Rafael Nadal’s retirement occasion primarily based on his needs, says tennis official

MALAGA, Spain — Rafael Nadal’s low-profile Davis Cup retirement was defended by the pinnacle of the Worldwide Tennis Federation on Sunday, in line with the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s needs.

“Rafa is a tremendous participant and he has a tennis legacy that he’ll depart behind, inspiring hundreds of thousands of gamers world wide to play tennis, to proceed taking part in. We felt it was essential to take heed to what Rafa needed and the way he needed it. That is precisely what we did,” mentioned ITF President David Haggerty at a press convention closing the Billie’s venue. Jean King Cup and Davis Cup within the south of Spain.

“We led him, and we did that,” Haggerty added. “Folks can have no matter opinions they need whether or not it is proper or not, however for me, crucial factor is that we did an occasion that was what Rafa needed – and, as he’s, it was a superb night time, and it was. We’re very grateful.”

Feliciano Lopez, the previous Davis Cup Finals match director, answered a query about Nadal’s choice after his group, Spain, was knocked out by the Netherlands within the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

“We should focus, all of us, on the truth that Rafa selected the Davis Cup to be the final match of his profession as a substitute of continuous to speak about his farewell occasion,” mentioned Lopez. “Be sincere, we did our greatest.”

A video tribute was performed, that includes highlights from Nadal’s profession and recorded messages from present and former gamers comparable to Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Serena Williams.

None of those individuals have been current on the occasion.

Future websites for the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup will likely be introduced

Haggerty mentioned the bidding course of for future hosts of the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup is “in its ultimate levels,” with two or three candidates every chosen. They might go to the identical metropolis or be separated, as they normally are. (this yr’s ladies’s group competitors was moved to Malaga solely on account of issues with its unique venue, Seville).

The ITF hopes to announce the successful metropolis or cities on Dec. 2, when the draw is introduced in London for the 2025 Davis Cup qualifiers.

“What’s driving it, the decision-making, it’ll be quite a lot of issues, however crucial factor is to ensure there’s quite a lot of visibility within the race – that we continue to grow, the ability is powerful. So it isn’t concerning the cash. I imply that is an essential factor, nevertheless it’s not the driving factor,” mentioned Haggerty. “The primary factor is how we proceed to construct the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup. That is what drives the choice.”

Malaga has hosted the Davis Cup Finals for the previous two years and its contract permits for the potential for staying on the web site till 2025.

Haggerty mentioned 65,000 followers attended this yr, up from 60,000 final yr, and 43 p.c of the 2024 viewers will likely be from one other nation.