Rafael Nadal has raised alarm bells ahead of his retirement tournament.
The 38-year-old is set to represent Spain at next week’s Davis Cup Finals, saying farewell to professional tennis in front of a home crowd.
But Nadal may not get on the court at all. He recently claimed that he wouldn’t play if he didn’t feel ready and now he has doubled down on his comments after arriving in Malaga to prepare.
Nadal’s retirement is just days away. The former world No. 1 will join forces with the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Roberto Bautista Agut to help Spain win the Davis Cup under the guidance of captain David Ferrer.
Spain take on the Netherlands in a knockout quarter-final on Tuesday. Ferrer has already told Nadal to prepare to face Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the singles.
But the 22-time Major champion previously said he wouldn’t play if he didn’t believe he could give them the best chance of lifting the trophy at the end of the week.
After heading to Malaga to practice ahead of the tournament, he confirmed he would only take to the court if he was ready – even if it means forfeiting his retirement match.
“I spoke to David, he told me that he was counting on me and I told him that I would prepare myself in the best way I could, and that we would see later,” he told RFET.
“First we have to see how I feel these days in training, and if I really don’t feel ready to have a chance of winning the singles, I am the first one who will not want to play.
“If I don’t feel ready, then I am the first one who will speak to the captain. I have already told David on multiple occasions, not to make any decision based on the fact that it is my last week as a professional tennis player.”
There is cautious optimism from Nadal, who has been training at his Mallorcan academy and arrived in Malaga on Thursday to start hitting on the Davis Cup match court.
He added: “I have been able to do more or less a good preparation, that is why I am here. You have to look at it day by day, I have not competed for a while and the reality is that I want to live this week, whatever way it is.”
Nadal’s biggest wish in his farewell tournament is to see Spain lift the Davis Cup trophy. The 38-year-old has already helped his nation win the World Cup of tennis four times. And he’s prepared to stay on the sidelines if it boosts their hopes.
“What I would like is for the team to work well and have the chance to win another Davis Cup, whether playing or cheering from the stands, honestly. I am here to live this week with enthusiasm and then we will see what happens,” he said.
If Spain win their quarter-final against the Netherlands, they will be back in action next Friday against either Germany or Canada in the semi-final. If they win again, Nadal’s last outing could be in the final next Sunday.
