However, the legend keeps things realistic, admitting he will not play in singles alongside Carlos Alcaraz if his teammates show better form. Nadal is ready to sit out the tie against the Netherlands and support his country from the stands, placing the team's result above his retirement.

The 38-year-old Nadal has been on tour for more than 20 years and is the second member of the so-called Big Three of men’s tennis to stop playing. Roger Federer announced his departure in 2022, while Novak Djokovic is still near the top of the game.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, worn down by years of injuries after two decades on tour, is not in the best of health. While he will partner with Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles at Davis

Rafa Nadal said he could skip singles matches at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga this week and limit himself to doubles action if it helped Spain's title chances in his last tournament as a professional player.

Rafael Nadal is ready to skip singles matches at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga if he believes he is not good enough to help Spain succeed in his farewell tournament.

Rafael Nadal is ready to skip singles matches at the Davis Cup finals if he feels he is not prepared enough to help Spain succeed in his farewell tournament

Spain's Rafael Nadal acknowledges the crowd after he was defeated by Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their semi-final tennis match in the "6 Kings Slam" exhibition tournament in Riyadh on October 17, 2024.

Iga Swiatek has admitted she is unsure whether she is going to watch any tennis after her idol Rafael Nadal retires from the sport. The world No 2 revealed Nadal was the only player she watched after meeting with the Spanish legend in Malaga.