Confirmation will have to arrive officially at 4pm, with the announcement of the two teams by the captains. But according to Marca and other Spanish media, the Iberian coach David Ferrer chose on Monday evening to trust the soon-to-be retired Rafael Nadal to start the quarter-finals against the Netherlands against Botic van de Zandschulp (world no. 80), this Tuesday at 5pm.
In Malaga, the 22nd Slam, 38 year old, closes the book of an immense career and should therefore still offer at least one page of happiness to the world of tennis by playing a singles, after five days of training deemed satisfactory. Nadal, who has not played an official match since the defeat against Novak Djokovic in the 2nd round of the Paris Olympic Games at the end of July, was therefore preferred to his compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut, who has however returned to good form in recent weeks.
The Mallorcan’s last outing in a Davis Cup final dates back to 2019, when he led his country to their sixth success in the competition (his fifth personal best). Nadal, who has lost only once in thirty appearances (singles and doubles together), has already met Van de Zandschulp twice, obtaining as many victories.
“Naturally I thought about this possibility,” explained the Dutchman during the press conference to present the teams. But I try not to think about it too much because I think I would go crazy. I hope I can play against him, I really want to. He has always been my idol since I was a child and I used to watch his matches on TV. It would be a real pleasure to be the last to compete with him…”
Indeed, even if Spain qualifies, no one knows whether Nadal will still be able to perform alone by the end of the week. However, the Manacor bull believes he is sufficiently competitive because his priority remains the team’s result before the ego of a last lap. “I’ve tried to work as hard as I can over the last month and a half,” he said Monday. In the second single, so-called no. 1, Carlos Alcaraz will face Tallon Griekspoor.
What are Rafael Nadal‘s chances of winning his final match after a long absence from the court?
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, everyone! Today, we have a special guest, renowned sports commentator and tennis expert, Maria Gonzalez, to discuss the exciting news surrounding Rafael Nadal’s potential return to the court. Maria, thank you for joining us!
Maria Gonzalez: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here, especially with all the buzz surrounding Nadal’s return.
Editor: Absolutely! So, it seems we are on the brink of an emotional moment in tennis history. The reports suggest that coach David Ferrer has opted for Nadal to lead the charge for the Spanish team in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands. What’s your initial reaction to this news?
Maria: It’s thrilling! Rafael Nadal has been a monumental figure in tennis, and the prospect of him playing in his last tournament brings a wave of nostalgia along with excitement. His legacy in the sport cannot be overstated, and it’s a fitting farewell to see him take to the court one more time.
Editor: Indeed. With Nadal confirmed to play against Botic van de Zandschulp, what are the expectations for his performance given that he hasn’t played an official match since July?
Maria: It’s a challenging situation, to say the least. While five days of training can provide some readiness, nothing can truly replicate the intensity of a competitive match. However, Nadal’s experience and competitive spirit are strengths that can’t be overlooked. If he’s feeling well physically, I would expect him to put on a good show, but we must manage our expectations considering the time off.
Editor: You mentioned his experience—do you think that plays a significant role in how he approaches this match, especially since he’s dealing with potential retirement?
Maria: Absolutely. Nadal’s mentality is one of the most compelling aspects of his game. He approaches every match with a fierce determination and fighting spirit, which could be particularly poignant in his potential final appearances. His past experiences in crucial matches will help him maintain focus and composure even under pressure.
Editor: What do you think the atmosphere will be like, especially since this could be his last singles match?
Maria: The atmosphere will be electric and emotional. Fans will pack the venue in Málaga, rallying behind him for what many will undoubtedly see as an iconic final chapter. There’s a deep connection between Nadal and the fans, and I expect there’ll be a palpable sense of appreciation for everything he has given to the sport. It’s not just about the match; it’s a celebration of his career.
Editor: You’ve worked in tennis commentary for years. How do you think Nadal’s retirement would impact the sport as a whole?
Maria: It would leave a massive void. Nadal’s rivalry with players like Federer and Djokovic has defined an era of tennis. His departure will not only be felt in the stadiums but also in the broader narrative of tennis. Young players will look up to his legacy, and it’ll be essential for the sport to find new stars to carry that torch forward.
Editor: With that in mind, what advice would you give to the younger players in the league watching Nadal as they prepare for their own journeys?
Maria: I would say, watch and learn from his work ethic, resilience, and mental fortitude. Nadal’s commitment to constant improvement and his approach to both wins and losses offer invaluable lessons. They should strive to embody that passion and professionalism as they carve out their own paths in the sport.
Editor: Well said, Maria. It’s moments like these that remind us of the incredible journey of athletes like Nadal. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today. We’ll be watching closely as the match unfolds!
Maria: Thank you for having me! It’s an honor to share these thoughts, and I can’t wait to see how the tennis world embraces this pivotal moment for Nadal.