David Ferrer: 'Rafael Nadal will be our second singles player in Davis Cup if fit'

David Ferrer hopes that Rafael Nadal will be Spain's second singles player in the Davis Cup Finals. The 22-time Grand Slam champion appeared on the Spanish team's roster for the finals in Málaga, where, if physically fit, he will play as the second singles player.

The team secured their qualification during the Group Stage, led by Carlos Alcaraz and Roberto Bautista Agut, and will be among the last eight nations in the competition. For the finals, which will begin in late November, Pablo Carreno Busta, Marcel Granollers, and Rafa Nadal himself will also be on the team.

Spanish captain and former world No. 3 David Ferrer answered questions in an interview for the program "Sala de Jugadores" alongside Argentine former players Pico Monaco, Guido Pella, Javier Frana, and Mariano Zabaleta. One of the key topics was Nadal's potential appearance in the Davis Cup and Ferrer’s plans for him.

Monaco asked whether Ferrer expected Nadal to play singles or if he had called him to return to doubles, as in the Olympic Games. "Yes, if he's fit and I see him training well, I will put him as our number two," Ferrer replied. "In fact, when the draw came out, the first message I sent was to him: 'Get ready, you’re going to play Van de Zandschulp,’ who’s the second."

"And do you know what he replied? He said, 'I'll be there.' That was his response."

"I know that even if Rafa is struggling physically, he’s an honest person, and when he steps onto the court, I know he will give 100%, and I know what he's capable of when competing," Ferrer added.

"The problem he's facing is what happens to all of us when the time comes: you win fewer matches or get injured. If you drop in ranking, it's because physically you can't maintain the level consistently, but in a single match, Rafa can be unbeatable," he added.

Spain will face the Netherlands, whose main players are Botic van de Zandschulp and Tallon Griekspoor. The winner will advance to the semifinals, to be played a few days later, also in Málaga, against the winner of the Canada-Germany match.