MALAGA, Spain—Rafael Nadal insists his focus is firmly on helping Spain in the Davis Cup quarter-finals against the Netherlands, as he sets aside emotions ahead of his final week on the professional tennis circuit.
“I am not here for retiring. I’m here to try to help the team,” Nadal said during a press conference on Monday. “It’s, of course, going to be my last week on the professional tour, but at the end, we are here in a teams competition.”
The 37-year-old tennis legend emphasized the importance of maintaining focus ahead of Tuesday’s clash, noting the challenges posed by the Dutch team and the playing conditions.
Nadal has not competed in an official singles match since his second-round exit at the Tokyo Olympics in July but has been preparing intensively for six weeks to participate in the Davis Cup.
Spain captain David Ferrer, however, has yet to reveal whether Nadal will play singles or doubles in the quarter-finals.
“Of course, when you are not competing very often, it’s a little bit more difficult to hold the level on a constant basis,” Nadal admitted. “But we have a great team on Spain. It’s the work of the captain to decide what he feels is better for the team.”
The Spanish squad includes reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, Roberto Bautista Agut, Pedro Martinez, and doubles specialist Marcel Granollers.
Nadal’s record in Davis Cup singles is a staggering 29-1, alongside an 8-4 record in doubles. He last competed in the event in 2019, when he led Spain to its sixth Davis Cup title.
Reflecting on his career, Nadal expressed gratitude and fulfillment.
“I achieved the most important thing for me because I arrived to this day and I am in peace that I gave all that I had,” he said. “I’m going to leave this professional tour with the calm and with the personal satisfaction that I gave my best almost in every single moment.”
While Novak Djokovic plans to attend Nadal’s final tournament, Nadal mentioned that Roger Federer’s participation is uncertain due to his schedule.
“This is going to be my last week on the professional tour, but I don’t think it’s going to be my last goodbye,” Nadal remarked. “There’s going to be other chances to do something.”
