it progresses to the semifinal. Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime has already confirmed his absence to focus on humanitarian work.