Rafael Nadal in line for shock return and could play doubles again with Alcaraz

Posted by Admin September 16, 2024 Tennis

Spain’s Davis Cup captain has opened the door to a shock return for Rafael Nadal.

David Ferrer revealed he had spoken to the 22-time Grand Slam champion about joining the team for Finals week in Malaga.

If he does revive his Davis Cup career, Nadal could join forces with Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles after their recent run at the Olympics.

The 38-year-old has not played a match since he and Alcaraz lost in the quarter-final of the men’s doubles event at the Paris 2024 Games. Nadal pulled out of the US Open but repeatedly voiced his commitment to the upcoming Laver Cup, a Roger Federer-founded team tournament.

However, Nadal announced his Laver Cup withdrawal last week and said another player would be better placed to help Team Europe get the win, confirming he had “zero” physical issues. The former world No. 1 has yet to make a decision on his retirement but his future is now uncertain.

But he could be back in action at the end of the year after Spain qualified for the Davis Cup Finals, taking place from November 19 to 24. Team captain Ferrer says there’s a possibility Nadal could join the team for the World Cup of men’s tennis.

“Yes, I have spoken to him. I don’t know yet [about whether he will be in Malaga], but why not?” the retired tennis star said after Spain’s group stage heroics in Valencia.

“There is a possibility that he could be with us in Malaga. Regarding his refusal to be in Valencia, I knew that his objective was the Games and then to decide, he also had holidays. He was on tour competing and playing.”

Former world No. 3 Ferrer agreed with Nadal’s decision not to join the team for the group stage ties but he’s feeling positive about the Finals in Malaga. He continued: “As a friend, not as a captain, I thought it was a good idea that he didn’t come to Valencia.

“I think it was not appropriate, that he needed those days of rest and to be with his family. He has recharged his batteries, and from there, whether he decides to be in Malaga or not is something that I will discuss with him. We will decide what we do with him.

“The important thing is that Rafa is well, I know that if he is well and eager, he will arrive in Malaga in very good condition. From there, I don’t know, I wouldn’t tell you either.”

Nadal is a Davis Cup veteran. The 38-year-old has been part of the winning Spanish team four times, most recently in 2019. He has a staggering 29-1 win-loss record in singles matches at the team tournament and has also been involved in several doubles rubbers.

If he does return to the squad in November, doubles could be a good starting point for Nadal given his lack of match play in recent years. Nadal and Alcaraz have already proven to be a formidable pair at the Olympics and could be used at the Davis Cup.