"I missed those people": David Ferrer disappointed by Rafael Nadal's farewell without Federer or Djokovic

Spain's Davis Cup captain, David Ferrer, expressed his disappointment over the absence of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic during Rafael Nadal's farewell match. The 22-time Grand Slam champion played his final professional match on Tuesday, losing to Botic van de Zandschulp.

The former World No. 3 shared his frustration that Nadal's farewell came amid a Davis Cup defeat to the Netherlands, despite Spain being favourites. However, Ferrer was more disheartened by the setting, emphasising that "very important people in his career were missing."

“I’m sad about everything, about how it happened, about losing the tie… it wasn’t the scenario we wanted. We were favourites but we didn’t show it,” Ferrer admitted. “And the farewell to someone as important as Rafa was watered down; very important people in his career were missing, as well as people who have been so important at the level of his rivals and his team. I missed those people.”

“Things are what they are, and you have to accept them. Rafa will have a lot of time to be honoured in big tournaments, and he will have the farewell he deserves. It was his last match; we won’t see him on a court again, and I missed that.”

The former French Open runner-up highlighted notable absentees, including Federer, Djokovic, and Spanish NBA star Pau Gasol. “With the Davis Cup format, everything has changed. It’s a Tuesday, people come home from work… I didn’t miss the support; if it had been more equal, there would have been that pressure,” Ferrer added.

“The farewell was done with the best of intentions, but it was after losing and in a hurry… it was a bit sad. I missed Federer, Djokovic, [Pau] Gasol, who is a close friend of his,” he said. “I shouldn’t have spoken. Rafa’s greatness is not going to change with a better or worse tribute.”