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Rafael Nadal’s emotional farewell to the Davis Cup took another somber turn Tuesday, as the 22-time Grand Slam champion admitted that he wouldn’t pick himself to play again after his defeat to Botic Van De Zandschulp in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.
The 6-4, 6-4 loss not only left Spain facing an uphill battle to qualify for the semifinals.
Following the match, Nadal made it clear that, regardless of the loss, the decision of whether he would play again was ultimately up to Spain’s captain, David Ferrer. However, Nadal is doubtful of his own form, saying that he wouldn’t select himself for future ties.
“That’s why we have a captain on the team, you know. I am not the captain,” Nadal said.
“But, I mean, he make decision today. Hopefully, we have the chance to go through. And probably watching that today what the decision that at the end to put me on the court like second player didn’t work, probably the easy move and maybe the right move is to change. No, that’s the truth.”
“If I would be the captain, probably I will change, I don’t put myself the next day. If we go through, that’s my feeling. But at the end, is not my decision, and I’m sure that he will make the best decision possible for the team.”
Nadal, whose Davis Cup career started with a loss and coincidentally will ended with a loss, appeared to come to terms with the reality of his situation, acknowledging that his performance in what could be his final singles match was not up to his usual standards.
“I lost my first match in the Davis Cup, and I lost my last one. So we close the circle.”
“Of course, have been an emotional day, nerves before what can be my last singles match like professional.”
“That’s the way that I felt that. And then, yeah, of course, the emotions, feeling the national anthem for the last time like professional have been, you know, very special.”
“I tried to do my best. I tried to, at the same time, to stay as positive as possible in every single moment, to play with the right energy. Was not enough.”
“Congrats to Botic. That’s all. He was better than me.”
Looking ahead, Nadal is still hopeful Spain can overcome the Netherlands and progress to the semifinals. He also hopes to contribute one final time if needed.
If Spain can keep their Davis Cup hopes alive, they will face the winner of Germany vs. Canada in the next round.
“I mean, as I said, I went on court and I came here with the goal to help the team the way that I could help. Today I was selected to be on the court, so I tried to help the team to put a win out there, but was not possible.”
“I really hope that Carlos [Alcaraz] going to win his match, and then the doubles too. So, hopefully, we can keep going and I will keep working hard every day to be on the team in case that the team needs me one more time. If not, just support from the bench.”
