“If I could, I would continue to play tennis.”

Rafa Nadal was very clear at Spain’s first press conference in Davis Cup Final 2024quote marking his retirement: “If I could, I would continue playing tennis.”

Despite everything, the Mallorcan tennis player wanted to concentrate on the game and assured that “the emotions will remain until the end.”

“I’m not here to finish my career. I’m here to try to help the team and that’s the most important thing.”

Before and during the tournament we will be focused on what we need to do,” Nadal said. “I don’t pay much attention to opting out. “.

Last October, Nadal announced on his social media that this final stage of the 2024 Davis Cup would be his last tournament as a professional. The capstone of a career in which he won 92 individual ATP titles (22 Grand Slams) and five Salad bowls.

For the Spanish tennis player, the 2004 Davis Cup final was the first great joy of his career, so a victory 20 years later would complete the circle. However, at a press conference, he reminded that “there is no such thing as a perfect farewell.” “This is for American films, and I realized a long time ago that I wouldn’t have it.”

“My farewell will be whatever it is. It would be great if we could all be very competitive and try to win the Davis Cup. This is not only a pleasant farewell for me, but also a great joy for everyone.” he admitted.

Nadal will say goodbye after two “particularly difficult” years during which, as he admitted in his retirement announcement, he was unable to “play without restrictions.” In fact, the Mallorcan arrives at the Davis Cup having not played a match in more than three months.

His last match was the men’s doubles quarterfinals. 2024 Olympic Games in Pariswhere he was paired with Carlos Alcaraz.

“I haven’t played very much on the track for a few months now, so every day I try to try my best to be the best I can if I’m on the track,” he noted. “If I play, I am sure I will do so with the utmost enthusiasm and determination.”

“Over the last month and a half I have been working as much as possible. And there is improvement,” Nadal said.