Rafael Nadal Davis Cup decision confirmed – will Federer, Djokovic, Murray be there?
Rafael Nadal will play a singles match in Spain’s Davis Cup quarter-final tie against the Netherlands, according to reports.
The legendary Spaniard will retire after the Davis Cup Final 8 stage, which is being held in Malaga from November 19 to 24.
Nadal has been selected by captain David Ferrer to play as Spain’s No 2 singles player in the first match of the quarter-final clash on Tuesday, Spanish newspaper Marca has claimed.
The decision was reportedly made on Monday night after Ferrer was impressed with Nadal’s level in a practice session with Carlos Alcaraz. Ferrer is due to confirm which players will feature at around 2pm in Spain.
Nadal is set to face Dutch No 2 and world No 80 Botic van de Zandschulp in a match scheduled to start at 5pm local time (4pm in the UK). The 38-year-old holds a 2-0 record against van de Zandschulp, who he defeated at the French Open and Wimbledon in 2022.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has not played a competitive singles match since his loss to Novak Djokovic in the second round of the Paris Olympics at the end of July.
Nadal played two exhibition matches — against Djokovic and Alcaraz — at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh last month.
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Davis Cup tournament director Feliciano Lopez has revealed both Djokovic and Andy Murray have requested to attend Nadal’s farewell, while Roger Federer has remained tight-lipped about making an appearance.
In Spain’s press conference ahead of the Davis Cup Finals, Nadal was asked if he expects Federer to come to Malaga after he attended the Swiss’ farewell event at the 2022 Laver Cup.
“Different situation. I was there to play. There we were teammates. Here we are in a Spanish team,” the former world No 1 said.
“I didn’t talk to Roger. I think Roger have busy schedule. By the way, of course that’s going to be my last week on the professional tour, but I don’t think going to be my last good-bye. So gonna be another chances to do something.”
Four-time major winner Alcaraz, the world No 3, is expected to face Dutch No 1 Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles match.
Spain’s team for a potential decisive doubles tie is yet to be confirmed, with Marcel Granollers, Roberto Bautista Agut and Pedro Martinez also in Ferrer’s squad.
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