Ben Shelton makes Rafael Nadal ‘nightmare’ confession ahead of Davis Cup finale
Ben Shelton admits he is conflicted about Rafael Nadal’s final tournament before his retirement as it would be a “nightmare” to face the tennis great in his last-ever singles match on Spanish soil.
After more than two decades at the top, Nadal will bring the curtain down on his incredible career after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga in November.
In an emotional video, the 22-time Grand Slam winner confirmed that he will bow out of tennis later this year and he chose the team competition as his last event as it will be exactly 20 years after he made his Davis Cup debut for Spain.
“I’m very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup, representing my country,” the 38-year-old, who has won four Davis Cup titles, said. “I think I’ve come full circle since one of my first joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004.”
Spain will face the Netherlands in the quarter-final and their captain David Ferrer has already confirmed that he will face Botic van de Zandschulp in the singles.
The good news for Shelton is that Spain can only meet the United States in the final, but the young American admits he is worried about possibly facing the legend in the singles.
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During a discussion with Gael Monfils at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown, Shelton asked: “Will Rafa play singles [in the Davis Cup Finals)?”
Adding: “Because, like, are they going to make him retire in doubles?”
Monfils replied: “Rafa is Rafa you know. If he feels ready, they will make him play. 100%.”
The 22-year-old then admitted: “If it’s our match, he ends up playing me, I’m gonna be so tight. So tight. He’s gonna be (grunting). The crowd, everything… No. This is my nightmare. I’m praying that it happens. I’m praying it doesn’t happen.”
His French rival tried to calm him down by saying “But it will be a crazy experience for you” before later adding “I understand. But it can be, as I told you, one of the best experiences of your career.”
The United States face Australia in the last eight and victory will see them take on either defending champions Italy or Argentina. If Spain get past the Netherlands, they will face Germany or Canada for a place in the final.
