MALAGA/STARNBERG, November 14, 2024
Rafael Nadal has arrived in Malaga, Spain, to join the Spanish team for the Davis Cup Finals. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who has confirmed that these matches for his country will mark the conclusion of his illustrious career, as he plans to retire afterward, was welcomed by tournament director Feliciano Lopez at the airport on Thursday.
Bienvenido, @RafaelNadal
Rafa has arrived in Malaga where he will play his last professional tournament next week at the #DavisCup ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Hj4Bax7NAq
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 14, 2024
Davis Cup captain David Ferrer has tempered expectations, acknowledging the unique challenges ahead but grateful for the opportunity to have Nadal in the line-up for this emotional and momentous farewell.
“I know Rafa is an honest person and that if he steps on the court, he will give his 100 per cent,” said Ferrer, quoted by the Davis Cup website.
“I’m aware of his competitive capabilities, the issue he is facing is that physically he can’t sustain the level for long periods, but in a single match, he can be unbeatable.
“You can never count out a player like him. The fact that he is so thrilled to be with the team, as he was the one who called me before the qualifying phase, makes me see that it’s perfect to have him with us.”
Nadal will be joined by his teammates Carlos Alcaraz, Roberto Bautista Agut, Pedro Martinez and Marcel Granollers. Spain is vying for its seventh Davis Cup title after 2000, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2019.
