After Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Laver Cup, more questions grew over his possible retirement at the Davis Cup, however David Ferrer has not ruled out calling on the 38-year-old in November.
Spain capped off a glorious week on home soil in Valencia with a thrilling 2-1 upset against Australia to finish top of Group B.
David Ferrer’s Davis Cup team contained both Carlos Alcaraz as well the world number one in doubles, Marcel Granollers, but Rafael Nadal was out of the running months ago.
Despite the strength of the team, Alcaraz was rested for the final tie with qualification already secured.
At 1-1, the tie went to a doubles decider. The Valencia-born Pedro Martinez managed to create absolute magic in front of an electric home crowd.
Combining with Granollers, the duo came past doubles specialists and recent US Open and Olympic champion Max Purcell and Matthew Ebden.
While technically a ‘dead rubber’ as both teams had already qualified, the pride felt by the Spanish pair throughout was palpable, ultimately pushing them over the line.
David Ferrer hints at a potential Rafael Nadal comeback for the Davis Cup
With several teams playing weakened teams after the ruthless American hard-court swing, Nadal’s absence was on the 38-year-old’s terms.
Australian team captain Lleyton Hewitt labelled the Davis Cup schedule ‘ridiculous’ with his doubles player Purcell playing through injury and Alex de Minaur missing out through injury.
In charge of Team USA, Bob Bryan praised his makeshift American team but also hinted that the set-up could change, with the likes of Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe potential replacements.
Ferrer suggested similar, telling reporters in his Davis Cup press conference: “I have spoken to Rafa… And why not? There is still time, I will speak to him and we will decide what we will do. The important thing is that he is well and, if he wants to, he will be in good condition.
“It was not his turn, he needed days of rest and to be with his family and recharge his batteries. I will attend some tournaments and decide on the team.
“The good thing is that I have great players and the bad thing is that there are always some who have to be left out, but as of today I don’t have a 100% clear team,” Ferrer shrugged. “What I do know is that this week I have been immensely happy to see them compete and the great team atmosphere they have had.”
Why did Rafael Nadal pull out of the Laver Cup?
Nadal announced via a statement posted by the Laver Cup that he will no longer be taking part in the team event, despite experiencing no physical issues.
This would have been his fourth Laver Cup appearance but with him no longer set to compete, Nadal’s tennis future is unclear.
With Grigor Dimitrov parachuted in to take Nadal’s place, the theories over his presumed imminent retirement have only communed to spawn.
John McEnroe suggested Nadal’s retirement might wait until next year, claiming the Spaniard still displays a clear ‘appetite’ to play.
The Davis Cup on home soil may well be the most fitting place for Nadal to combine with Alcaraz, like he did at the Olympics, and bring the curtain down on his illustrious career.
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