Rafael Nadal has hinted he may have to cancel his scheduled last professional tennis match due to ‘physical’ issues after he played at the Six Kings Slam.
Nadal, 38, recently featured at a star-studded six-player exhibition event in Saudi Arabia in his penultimate tournament before he officially enters retirement.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion – who lost to Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 6-3 in the semi-finals, and was then beaten by Novak Djokovic in the third-place match – has now admitted he may have to ‘step away’ from the upcoming Davis Cup Finals.
The team-based tournament is due to be Nadal’s final appearance before he brings his remarkable career to an end and hangs up his racket for good.
Spanish tennis legend Nadal, who has badly struggled with injuries in recent years, has vowed to do everything he can to get himself fit to play for his nation but admits it may come too soon.
‘Will I be ready for the Davis Cup? Emotionally, yes, that’s for sure; physically and tennis-wise, I still have a month ahead of me,’ Nadal said.
‘I will prepare, I will try to be in shape to help the team win. If I feel ready and the captain feels the same way, it will be his decision. If I don’t feel ready, I will be the first to step away and see how I can help.
‘First, I have to be the one who feels competitive to get into the game, then you can win or lose, that’s part of the sport. If I’m not 100 per cent or if I’m far from winning my match, I won’t go on the court.’
Nadal goes down as one of the greatest – and most loved – tennis players in the entire history of men’s tennis.
His Big Three rivals, Roger Federer and Djokovic, have both paid emotional tributes to the King of Clay, who clinched a record total of 14 French Open titles.
‘What a career, Rafa!’ Federer said. ‘I always hoped this day would never come.
‘Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honour.’
Djokovic, meanwhile, added: ‘Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport. ‘You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably greatest achievement anyone can wish for.’
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