Rafael Nadal’s last play in Davis Cup could boost Billie Jean King Cup, says Conchita Martinez

Former world number two Conchita Martinez believes that Spain’s Rafael Nadal’s farewell outing in the Davis Cup will also help the Billie Jean King Cup. Both team-based events are set to be organised in Malaga, Spain, simultaneously.

It has been feared that the Davis Cup will overshadow that Billie Jean King Cup because it will feature the former world number one Nadal for one last time. The legendary Spaniard, who is regarded as one of the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category in the Open era, having won as many as 22 Grand Slam titles, will retire from professional tennis after the Davis Cup. The former world number one has struggled with fitness concerns, especially in the last few years because of which he missed six out of the last eight Grand Slams. He returned to the court earlier this year but struggled with niggles and ended up announcing retirement towards the end of the season.

Former world number two Martinez, who is also the Tournament Director, was recently quoted in a report by Tennis 365. In it, she stated that Nadal’s farewell appearance at the same venue would benefit the tournament, not the other way around. She was of the opinion that more people would turn up in the same arena to watch Nadal which would be beneficial for Billie Jean King Cup as well.

“I think we are going to be in the same place, but we are going to be two different events,” she said. “This is going to be great to see, the atmosphere. People from the Billie Jean King Cup or from Davis Cup can move around into different courts and see great tennis, female and male. Of course for Spain, Rafa decided to retire at the Davis Cup – it’s going to be massive – but I don’t think it’s going to overshadow. In fact, I think it’s going to be helpful for [the] Billie Jean King Cup.”