‘Rafael Nadal will not jeopardise team’s result’ for farewell at Davis Cup Finals
Paris Masters tournament director Cedric Pioline believes Rafael Nadal will “only play the doubles” in his farewell event at the Davis Cup Finals.
The former world No 5 declared Nadal will not want to “jeopardise the team’s result for his personal need to say goodbye.”
Nadal will retire following his appearance at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals knockout stage in Malaga, which will be held from November 19-24.
The 38-year-old Spanish legend has suggested he may not play at all in Malaga if he does not feel physically ready.
“Will I be ready for the Davis Cup? Emotionally, yes, that’s for sure; physically and tennis-wise, I still have a month ahead of me,” Nadal said at a press conference during the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia.
“I will prepare, I will try to be in shape to help the team win. If I feel ready and the captain feels the same way, it will be his decision. If I don’t feel ready, I will be the first to step away and see how I can help.
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“First, I have to be the one who feels competitive to get into the game, then you can win or lose, that’s part of the sport. If I’m not 100% or if I’m far from winning my match, I won’t go on the court.”
Pioline revealed he enquired about Nadal’s interest in playing at next week’s Paris Masters ahead of the former world No 1’s Davis Cup farewell.
“I asked if there was any interest but the answer was very clear: he has decided to play the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga as his last event and he will not play an official tournament until then,” the Frenchman told the media.
The two-time Grand Slam runner-up also addressed the likelihood of Nadal competing in singles at the Davis Cup Finals.
“It’s hard to know whether he feels he’s performing well and whether he thinks he can bring something to the table,” Pioline added.
“From what I know of him, I’m of the opinion that he’ll only play the doubles to take his leave and not jeopardise the team’s result for his personal need to say goodbye.
“There’s a form of risk [in not playing before the Davis Cup Finals], but he knows himself well, he has a whole team and I think it’s clear in his head.
“The less we play, the less rhythm we have. The less rhythm you have, the less confidence you have. What’s certain is that with all his injuries in two years, others would have thrown in the towel sooner.
“To his credit, he hung in there and chose when and where to call it a day. That’s priceless.”
Nadal was beaten by Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympics in July in what will likely be the final official singles match of his glittering career.
