Rafael Nadal's potential comeback at the ATP Davis Cup Finals has been ruled out after Novak Djokovic sealed Team Serbia's victory over Spain in the Group Stage.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion and Big Three member has been out of action since this year's Australian Open in January, where he was ousted by Mackenzie McDonald in the second round. Since then, Nadal has been dealing with a hip injury that led him to announce that he was taking a hiatus from the sport and to suggest that he may retire during or after the 2024 season.
However, the Spaniard has given some indication as to his return date, previously stating that he may aim for the Davis Cup event at the end of the year.
"I'm not going to set a return date. When I am ready, I'll try to be there. The Davis Cup, at the end of the year, can be an objective," he said.
However, this objective is no longer an option after Spain was ousted from the Davis Cup in the Group Stage held in Valencia from September 12-17. The country's team has won the competition six times in the past, but they got off to a difficult start this year when they lost 0-3 to the Czech Republic.
The team - made up of Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Robert Bautista Agut, Marcel Granollers and Albert Ramos - then took on Serbia and found themselves trailing 0-1 after Ramos lost to Laslo Djere in straight sets 4-6, 4-6.
Davidovich Fokina then had the unenviable task of taking on World No. 1 and 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, losing 3-6, 4-6 and consequently securing Serbia a place in the quarter-finals while Spain crashed out in a surprisingly early exit.
Nadal was a key player for team Spain in the Davis Cup over several years, contributing to four of their six victories from 2004 to 2019.
However, with this year's event ruled out, it is likely that the 37-year-old will return at the 2024 Australian Open. This was even suggested by his uncle and formerly longtime coach Toni Nadal.
"Rafa is good, recovering. If all goes well he wants to return to the court for the 2024 Australian Open," he told El Desmarque.
Spain OUT of the 2023 Davis Cup during the group stages, and have failed to qualify for the Final 8 in November. The Davis Cup’s most successful player, Rafael Nadal, mentioned that as a possible comeback date. Out of the picture now. Looks like Australia, at the earliest.🇪🇸
