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Eight nations will likely be battling it out in Malaga from Tuesday for the Davis Cup which presently is held by Italy, favourites to retain it with a staff led by the world No1 and winner of final weekend’s ATP Finals title.
Then it’s in fact going to be my final week on the skilled tour, however on the finish, we’re right here in a staff’s competitors Rafa Nadal
However whereas the week’s outcomes will likely be adopted with curiosity, the person focus of consideration will likely be directed in direction of Rafa Nadal and his Spanish staff, for it will likely be his final look on the skilled circuit.
The event will likely be an emotional affair for the favored 38-year-old 22-time grand slam champion, particularly as he has determined to lastly dangle up his racket whereas representing his nation on house soil.
Rafa Nadal and his staff mates face a packed press convention
Picture by Matt McNulty/Getty Photographs for ITF)
His pre-tournament press convention attracted a lot media consideration that the press room on this occasion, was at a convention facility on the Costa del Sol!
Whether or not he’ll really play is just not sure for he has solely competed as soon as for the reason that Olympics and that was at a profitable exhibition occasion in Saudi Arabia the place he misplaced each his singles matches.
But when requested he hoped to maintain his feelings underneath management, saying: “If I’m on courtroom, hopefully not (present emotion). No, as a result of on the finish I’m not right here for retiring. I’m right here to attempt to assist the staff.
“Then it’s in fact going to be my final week on the skilled tour, however on the finish, we’re right here in a staff’s competitors.
“Crucial factor right here is to attempt to assist the staff and to remain all targeted on what we’ve to do, that’s play tennis and do it very properly. As a result of the rival(ry) goes to be troublesome, and the situations are troublesome, too. So then the feelings are going to be for the top.
“To play my final occasion in Spain, it’s one thing that I’m very pleased with. As a result of I’ll by no means have the prospect to thank sufficient everyone right here in Spain, the help that I obtain and the love that I felt all the time.”
And may he be chosen to play singles, he has ready for it however the closing resolution is the captain’s.
“I simply tried to work as exhausting as doable the final month and a half, then right here, simply attempting to do my greatest each single day.
“In fact, if you find yourself not competing fairly often, it’s just a little bit tougher to carry the extent in a relentless foundation, however I’ve good moments, tougher moments. I feel the development is there daily, however we’ve an awesome staff in Spain.
“So, the factor is all these gamers on the tour are taking part in very properly, having nice seasons. Then it’s the work of the captain to determine what he feels it’s higher for the staff.”
Captain David Ferrer stated he has not but selected his staff, though Carlos Alcaraz appears positive to play regardless of the sickness that affected him on the ATP Finals final week.
Spain is dealing with The Netherlands on Tuesday with Tallon Griekspoor main their problem and it’s anticipated that Ferrer will choose Alcaraz to face him whereas Nadal joins forces with Marcel Granollers for the doubles.
The opposite quarter closing matches see Germany face Canada on Wednesday whereas Italy begin the defence of their title on Thursday which additionally sees the USA face Australia. The semi-finals are scheduled for Friday (Netherlands/Spain vs Germany/Canada) and Saturday (USA/Australia vs Italy/Argentina) with the ultimate, which might be watched on BBC iPlayer or the BBC Crimson Button, on Sunday.
Normal view of Davis Cup branding previous to the 2024 Davis Cup Finals at Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena
(Picture by Matt McNulty/Getty Photographs for ITF)
