David Ferrer reveals the message he sent Rafael Nadal as soon as Spain’s Davis Cup finals draw was announced

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Spain’s captain David Ferrer has issued a fresh update after facing questions about Rafael Nadal’s selection in the Davis Cup squad.

A grisly and challenging reality seems to have hit Rafael Nadal slightly later than it has the rest of the tennis world.

After the 38-year-old announced his withdrawal from the US Open, it looked like he’d be following in Roger Federer’s footsteps and retiring at the Laver Cup.

However, in a script-flip, Nadal pulled out of the Berlin event at the last minute, once again prompting major questions over his retirement.

Named in Spain’s Davis Cup squad for the Malaga finals in November, team captain David Ferrer, four years older than Nadal, has identified the major problem his countryman is facing.

David Ferrer outlines the big problem Rafael Nadal is facing

A three-time Davis Cup champion with Spain, Ferrer was helped to the finals by two thrilling Carlos Alcaraz singles performances against France and Czechia.

Ferrer was initially uncertain about Nadal’s Davis Cup involvement, however named the 22-time champion in Spain’s squad for the finals.

Speaking to Sala de Jugadores, Ferrer was frank about his position on his former rival. “Yes, if he’s fit and I see him training well, I will put him as our number two.

In fact, when the draw came out, the first message I sent was to him: ‘Get ready, you’re going to play Van de Zandschulp,’ who’s the second. And do you know what he replied? He said, ‘I’ll be there.’ That was his response.”

Ferrer continued: “I know that even if Rafa is struggling physically, he’s an honest person, and when he steps onto the court, I know he will give 100%, and I know what he’s capable of when competing.

“The problem he’s facing is what happens to all of us when the time comes: you win fewer matches or get injured. If you drop in ranking, it’s because physically you can’t maintain the level consistently, but in a single match, Rafa can be unbeatable.”

Nadal expressed his desire for Davis Cup involvement, especially after having forged a successful partnership with Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics.

Choosing Rafael Nadal isn’t actually a huge gamble

One might reasonably suggest that Nadal’s lack of form, injury-woes, and imminent retirement are enough red flags for Ferrer that he’s actually left with a rather easy decision.

However, with Alcaraz the obvious first choice and a set of handy doubles players, Nadal’s inclusion makes whole lot of sense.

World number 45 Pedro Martinez is the only Spanish player also in the top 50 for singles. Why not go with an admittedly inconsistent, but no less intimidating opponent for one singles match.

While injury-hampered for much of 2024, Nadal still managed to reach the Swedish Open final in July despite not playing since the first-round of French Open.

Counting down the matches before he retires, a last flourish on home soil feels the exact place Nadal will want to produce his very best for a final time.