Everyone seems to be questioning what position Rafael Nadal will play within the 2024 version of the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. As everybody is aware of by now, this occasion would be the final of among the finest athletes of the fashionable period. The Spanish legend will say goodbye to skilled tennis after representing his nation for the final time, which is able to have fun it as a champion of his caliber deserves.
The previous world #1 would have dreamed of a unique finish, maybe successful a final nice title in 2024, however his stage was not sufficient to have the ability to aspire to this aim. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has performed just one ultimate this yr, within the ATP 250 of Bastad, shedding sharply to Nuno Borges after struggling all week.
The untimely eliminations on the French Open and the Olympic event satisfied him that it was time to say sufficient and begin a brand new chapter in his life. Not too long ago, the 14-time French Open champion participated within the ‘Six Kings Slam‘ in Saudi Arabia and obtained a valuable golden racket from the occasion organizers.
Will Rafa be prepared?
Rafa was overwhelmed pretty clearly by each Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, which is why many followers and insiders assume he’ll solely play doubles in Malaga. Nadal stated he would follow loads this month to get to Malaga in the very best situations, the place there shall be a magical environment to supply him the tribute he deserves. So far, the probably possibility is for Carlitos Alcaraz and Roberto Bautista Agut to play singles and Rafa to play doubles to keep away from additional stress on his physique.
Throughout a latest interview with MARCA, Spain’s captain David Ferrer commented on Nadal’s present standing and his position in Malaga: “I’ll make the ultimate choice in Malaga after I see how he’s coaching. I need him to be able to play, and I do know his honesty; if he would not really feel prepared, he’ll say it himself that he will not play.”
Alcaraz has had the chance to play in opposition to or alongside Rafael Nadal a number of occasions in his final yr as knowledgeable tennis participant. The Spanish tennis participant is able to inherit the scepter of Rafa and produce Spain excessive no less than for the following decade: a type of handover will happen throughout the Davis Cup Finals scheduled in Malaga from nineteenth to twenty fourth November, with each of them who shall be a part of the Iberian formation to go trying to find salad bowl. The 38-year-old from Manacor will give the official farewell to tennis and subsequent to him there may even be Carlitos, who will get pleasure from each second of the final occasion collectively along with his idol since childhood.
The 21-year-old spoke once more about his compatriot’s introduced farewell to competitions at a latest press convention in Paris-Bercy: “That Rafa retires is a disgrace for Spanish sport, for the game normally, but additionally for me. I grew up watching him play on TV, one of many foremost the explanation why I wished to develop into knowledgeable tennis participant is due to him. Nadal has at all times impressed me to maintain preventing, coaching and competing. I actually respect his determine however I don’t wish to see myself as an alternative choice to Rafa, as a result of there I lose every thing he has completed for the game and for Spain. We are going to attempt to get pleasure from his final event, we are going to see sooner or later what’s going to occur to me“.
Earlier than the staff finals in Malaga, Alcaraz will make a cease in Turin for the eagerly awaited Nitto ATP Finals among the many finest eight gamers of the season. The world quantity 2 will attempt to give himself one other nice satisfaction in an essential yr, with 2 Slams gained in Paris and London, however not as steady in outcomes because it was for the direct rival Jannik Sinner.
Guillermo Coria pays tribute to Nadal
Talking with MARCA, Rafa’s former rival Guillermo Coria paid tribute to the Spaniard: “Personally, I really feel privileged to be the captain of the Argentine staff and to be current in Malaga and to have the ability to expertise it up shut. Particularly the times main as much as it, which shall be very emotional for him and for all tennis lovers. It’s unbelievable that Federer is not right here, that Rafa is leaving now, will probably be very emotional and can go away a really large mark.
His absence will certainly be felt, as will the way in which he competes. I’ve not seen Vilas play stay, however I’ve seen him on video, and I believe that after Vilas, Rafa appeared within the sense of that means of competing, that bodily energy. I suffered and loved it, particularly within the ultimate in Rome. It was very troublesome to beat him at his finest as a result of he beat you each on the tennis and bodily stage.”
