Rafael Nadal expresses contentment with his efforts as he prepares to conclude his illustrious career at the Davis Cup finals in Málaga this week. “Ultimately, I achieved what mattered most to me, as this moment has arrived, and I am at peace knowing I gave my all,” Nadal stated. “I began playing and practicing at the age of seven. Although I started at three, it was around that age I began to devote more time with passion, love, and the determination to excel.

“I am not the type to say, ‘No, I wouldn’t change anything,’ as that seems arrogant to me. Of course, I would change aspects, but one thing that has been crucial for me is that I will leave the professional tour with the calm and personal satisfaction of having given my best almost every single moment.” This season has been a reflective one for the 22-time grand slam champion. After returning from hip surgery in January, Nadal’s hopes for a triumphant comeback were not realized, leading him to announce his retirement last month. Nadal clarifies that he is not mentally exhausted but rather physically constrained, prompting the end of his career.

“If I were to detail the physical struggles I’ve faced throughout my career, it would take more than five minutes,” Nadal said, laughing. “I’ve encountered several episodes that complicated my performance, but I overcame them. The last injury in Australia necessitated hip surgery, requiring the removal of part of my iliopsoas muscle, which has hindered my ability to compete as I did for most of my career.

“All these issues I’ve faced have either found solutions or provided periods where I could play without limitations, only to return. This is why I’ve had so many breaks in my career. I simply feel I can no longer sustain my activity continuously and without limitations. I no longer have the windows that allow me to train or compete at 100%. This, along with other persistent injuries, limits me. It’s a combination that, like many other athletes, forces me to stop. It seems logical for someone who has worked as intensely as I have since the age of seven or eight.”

The Málaga city council has not taken the responsibility of bidding farewell to Spain’s greatest athlete lightly. A massive 2,600m2 banner reading “GRACIAS, RAFA” alongside an image of the 38-year-old adorns the city’s athletics stadium, situated across from the Palacio de Deportes, the tournament venue.

Given the immense fanfare and attention surrounding his retirement, the press conference room at the Palacio de Deportes could not accommodate the large audience, prompting the ITF to relocate Spain’s pre-tournament press event to a convention room in the player’s hotel, 12 miles away in Fuengirola. The rest of the Spanish team—Carlos Alcaraz, Marcel Granollers, Pedro Martínez, and Roberto Bautista Agut—mostly observed in silence as the majority of questions were directed at Nadal.

“I am not here to retire. I’m here to support the team,” Nadal said. “This will indeed be my last week on the professional tour, but our focus is on a team competition. The priority is to assist the team and remain concentrated on our task, which is to play tennis and play it well.”

The nature of Nadal’s involvement in his final tournament remains uncertain. Spanish captain David Ferrer will select the team for Tuesday’s quarter-final against the Netherlands. Based on current form, it appears likely that Alcaraz and Bautista Agut will play singles, while Nadal, who has not competed since the Olympics, might partner with Granollers in doubles.

“My grand farewell would be the joy of winning with everyone,” Nadal said. “I’m unsure how I will respond. I don’t know if I’ll play a match. I’ve played very little recently. Regarding Roger’s presence, I’m not sure if Federer will attend. He’ll try, but his schedule is very busy.”

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