David Ferrer admits he won’t ‘hold back’ tears on the imminent retirement of Rafael Nadal

Spanish Davis Cup team captain and former tennis player David Ferrer admitted that he will be deeply emotional when fellow Spaniard, Rafael Nadal , retires. The left-hander announced last month that he would retire from professional tennis, with the Davis Cup being his final ATP event.

While Nadal’s participation in the Davis Cup is still uncertain, Ferrer believes it is likely that the former World No. 1 will play, either in singles or doubles. The announcement of Nadal’s retirement has driven up ticket prices for the Spanish Davis Cup matches, making them the highest on the ATP tour right now.

I didn’t cry when I retired from tennis, but maybe for Rafa I won’t be able to hold it back. Let’s see, I’m very excited that it’s going well for Rafa, as a friend. I would be very excited if he ended up happy. What does it mean to win? Well yes, it’s a victory, but not for me but for everything he deserves for everything he has achieved. The problem is that it’s something you can’t control. What happens in Malaga won’t change his life or his career. But on a personal level, I would like him to leave with a good taste in his mouth.
David Ferrer in a long interview on Marca

Nadal joins a growing list of prominent players who have announced their retirements this year. Among them are Andy Murray, Dominic Thiem , Richard Gasquet, and Diego Schwartzman.

Nadal will be the second member of the ‘Big 3’ to retire, following Roger Federer . The 38-year-old was present for Federer’s retirement event at the Laver Cup in 2022, and the Swiss Maestro is expected to be in Malaga to support Nadal later this year.
David Ferrer assesses Rafael Nadal’s playing chances in Davis Cup

Spanish Davis Cup captain David Ferrer has suggested that Rafael Nadal may participate in the singles event next month in Malaga. Fans are eager to see if the tennis legend will compete, and Ferrer’s comments have fueled excitement.

I’m the captain and I’m the one who has to decide. I have a lot of confidence in Rafa because I’ve lived with him all my career and I know his honesty if he sees himself capable of competing or not. My idea after talking to him is that he’s ready to play.
David Ferrer said in an interview on Marca

Nadal has played only one event since the Paris Olympics, where he represented Spain in both singles and doubles. Earlier this month, he participated in the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh. Unfortunately, he lost both matches there.

I spoke with Rafa on Wednesday, I am also in constant contact with his coach Carlos Moya and his agent Carlos Costa. They update me very regularly. I’ll decide in Malaga, when I see how he trains. But the same will happen with the rest of the players. If Nadal trains at a good level and is in good physical shape, that’s an alternative, of course.
David Ferrer added

In Riyadh, Nadal was defeated by fellow Spaniard and future Olympic doubles partner Carlos Alcaraz. He then faced Novak Djokovic, suffering another straight-set loss. As the elder Spaniard nears the end of his career, rumors about his Davis Cup involvement continue to grow.

Ferrer has even mentioned that he would love for Nadal to become Spain’s Davis Cup captain one day. The tournament in Malaga is set to begin on November 19 and will run until November 24.