David Ferrer remained tight-lipped when asked about Rafael Nadal’s future in tennis.
The 42-year-old is the captain of Spain’s Davis Cup team and he has been communicating with the 22-time Grand Slam champion over a possible appearance in the ‘Final 8’ this year.
Nadal has not played since the Olympic Games in July and he was due to compete in the Laver Cup before withdrawing just over a week before the tournament commenced.
Nadal’s schedule was unclear following the Laver Cup, and Ferrer was asked if Nadal could represent Spain in November. But the former World number one has now been named in the squad for the final stage of the Davis Cup in Malaga.
What did David Ferrer say about Rafael Nadal’s future?
In 2023 Rafael Nadal said that the 2024 season could be the final year of his illustrious career.
He has not officially announced that he will hang up his racket, but there are rumours he may do so given his surprise inclusion in Spain’s Davis Cup ‘Final 8’ squad.
Furthermore, with the matches taking place in Spain, it would give Nadal the opportunity to retire in front of his home fans.
When asked about how and when thinks Nadal may hang up his racket, Ferrer just wants Nadal to be content with the decision he makes.
“It’s a very personal matter; everyone retires how they want or how they feel like it. I am not able to say what the ideal retirement is,” the 2013 French Open runner-up said via Europa Press.
“You stop doing something that you have done all your life, that you have worked on all your life, and suddenly you stop doing it. As long as he is happy, it’s good enough for me.”
Who will Spain play in the Davis Cup ‘Final’ 8?
Spain reached the Davis Cup ‘Final 8’ after going through the group stages undefeated.
They beat Czechia, France and Australia to advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face the Netherlands.
Carlos Alcaraz played a starring role and he may have a chance to team up Nadal when they represent their country again, but this time on home soil.
Nadal is a five-time Davis Cup champion and the last of these victories came in 2019. He played eight matches in six days and won each of them with some ruthless performances.
He will be keen to replicate that feat in Malaga as he aims for a sixth Davis Cup title.
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