![\"Rafael](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/Rafael-Nadal-Novak-Djokovic-Six-Kings-Slam-5774955.jpg?r=1732031894802\")
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Rafael Nadal is set to retire at this week\u2019s Davis Cup Finals.<\/p>\n
Spain take on the Netherlands in Tuesday\u2019s quarter-final – the 22-time Major champion\u2019s potential final outing on a tennis court.<\/p>\n
Ahead of his farewell, Roger Federer penned a heartfelt letter to his old foe. And Novak Djokovic\u2019s plans to be there for Nadal\u2019s send-off have now emerged.<\/p>\n
Back when Nadal shared his retirement plans in early October, Djokovic announced that he would be in Malaga for Nadal\u2019s farewell. He confirmed his intentions when they faced off at the Six Kings Slam exhibition a few days later.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
According to Marca, Djokovic will not attend Nadal\u2019s singles match on Tuesday. But he \u201cdoes plan to attend the tribute planned for Rafa this weekend if the national team wins the quarter-finals against the Dutch team today.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s farewell this weekend.<\/p>\n
![\"Rafael](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/Rafael-Nadal-Davis-Cup-Finals-5774960.jpg?r=1732031894830\")
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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).<\/p>\n
During the trophy presentation, the 24-time Grand Slam champion paid tribute to Nadal and begged him not to retire in jest. \u201cI have the utmost respect for you. Incredible athlete, incredible person,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rivalry has been incredible and has been very intense, so I hope that we\u2019ll have a chance to maybe sit on the beach somewhere and maybe have a little drink and reflect on life, talking about something else.\u201d<\/p>\n
After thanking Nadal for what he\u2019d given to the sport, Djokovic joked: \u201cDon\u2019t leave tennis man, stay a little bit longer, stay with us!\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Ahead of his potential last match, Federer penned an emotional letter to his rival on social media, telling Nadal: \u201cYou made me enjoy the game even more.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Swiss star added: \u201cRafa, I know you\u2019re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it\u2019s done.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor 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.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Novak Djokovic has made plans for Rafael Nadal’s final tournament.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2597,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2595","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tennis"],"yoast_head":"\n