Malaga: In what comes as great news for tennis fans across the globe, Rafael Nadal will play for Spain in their opening Davis Cup finals singles fixture against the Netherlands on Tuesday, November 19. The 38-year-old tennis icon, retiring from professional tennis after the event, was picked by skipper David Ferrer to face Botic van de Zandschulp in Malaga, Spain.
Earlier, it was believed that Nadal, due to his recent injury concerns, will only play doubles rubber in the Davis Cup, which is considered to be the World Cup event for tennis.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, will draw curtains on a glittering career following the conclusion of the Spain vs Netherlands clash. The Finals format begins with the last eight teams battling it out in the quarter-finals followed by the semifinals and the summit clash.
Nadal ready for his swansong on home soil
Nadal will hang up his racquet in front of his home crowd, who will now witness their favourite son play singles rubber. Nadal has featured in Spain’s five Davis Cup title wins with the latest triumph coming five years ago in 2019.
Nadal’s career has been plagued with injuries over the past few years, with his fitness issues eventually forcing him to retire 23 years after he made his debut as a 14-year-old in 2001.
There was uncertainty over his participation in the singles runner but the ‘King of Clay’ has been selected by the team captain for one of the single rubbers hours before the fixture kicks off.
Nadal has not played an official singles match since the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he was knocked out in the second round.
The record-breaking tennis legend, who has won the French Open a remarkable 14 times, said Monday he is not focusing on his retirement but instead wants to help Spain end the five-year-long Davis Cup drought.
Nadal boasts an impressive 29-1 win-loss record in the Davis Cup, where he debuted in 2004.
Rafael Nadal: Retiring Spanish tennis icon to play singles for Spain in their Davis Cup Finals clash with the Netherlands. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
