The Davis Cup Finals are getting closer and more anxiety for the moment of the last match of Rafael Nadal. The former world number 1 has chosen the event in Malaga to close his long and glorious career, where he established himself as the Spanish GOAT and as one of the best athletes of all time.
The Spanish legend will try to honor his ‘commitment’ to the Davis Cup Finals, although it is unlikely that he can be deployed in singles at this point in his career. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has had several injuries again this year and did not play at the level he would have liked, reaching only one final in Bastad during the summer.
His main goals in 2024 were certainly the French Open and the Paris Olympics, where he stopped at the first and second rounds respectively. The 14-time Roland Garros champion was not even lucky in the draws, but his level seemed very far from that of a while and that is why Rafa decided to retire.
At 38 and with a very worn body, it would not have made much sense to take further risks without the possibility of aspiring to the most important titles. Spain is considered by the bookmakers as the second favorite to win the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, preceded only by the 2023 champions of Italy.
Spain’s hopes will be pinned on World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz, who won two Grand Slam titles this year, but Rafa could really shock the world for the last time. After announcing that his retirement would take place in Malaga, Nadal received a beautiful message from Novak Djokovic who promised to be there in person to pay his tribute.
A highly anticipated event
In a recent interview with ‘Tennis365’, Davis Cup Finals’ director Feliciano Lopez revealed new details about Rafa’s farewell: “For now, I know that almost everyone wants to be there for their farewell. Novak Djokovic said he wanted to be there. Andy Murray did too. I don’t know if we’ll have enough seats for everyone. As you can imagine, all the tennis players who played in his time want to be there. Other athletes from different sports in Spain and around the world want to participate in this event. I’m sure it will be a very special moment for him.”
He also paid tribute to his great compatriot: “He was world number one, he won Olympic medals – there has not been an athlete in Spain comparable to Rafa in sporting terms. Sometimes the debate is fueled in a journalistic way, and I understand that it is nice to ask who is the best. But this debate dilutes reality a little: if we talk about sporting performances, honestly and without offending anyone, I do not think that anyone can match him. And then there is what has transcended, what has moved. He has provoked emotions and feelings in so many people. Things have happened with Rafa in this country that have not happened with any other athlete and that also contributes to it.”
Everyone’s admiration
The 22-time Grand Slam champion does not play an official match from the Olympic tournament in Paris this summer, but was among the stars of the ‘Six Kings Slam‘ in Saudi Arabia a few weeks ago. The former world number 1 faced Alcaraz and Djokovic losing in both cases before receiving a golden racket from the event organizers.
Many hope that Rafa will remain in touch with tennis even after his retirement. The Spaniard helps many young talents with his Academy and will have even more time to pass on his incredible experience to young players. Recently, young star Alina Korneeva reflected on Nadal’s amazing influence: “My God of tennis is Rafa. In December 2023, I practiced at the same courts like him and I felt, ‘Oh my God. This guy is practicing close to me and to be here and see how he works is really motivating.
I went to Moscow to rest a bit and then came back to Barcelona because I had to take out the stitches and then I saw the team of Rafa. I said, ‘Really? Exactly this day Rafa is going to be here?’ and of course it was a really nice meeting. He said some really kind words to me. Support. Like, because when you feel the support from the biggest person in this sport, it’s something that really helps you to stay positive in these moments.” A legendary career is about to end, but the legacy of the Spanish champion is destined to last forever.
