Rafael Nadal will only play doubles in his farewell, says Paris Masters director: “He’s not jeopardising the team’s result”
ATP
Rafael
Nadal is preparing for his farewell at the Davis Cup Finals, and the director
of the Paris Masters, Cedric Pioline, predicts that the Spaniard will only play
doubles to avoid affecting Spain's outcome.
The 22-time
Grand Slam champion has raised some doubts about his physical condition ahead
of his arrival in Malaga. "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 at a press conference during the Six Kings Slam in Saudi
Arabia.
"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," the
former world No. 1 added.
"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% or if I’m far from
winning my match, I won’t go on the court."
According
to Pioline, he inquired about Nadal's potential interest in participating in
the Paris Masters, but the Spaniard ruled it out from the beginning. "I
asked if there was any interest, but the answer was very clear: he has decided
to play the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga as his last event, and he will not play
an official tournament until then," the Frenchman told the media.
Nadal at Paris Olympics 2024.
"It’s
hard to know whether he feels he’s performing well and whether he thinks he can
bring something to the table," Pioline added. "From what I know of
him, I’m of the opinion that he’ll only play the doubles to take his leave and
not jeopardise the team’s result for his personal need to say goodbye.
“There’s a
form of risk [in not playing before the Davis Cup Finals], but he knows himself
well; he has a whole team, and I think it’s clear in his head,” he commented.
“The less we play, the less rhythm we have. The less rhythm you have, the less
confidence you have. What’s certain is that with all his injuries in two years,
others would have thrown in the towel sooner.
“To his
credit, he hung in there and chose when and where to call it a day. That’s
priceless.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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