Ben Shelton has one big regret after Rafael Nadal retires as Taylor Fritz also offers his thoughts

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Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz shared their thoughts on Rafael Nadal’s emotional retirement from tennis.

The American team is preparing to commence their Davis Cup finals against Argentina on Thursday.

Before the USA take to the court, they do not have the prospect of facing Rafael Nadal and host nation Spain looming.

They were shocked by the Netherlands, who sealed a 2-1 on Wednesday night to reach the Davis Cup semifinals and in the process end Nadal’s career.

What is Ben Shelton’s Rafael Nadal regret ahead of his retirement?

Rafael Nadal’s career is now over following Spain’s 2-1 defeat to The Netherlands in the Davis Cup finals.

The 38-year-old’s final match of his career was a 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp, and those who did not get the opportunity to play Nadal have missed out.

One of these players is Ben Shelton, who grew up watching the 22-time Grand Slam champion and to some extent wishes he was able to play against the tennis legend.

“Growing up, I was a big Rafa fan,” Shelton began. “Used to wear all his kits, his shoes, everything, a lot of neon colours. And being a lefty, he’s a guy that I have always kind of watched and tried to learn things from.

“One of those perfect examples of how to do things on and off the court, how to handle the press, how to win with class, how to lose with class

“The way he competes, he could maybe be down 6-0, 5-0, 40-Love, and still have a chance to win. He’s one of those guys you never think is out of it, one of those almost perfect competitors.

“For me to meet him for the first time was pretty crazy. I got to practice with him a few times, which was an amazing experience for me. Obviously I never got to play him. Probably lucky that I never got to play him. I guess it’s an experience that I wish I would have had.”

Taylor Fritz weighs in on Rafael Nadal’s retirement

Also commenting on Rafael Nadal’s retirement is Shelton’s compatriot Taylor Fritz. 

The 27-year-old and new World number four arrived in Malaga fresh off finishing runner-up at the ATP Finals in Turin.

He won two of his four matches against Nadal, including the 2022 Indian Wells final, which gave him the biggest title win of his career so far. Fritz commented on Nadal’s retirement and described the impact he has had on the younger generation.

“Yeah, we obviously grew up watching him, watching Fed. He was, like, the most, pretty much like the perfect role model for younger tennis players, for kids,” Fritz said.

“And it’s been an honour to just get the chance to play him and to play someone who I obviously grew up watching. Yeah, I mean, it’s crazy that it’s kind of just like the end of an era here.”