Davis Cup
Pre-tournament interview
Translated from Spanish via Google
RFET, 16 November 2024:
¤¤ Nadal: "The truth is that I want to live this week in whatever way I can”
Rafael Nadal has explained, exclusively, to the official RFET channels his first impressions after his arrival in Malaga to join the Spanish team to play in the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8 that will be his last competition as a professional tennis player.
"More or less, I have been able to make a good preparation, that's why I'm here. You have to look at the day to day, I have not competed for some time and the reality is that I want to live this week in whatever way I can. And in that sense, with the illusion of closing a very beautiful and long stage of my life; living these last moments with illusion, with normality, too, and well, accepting the fact that everything that has a beginning has an end," he said.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner recalled that he has not competed for some time, but is confident in his chances: “
I’m going to try to prepare myself in the best way possible to be available to David (Ferrer) and then we’ll see what the captain decides. I want to help in any way, whether it is playing or not, just being here and contributing in any way that I can."
In this sense he insists that: “
First, we have to see how I am feeling these days in training, and if I really don’t see myself ready to win the singles, then I'm the first one who will talk to the captain.” Aware of the media expectation that his announcement of his retirement has aroused, he assures that: “
I have already told David on many occasions not to make any decision based on the fact that this is my last week as a professional tennis player. The team comes first, and he should not be affected in the slightest by the noise that may be around. He has to do what is best for the team and what he wants.”
Nadal also explained why he chose the Davis Cup to end his career as a tennis player: "
I think my first great joy as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup in 2004. As things turned out, I was given the opportunity to be here when the team qualified in Valencia. I spoke to David and he told me that he was counting on me, and that I would prepare myself as best as I could and then we would see.”
On the chances of lifting the Davis Cup trophy for the last time, he says: "
Of course, there are always options, but it’s a difficult surface, because it’s a fast surface. Anything can happen. I’m more than grateful and satisfied with everything that has happened to me during all these years.
What I would like, obviously, is for the team to work well and have the chance to win another Davis Cup, whether I’m playing or cheering from the stands.” ¤¤
www.rfet.es
The full interview (in Spanish):
Vamos Rafa!
...
