Rafael Nadal is set to retire at this week’s Davis Cup Finals.
Spain take on the Netherlands in Tuesday’s quarter-final – the 22-time Major champion’s potential final outing on a tennis court.
Ahead of his farewell, Roger Federer penned a heartfelt letter to his old foe. And Novak Djokovic’s plans to be there for Nadal’s send-off have now emerged.
Back when Nadal shared his retirement plans in early October, Djokovic announced that he would be in Malaga for Nadal’s farewell. He confirmed his intentions when they faced off at the Six Kings Slam exhibition a few days later.
The 38-year-old Spaniard could well play his last match on Tuesday. He has been picked for the No. 2 singles match against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.
If Spain win and advance to the semi-final, they will be back in action on Friday. And if they reach the championship match, they will compete on Sunday before Nadal officially heads into retirement.
According to Marca, Djokovic will not attend Nadal’s singles match on Tuesday. But he “does plan to attend the tribute planned for Rafa this weekend if the national team wins the quarter-finals against the Dutch team today.”
The world No. 7 is currently in Marbella, where he has a home. It means he will have a short trip to get to Malaga for Nadal’s farewell this weekend.
Djokovic got the chance to face Nadal one last time at the Six Kings Slam, an exhibition tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Serb won their third-place playoff match 6-2 7-6(5).
During the trophy presentation, the 24-time Grand Slam champion paid tribute to Nadal and begged him not to retire in jest. “I have the utmost respect for you. Incredible athlete, incredible person,” he said.
“The rivalry has been incredible and has been very intense, so I hope that we’ll have a chance to maybe sit on the beach somewhere and maybe have a little drink and reflect on life, talking about something else.”
After thanking Nadal for what he’d given to the sport, Djokovic joked: “Don’t leave tennis man, stay a little bit longer, stay with us!”
Nadal will get at least one more outing on the tennis court as he faces Van de Zandschulp on Tuesday. Carlos Alcaraz will take on Tallon Griekspoor in the No. 1 singles match. If a doubles decider is needed, Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers will meet Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof, who is also retiring.
Ahead of his potential last match, Federer penned an emotional letter to his rival on social media, telling Nadal: “You made me enjoy the game even more.”
The Swiss star added: “Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it’s done.
“For now, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next.”
