Rafael Nadal sent a four-word response to Spanish Davis Cup captain David Ferrer after learning his opponent for the tournament later this year. The tennis icon has endured a frustrating few months and has not played competitive tennis since returning home from the Olympics.

Nadal was comfortably defeated by Novak Djokovic in the Paris singles event. He then played doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz but the duo failed to reach the medal matches.

The 38-year-old pulled out of the Laver Cup last month, admitting he was not in the right condition to play at the tournament. That was despite speculation that the 22-time Grand Slam champion would copy Roger Federer by bowing out of tennis after playing for Team Europe.

But Ferrer is hopeful of having Nadal available for the Davis Cup in November. The Spain captain revealed that Nadal messaged him saying: “I will be ready.”

Ferrer told Spanish YouTube channel DGO: “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.’

“He’s going to play the Six Kings Slam this month and I would like him to compete in another event before playing with the team. I will talk to him about it in the coming weeks.”

Nadal is expected to play an exhibition event at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia this month. According to Ferrer, it is likely that he will play another event to prove his fitness ahead of the Davis Cup, with the final eight set to take place in Malaga.

Fans have heard little from Nadal about his condition since he crashed out of both competitions at the Olympics. However, he gave a rare interview to Spanish broadcaster El Hormiguero at the start of September, and insisted that he wishes to continue enjoying playing tennis.

Nadal pointed out that he missed the majority of the 2023 season and the first part of the current year. He has given himself time away from the sport.

“What I have done during all this time is to give myself a margin, to give myself the option to enjoy again, to play tennis after a year and a half away from the courts,” Nadal said. “And that’s what I’m doing, trying to enjoy every day, trying to do my best every day.”