“There’s a possibility that Nadal could be with us in Malaga” – Spain Davis Cup captain Ferrer

Spain’s Davis Cup captain David Ferrer has teased the return of compatriot Rafael Nadal to competitive tennis for national duty. Spain booked their place in the Davis Cup Final 8 on the back of Carlos Alcaraz’s heroics in Valencia, where they steamrolled through Group B.

Spain opened their Davis Cup Finals week by thrashing Czechia 3-0, with victorious contributions from Alcaraz (vs Tomas Machac) and Roberto Bautista Agut (vs Jiri Lehecka). Alcaraz later paired up with Marcel Granollers to win the dead rubber against Jakub Mensik and Adam Pavlasek in doubles.

The Spanish side then defeated France 2-1 as Alcaraz beat Ugo Humbert and Bautista Agut downed Arthur Fils to ensure a place in the knockouts.

They capped off the week by beating Australia 2-1 in their concluding Group B tie.

After the successful seven days, Spanish captain David Ferrer sat down with the media and discussed the possible squad for the Davis Cup Final 8, to be held in Malaga later this year in November.

Ferrer suggested Nadal is among the probables. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has notably helped Spain to five Davis Cup championships in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2019.

“I spoke to Rafa, but we don’t know anything yet. There is a possibility that he could be with us in Malaga in November.

David Ferrer

The 38-year-old last served the nation at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He contended for medals in singles and doubles, alongside four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, however, bowed out from the second round and quarter-finals, respectively.

“His goal was the Olympics this year, then he stopped. He needed to rest and spend time with his family, so it was right not to call him up now,” Ferrer told the press in Valencia.

“I will speak to him later. The important thing is that he is well. If he arrives in good condition in November, he would certainly be a player we can count on.”

Ferrer, who took the Spanish captaincy in 2022, noted that he has great talent at his disposal and leaving someone out of the knockout squad is a headache.

“There is plenty of time to define the team that will take to the field in Malaga,” the former world No 3 added. “Now they have to focus on the tournaments. I have a lot of good players to choose from. It is a positive thing, but at the same time a negative thing: someone will have to be left out. At the moment I am not 100 percent clear. I only know that this week they have given me immense joy.”

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