Revealed: Why Rafael Nadal may not participate in proposed last pro tournament
Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has expressed doubts about his participation in the Davis Cup Finals, which is scheduled to be his final professional tournament before retirement.
Nadal, 38, has battled persistent injuries in recent years and recently hinted that his physical condition may not allow him to feature in the team-based competition.
This announcement follows his appearance at the Six Kings Slam, a high-profile exhibition event in Saudi Arabia. In the semi-finals, Nadal lost 6-3, 6-3 to Carlos Alcaraz before being beaten by Novak Djokovic in the third-place match.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion is aiming to end his illustrious career on home soil with the Davis Cup Finals, but he admitted that being physically ready in time may be a challenge.
“Will I be ready for the Davis Cup? Emotionally, yes, that’s for sure; physically and tennis-wise, I still have a month ahead of me,” Nadal explained.
Despite his desire to play, Nadal is determined to put the team’s needs first:
“I will prepare and try to be in shape to help the team win. If I feel ready and the captain feels the same way, it will be his decision. If I don’t feel ready, I will be the first to step away and see how I can help.”
Nadal emphasized the importance of being competitive:
“First, I have to be the one who feels competitive to get into the game. If I’m not 100 per cent or far from winning my match, I won’t go on the court.”
Nadal, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most beloved figures in tennis, has endured a career plagued by injuries but still amassed 22 Grand Slam titles. His farewell at the Davis Cup Finals was intended to provide a fitting conclusion to a storied career.
However, Nadal’s recent struggles have cast doubt on whether he will be able to take the court for one last time. Fans around the world are hoping to see him in action, but the tennis icon remains focused on making a thoughtful decision based on his physical readiness.
If Nadal is unable to participate, his legacy in the sport will remain intact—marked by fierce competitiveness, historic achievements, and unwavering sportsmanship.
