Paris Masters tournament director Cédric Pioline confirmed that he offered Rafael Nadal a wild card to participate in the upcoming tournament, but Rafa politely declined.
“I asked if there was any interest but the answer was very clear: he has decided to play the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga as his last event and he will not play an official tournament until then.”
Pioline also shared his uncertainty regarding Rafael Nadal’s form ahead of the Davis Cup Final 8, which is expected to be our champ’s farewell tournament.
“It’s hard to know whether he feels he’s performing well and whether he thinks he can bring something to the table,” Pioline added. “From what I know of him, I’m of the opinion that he’ll only play the doubles to take his leave and not jeopardize the team’s result for his personal need to say goodbye.
“There’s a form of risk (in not playing before) but he knows himself well, he has a whole team and I think it’s clear in his head. The less we play, the less rhythm we have. The less rhythm you have, the less confidence you have. What’s certain is that with all his injuries in two years, others would have thrown in the towel sooner. To his credit, he hung in there and chose when and where to call it a day. That’s priceless.”
❤️❤️😭😭
I agree with everything that’s been said so far. A sensible decision by Rafa, who doesn’t want to let his team and country down if he doesn’t feel he can win, and the indoor courts in Paris certainly isn’t the place for him to build confidence.
Rafa’s presence at the Davis Cup in whatever capacity will be a good morale boost for his team.
That is the right decision for Rafa. I am sad that Rafa may not play at Davis Cup although he will be there. Rafa is too much of a competitor to play unless he has a chance to win. Rafa will be so missed, but he will have a wonderful full life after tennis.
Yes, it’s looking like Rafa may not play at the Davis cup. As he isn’t doing any competitive practice for it. Apparently, Ferret had told him that he expects him to play a tournament to act as a warm up. I wouldn’t say that the six kings was an adequate tournament for that. Rafa won’t be in shape for Màlaga. It seems to me that Rafa has already mentally checked out, especially since he has made the official announcement. It’s like when you resign from a job, you check out and start to think about your next workplace. For Rafa, he is thinking about his life after tennis with his family and his countless business ventures. Just think Rafa will no longer be in our lives anymore. It’s going to be heartbreaking . I think it is sinking in more for me, however, there will be something missing from the tennis for me. He brought such an intensity and I love the way that Rafa moves on a tennis court, along with the best forehand in the game. If he does go to Màlaga, he may be in a cheerleader/advisor role for the team, offering experience and advice to the players. They must choose their best team, so that they can win the Davis Cup. Rafa isn’t in good form. He knows that, so I think he will not play there . The Saudi exhibition was a fitting send off with them presenting him with a golden racquet. I know it was controversial, but it was the perfect gift for him. As Rafa has never broken a racquet, not many players can say that. Anyway, we will see. My thoughts are saying that was Rafa’s last event. Davis cup is looking unlikely. But, we shall see what happens.
Rafa is just looking forward to his farewell. He’s ready for life away from tennis now.
That’s our champ!!!!