Davis Cup Finals: Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz reunion set with Jannik Sinner also confirmed

Oli Dickson Jefford 23 Sep 2024 5:25 PM

Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner will be in Davis Cup Finals action.

The Davis Cup squads have been announced for this year’s Finals in Malaga – and Rafael Nadal looks set to take part.

The 38-year-old, who has not played since the Olympic Games, has been included in the Spain squad by captain David Ferrer – with the nation hunting a first title since 2019.

Also included is Carlos Alcaraz, with hopes now likely to grow that he and Nadal resume their famed ‘Nadalcaraz’ partnership at one point in Malaga.

Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Marcel Granollers make up the rest of the Spanish team, who face the Netherlands in their quarter-final contest.

Meanwhile, world No 1 Jannik Sinner will be competing as he looks to lead Italy to back-to-back triumphs in the historic competition.

Sinner was the star for his nation 12 months ago as they claimed the title in 2023, ending a 47-year wait for victory in the men’s team competition.

Now sitting top of the ATP Rankings and holding two Grand Slam titles, the 23-year-old will again lead the lines for his country as part of a strong Italian team.

Joining him are top-30 singles stars Lorenzo Musetti and Flavio Cobolli, while accomplished doubles players Andrea Vavassori and Simone Bolleli have also been selected.

Italy’s defence in Malaga will start with a quarter-final versus Argentina.

Another nation with plenty of depth is the United States, with three current top-20 singles players in their squad.

Recent US Open finalist and national No 1 Taylor Fritz looks set to be their star player, joined by Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton.

Olympic silver medallists and doubles Grand Slam champions Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek also feature for Mike Bryan’s squad, who begin their campaign against Australia.

One team that has been dealt a significant blow is Germany, who will not be able to call on the services of Alexander Zverev.

The world No 2 has chosen to skip the event, in a move similar to that of WTA world No 1 Iga Swiatek – who will not play for Poland in the Billie Jean King Cup.

Germany will be led by Jan-Lennard Struff in Malaga, with strong doubles pairing Tim Putz and Kevin Krawietz also in their team.

They start their campaign against Canada, who were the champions in 2022.

Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov lead the Canadian team, with experienced doubles star Vasek Pospisil also a part of their squad.