Rafael Nadal is ’emotionally prepared’ to finish his profession on the Davis Cup Finals

Rafael Nadal says he feels emotionally prepared to finish his profession on the Davis Cup Finals subsequent month however the Spaniard will solely compete in singles if he’s “able to win”.

The 22-year-old Grand Slam champion introduced final week that he’ll retire from tennis after representing Spain in Malaga, the place the Davis Cup shall be held from November 19-24.

Nadal, 38, is competing on the Six Kings Slam occasion in Saudi Arabia and can face long-time rival Novak Djokovic for the ultimate time on Saturday.

“Emotionally, I am positive I will be high-quality. Bodily and tennis-wise, I’ve a month to organize,” Nadal mentioned after shedding to Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday.

“I’ll attempt to be in fine condition to assist the group win.

“Be 100% positive, I will not be on the court docket if I do not really feel able to win my recreation.”

After a 6-3 6-3 semi-final loss to Alcaraz, who partnered him in doubles on the Olympics and will achieve this once more on the Davis Cup, Nadal will meet Djokovic within the third-place match.

Serb Djokovic, the one man to win extra Slam titles than Nadal with 24, was crushed 6-2 6-7 (0-7) 6-4 by world primary Jannik Sinner, who will face Alcaraz in $6m (£4.5m) in prize cash.

“Having Novak up entrance [of me]it is like one thing surprising,” mentioned Nadal, who has received 29 of 60 conferences with Djokovic.

“We performed one another lots, so will probably be enjoyable to play one another once more on this recreation. I hope we are able to create program and stage of leisure.”

Relating to Alcaraz, who’s 21 and has received 4 majors and appears set to battle 23-year-old Sinner for years to come back, Nadal mentioned: “He’ll do the perfect he can. He’s studying on a regular basis.

“We are able to see that he’s bettering in each method. However I shall be prepared each time he desires to name me.”

Saudi Arabia has invested closely in sports activities since 2021, when the nation’s Crown Prince made it a key a part of his financial diversification technique.

Nonetheless, the Gulf state has been criticized for its human rights abuses and accused of investing in and internet hosting high-profile occasions to spice up its worldwide picture – a course of often called ‘sportswashing’.