Rafael Nadal is set to compete in his final professional match during Spain’s Davis Cup Finals quarterfinal against the Netherlands. Spain’s tennis legend, Carlos Moya, who also serves as Nadal’s coach, confessed that he is “not prepared” for Nadal’s farewell in Malaga on Tuesday. Nadal is scheduled to play the first singles match on Tuesday against Botic van de Zandschulp, instead of participating in the doubles as initially planned. This decision aims to conclude his illustrious career on a triumphant note.
Carlos Moya, who has been with Nadal’s team since 2016, stated that he “fully accepted” Nadal’s choice to retire after enduring numerous injuries that hindered his return to the tour. Although he understands and supports Nadal’s decision, Moya finds it difficult to grasp that the 22-time Grand Slam champion will be playing his final match on Tuesday.
“I have fully accepted it because it’s a well-thought-out decision,” Moya said. “We’ve discussed it extensively. It’s not an impulsive choice.”
“What I am struggling with is the reality that today marks Rafa’s last day as an active player,” he added. “I have accepted that this is his final week, but it’s still hard to process.”
Moya expressed his hope and excitement to be present until Sunday, aiming to celebrate Nadal and honor his contributions to the sport. “For now, I am completely supportive and delighted to be here.”
Despite the focus on Nadal’s retirement during the Davis Cup event in Malaga, the tennis star emphasized that his primary goal is to help the team progress to the semifinals and secure the Davis Cup title, which Spain last won in 2019.
“I am not here to retire; I am here to support the team,” Nadal said last week. “Although this is my last week on the professional tour, our priority is the team competition.”
Nadal, a four-time Davis Cup champion, was a key player in Spain’s victorious 2019 team. He holds an impressive 29-1 singles record in the competition, remaining unbeaten since 2004.
