Rafael Nadal is practicing hard in Malaga for the Davis Cup ahead of his final appearance as a professional tennis player. All eyes are on him, from fans, athletes, and the media, who are all waiting to hopefully see him in action next week. As always, the 22-time Grand Slam champion is humble and wants the best for Team Spain.

“First, let’s see how I feel during these days of training and if I really don’t feel ready to have a chance to win the singles, I will be the first one who won’t want to play. If I don’t feel ready, I will be the first one to speak to the captain,” Rafa told the media.

“I’ve more or less been able to do a good preparation, that’s why I’m here. We have to see how it goes day by day, I’ve been without competing for a while, and the reality is that I’m excited to live this week, whatever happens, with the excitement of closing a very beautiful and long chapter of my life, living these last moments with enthusiasm, with normalcy as well, and from the acceptance of what is both a beginning and an end.”

Rafa believes Spain has a chance to win the tournament and claim their seventh Davis Cup. “Of course there are chances. There are always chances. The thing is that the surfaces are tough. It’s a fast surface, really, but anything can happen.”

Our champ, looking back, expresses gratitude for everything he has lived through and achieved in his career. “No, I can’t ask for anything more. I am more than grateful and satisfied with everything that has happened to me over all these years. What I would like is, of course, for the team to perform well and have a chance to win another Davis Cup, whether I am playing or cheering from the stands. I am here to live this week with excitement and then we’ll see what happens.”

Source: RFET/Marca