Rafael Nadal insists Spain success at Davis Cup is more important than retirement party in Malaga

Rafael Nadal has insisted he is not concerned about an “ideal ending” to his tennis career on an individual level, with his full focus on helping Spain to win the Davis Cup.

The 38-year-old illustrious career comes to an end this week, having announced last month that he would be retiring after representing Spain in a final appearance for his country.

That ensures the curtain comes down for Nadal on home soil, with the Davis Cup Finals being played in Malaga, and it is certain to be an emotional week as the sport says farewell to the 22-time Grand Slam champion.

Spain face the Netherlands on Tuesday in a quarter-final tie, in what could prove to be the end of Nadal’s career, but a decision has not yet been made on what role he will play against the Dutch.

The Spaniard’s only appearance since the Olympics came last month at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia, leaving Spain captain David Ferrer with a big decision to make on how he utilises Nadal.

However, speaking ahead of the event, Nadal made it clear that the team’s success should be put before any desire to give him a perfect send-off.

"Sport is not mathematics and you can't predict what will happen,” Nadal said.

“I'm going to enjoy myself as much as possible both on the court and if I have to be on the sidelines. There are no ideal endings. Ideal endings usually happen in American movies. It's not something that worries me in that sense. My farewell is going to be what it's going to be.

"What I want is for the team to be competitive and to be able to win the Davis Cup. My big farewell would be a joy of winning with everyone. I don't know if I'll play a match or not. I've played very little in recent times."

He added: “I'm enjoying the week, I'm not paying much attention to the retirement thing.”

Spain have won the Davis Cup six times and Nadal has been there to lift the trophy on four occasions, first doing so in 2004 and then most recently in 2019, when Nadal won all eight of the matches he played in the finals.

He said it is “super special” for him to bow out on home soil, where Spanish fans will be hoping he rekindles his doubles partnership with Carlos Alcaraz from the Olympics.

"One thing has been so important for me because I'm going to leave this professional tour with the calm and with the personal satisfaction that I gave my best almost in every single moment," Nadal said.

"I have the chance to retire in my country. I enjoy living here in Spain and it's something that makes me really happy. The team was already in Valencia to get into this Final Eight in Malaga and now I'm feeling incredible support from everyone.

"The kids, the press... all the people are enjoying me and are showing it to me. It's super special."