MALAGA/STARNBERG, November 19, 2024
Hosts Spain will kick off Davis Cup action at the Final 8 knockout stage in Malaga as they face Netherlands on Tuesday afternoon for the first spot in the semifinals.
Davis Cup legend Rafael Nadal is contesting his final event as a professional this week, and could make his first appearance in the competition since he clinched Spain’s sixth title in the 2019 final.
Rafa Nadal still doing magic on a tennis court! #DavisCup | @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/xXYtFYshld
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 19, 2024
“The most important thing here is to try to help the team and to stay all focused on what we have to do, that is play tennis and do it very well no? Because the rival is going to be difficult, and the conditions are difficult too. So then the emotions are going to be for the end, and before and during it’s to be focused on what we need to do,” said Nadal.
“Representing Spain here in Davis Cup, being with [Rafa], sharing a lot of moments off the court, on the court. And his last moments on court are probably going to be super special. Not just for me, but for everyone,” said Carlos Alcaraz.
Koolhof to play final event of his career
Dutchman Wesley Koolhof is also competing in his final event this week as he and his compatriots look to equal Netherlands’ best Davis Cup result by reaching the semifinals.
“I’m feeling good and happy to be part of the team once more here in Malaga. I’m not much of an emotional guy. I made the decision [to retire] last year already, so I knew that hopefully this was going to be my last one here in Malaga,” said Koolhof.
