Rafael Nadal’s Davis Cup return sparks retirement questions, Alcaraz wants to "focus on the present"

Carlos Alcaraz doesn't want to think about Rafael Nadal retiring at the upcoming Davis Cup. The 22-time Grand Slam champion was named in the Spanish team for the Davis Cup Final 8, alongside Alcaraz, Pablo Carreño Busta, Roberto Bautista Agut, and Marcel Granollers.

Nadal has faced injury problems in recent years, and although a strong comeback was expected this season, injuries forced him to withdraw from several tournaments, including the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

The 38-year-old prioritized participating in the French Open (where he lost in the first round to Alexander Zverev) and the Olympic Games (where he lost in the second round to Novak Djokovic). In the doubles event at Paris 2024, he teamed up with Alcaraz, and after a couple of wins, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Despite Nadal not being present for the recent Davis Cup Group Stage, after Spain qualified for the Final 8, captain David Ferrer announced the team for November, with the surprise inclusion of Nadal. However, questions about Rafa’s future on the Tour have resurfaced, sparking further speculation about his retirement.

"It's incredible to have Rafa on the team and to surround myself with him as much as possible, learning both on and off the court," Alcaraz said. "I don't want to think that it might be a possible 'last dance' for him in Malaga. I want to enjoy the time I can have with him on and off the court."

As on previous occasions, Nadal did not want to anticipate a possible retirement: "I understand the questions about retirement because it's been many years, and I've gone through many physical problems, especially in the last two years,” the 14-time French Open champion said. “It's a normal question. But there comes a time when you can't live every day thinking about retirement, because then you stop really trying."

The Davis Cup Finals will be held between November 19th and 24th, featuring two singles matches and one doubles match in each tie. Ferrer was asked about the possibility of Nadal retiring in Malaga but insisted that the answer lies solely with the former world No. 1.

"I don't know if it's the perfect retirement," Ferrer said earlier this week. "Retirement is very personal, and everyone retires when they feel ready or when they have to... It's something deeply personal, and I can’t say what the ideal retirement is."

"In the end, you stop doing something you've done all your life, and that's never easy to handle. But whatever Rafa decides, knowing him, I trust that he's made the right decision and that he’s happy. And as long as he's happy, it's fine with me."