Rafael Nadal is back on the court! After a disappointing Laver Cup withdrawal, the Mallorcan legend will play in Malaga. His inclusion has pleased Spain’s Davis Cup captain, David Ferrer. As Ferrer delves deeper into his feelings about sharing the team with his old pal, he brings special hope for the former ATP number one. Following Ferrer’s statement, the fraternity is left with a great question: Will Rafael Nadal keep up with Ferrer’s expectations in the tournament?
Ferrer had an interesting hope for Rafael Nadal in the Davis Cup finals. This former player and Spain’s captain for the tournament is already pleased with the team’s performance, which includes three wins and three ties. However, he thought the Mallorcan’s addition would add more glory to the team, boosting their confidence.
Hoping for Nadal’s participation, Ferrer said previously, “I have spoken to Rafa (Nadal), but I don’t know yet; why not? There is a possibility that he could be with us in November. I knew that Rafa’s objective this summer was the Olympic Games, then he had holidays.” Now that Nadal’s participation is confirmed, Ferrer hopes something big for the former ATP number one.
The Davis Cup captain for Spain hoped that Nadal would play singles in the tournament final with participation in a preparatory event. “When the draw came out, I sent him a message and told him to prepare to play against Botic Van de Zandschulp. His answer was clear: ‘I will be ready,’” Ferrer confirmed. Before participating with the team, Ferrer expected the Mallorcan to play in another event before. He assured having a talk with Nadal in the coming weeks.
Ferrer added more hope to Nadal’s inclusion. He explained how he thinks Nadal is doing well to participate in the Davis Cup in peak form. “As a friend, I don’t say it as a captain; I think it’s good that he wasn’t here in Valencia; I think it wasn’t his turn to be here because he needed those days of rest and to be with his family. From here, what he decides about being in Malaga or not will be a subject that I will discuss with him later. The important thing is that he is well; if they arrive in good condition, I’m sure he is a player we can count on.”
Ferrer’s statement helped to understand how much Spain, the six-time winner and four-time runner-up, is excited to have Nadal back in their roaster. Previously, Nadal withdrew from the Laver Cup. While the decision made his supporters anxious about injury issues, Nadal cleared the air. He simply addressed how his form wasn’t appropriate for helping Team Europe win the trophy. However, Ferrer seemed very hopeful about his participation in the Malaga Final 8.
David Ferrer believes Rafa “will give his 100%”
In an interview with the YouTube channel Sala de Jugadores, Ferrer had a detailed discussion of his feelings on Nadal’s inclusion in the national team for the 2024 Davis Cup. He started hailing the Mallorcan as “an honest person.”
Praising Rafa, he further said, “If he steps on the court, he will give his 100%. I’m aware of his competitive capabilities; the issue he is facing is that physically he can’t sustain the level for long periods, but in a single match, he can be unbeatable. You can never count out a player like him. The fact that he is so thrilled to be with the team, as he was the one who called me before the qualifying phase, makes me see that it’s perfect to have him with us.”
Rafa might not be in his peak form, but Ferrer believes otherwise. He still thinks the legend is unbeatable in singles matches, for which he is an essential addition to the team. However, Ferrer wishes to see Nadal in competitive events before the Davis Cup, and he revealed having a talk with Carlos Moya for preparation.
David Ferrer’s expectation with Rafael Nadal brings hope to Nadal’s supporters about their favorite player. Given Nadal has taken a rest, he might truly return to the 2024 Davis Cup with his full glory. Do you think it will be worthwhile to see the Mallorcan legend perform for Spain again?
