Rafael Nadal, Davis Cup goal | ATP Tour

Rafael Nadal

Nadal, Davis Cup goal

The Spaniard is carefully preparing to retire in the Davis Cup final.

October 17, 2024

Rafael Nadal introduced himself to the world in the 2004 Davis Cup final. In front of more than 27,000 spectators at the Estadio de la Cartuja in Seville, Mallorca won their second point against Andy Roddick in an epic match that set the stage for victory. the whole country.

Now, more than 20 years later and a sporting legend, the winner of 22 Grand Slam titles chose this event (the Davis Cup) to finally bring the curtain down on his career as a professional athlete.

“It comes full circle,” said Carlos Moya, one of Manacori’s coaches. “The start of his stellar career, the turning point was the 2004 Davis Cup when he beat Roddick. It is from there that we begin to see his true potential, becoming the player we later saw. He is very pleased to say goodbye like this, in Spain and in this team competition. It will be something special and he thinks he makes it difficult for the captain so they can pick him knowing they have great players in the team.”

To reach this decision, Nadal went through a long process throughout 2024.

“We have been thinking pretty much the same throughout this period, starting with the operation,” explained Carlos Moya, one of the coaches of the 22 Grand Slam champion. “When he decided to have surgery, we weren’t sure whether he would come back or not. He intends to return, but you never know what you will look like after surgery, especially at 37 years old,” continued the Mallorcan.

“When we start training in October, November and December, we see that the level is good,” the coach recalled. “And that is why we are very enthusiastic about going to Australia. The first big event will take place in Brisbane in the first week of the year. We’re told he won’t be able to play at the Australian Open, and that’s a huge step back. Then small injuries come that we didn’t count on, and we have to leave the tournaments along the way,” he added. “Before Roland Garros I had a conversation with him. He sincerely asks me if I think he should back off or hold out for a while. I told him, “Why are you going to say anything now?” Imagine winning Roland Garros and then going to Wimbledon and doing well… you leave the door open, you carry on with enthusiasm and joy, and we’re in the first week in a long time that you’ve made it through a tournament without getting hurt. Let’s see.’ He thinks exactly the same, and that’s it. Then Roland Garros happens, the Olympic Games… and we all see that they are running out of clear and realistic goals.”

After retiring, Nadal set himself one last “clear and realistic goal” of his professional life: to represent Spain in the Davis Cup final in Malaga. To this end, the Spaniard has been training rigorously at Movistar’s Rafa Nadal Academy in an attempt to make life difficult for David Ferrer, the captain of the Spanish team, when it is his turn to select the tennis players who will take to the court. On November 19, they will meet with the Netherlands.

The most anticipated ending of the party.