Tennis fans are currently itching to see Rafael Nadal back in action in what’s probably going to be the last season of his illustrious career. The 38-year-old tennis star was last seen in action at the Paris Olympics where he lost to Novak Djokovic in the R2. Nadal skipped the 2024 US Open due to fitness concerns and now as per recent reports, he has also withdrawn his name from the Laver Cup which will be held on September 20-22. This move has sparked retirement speculation but everything is not gloomy for his fans. Spain’s Davis Cup captain, David Ferrer, recently gave an update on Rafael Nadal’s availability in Malaga.
Spain has got off to a flier in the 112th edition of the Davis Cup. Three ties, three wins, and Ferrer couldn’t be more pleased with his team’s performance. However, the addition of Rafael Nadal will boost their confidence further. Speaking about the probabilities of his inclusion in the team, Ferrer said, “I have spoken to Rafa (Nadal) but I don’t know yet, why not? There is a possibility that he could be with us in November. I knew that Rafa’s objective this summer was the Olympic Games, then he had holidays.”
The 42-year-old Spanish former tennis player further went on to add, “As a friend, I don’t say it as a captain, I think it’s good that he wasn’t here in Valencia, I think it wasn’t his turn to be here because he needed those days of rest and to be with his family. From here, what he decides about being in Malaga or not, will be a subject that I will discuss with him later. The important thing is that he is well, if they arrive in good condition I’m sure he is a player we can count on.” Spain has won 6 Davis Cup titles as of now and has been runners up 4 times as of now. Looking at their current form, Spanish fans can surely expect something big from this campaign.
Just imagine how wonderful it’d be to see Rafael Nadal walking off with the 7th Davis Cup title for his nation. Although Ferrer has admitted that there is still a long way to go before taking a call on the team that will be there in Malaga, fans have become quite excited with this little teaser surrounding their favorite tennis star. Nadal has always been that team man that the captains seek for.
For example, while announcing his withdrawal from this year’s Laver Cup, he said he was very much disappointed to miss this opportunity in Berlin. However, at the same time, he also mentioned, “This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them and at this moment there are other players who can help the team deliver the win.” Nadal last played at the Laver Cup in 2022 with Roger Federer. What did the tennis world say about this withdrawal?
American tennis legend shows support for Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal decision from the Laver Cup
Frequent injuries and recovery time have deprived the fans of witnessing one of the greatest in the tennis world this season. Rafael Nadal has played just 17 matches this season! Although, he has recently claimed that, “Mentally I’m good, no problems. I’m at home, enjoying other things, training as much as I can every day,” fans want him to see him in action as soon as possible.
Talking about getting back to the court, Rafael Nadal will most probably seen in action at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh. It’ll be held from October 16 to 19 and that’s probably will be his last tournament before the Davis Cup (if he plays). Talking about his recent withdrawal from the Laver Cup, several tennis stars have come up with mixed reactions.
For example, his compatriot, Alex Corretja, admitted that he was “really surprised” with his call because he felt the Laver Cup was meant to be more relaxed. He has also said that this is probably also an alarming sign of what’s coming next surrounding the 38-year-old tennis G.O.A.T. However, Corretja remains very hopeful about Nadal’s participation in the Davis Cup. “To be part of the Davis Cup final phase would be phenomenal for him and the entire Spanish team,” he added.
On the other hand, American tennis legend, Patrick McEnroe feels Rafael Nadal has taken the right call by announcing his withdrawal from the Laver Cup. He said, “Knowing where he’s at and knowing what he’s been struggling with, I think it was the right move.” McEnroe highlighted Nadal’s struggle on the indoor hard courts and he thinks this could’ve been more challenging for his body too at the moment. Grigor Dimitrov will most likely replace him at the Laver Cup. What are your thoughts on Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from the Laver Cup and Ferrero’s hint about Rafa’s inclusion in the Davis Cup team later this year?
