Rafael Nadal Boosts Spain’s Davis Cup Team Despite Injury Challenges

Rafael Nadal has been included in Spain’s Davis Cup team for the Final Eight matches in November, organizers announced on Monday. The former world No. 1 will join peers Carlos Alcaraz, Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreño Busta, and Marcel Granollers as part of the Spanish squad.

Nadal, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, has only participated in one Grand Slam tournament this season, where he was knocked out in the first round of the French Open. His competitive season has been notably sparse, skipping Wimbledon to prioritize the Paris Olympics. Unfortunately, he was defeated in the second round of the men’s singles by eventual champion Novak Djokovic and, alongside Alcaraz, lost in the quarterfinals of the men’s doubles.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has withdrawn from both the US Open and the Laver Cup owing to fitness problems. That said, his inclusion in the Davis Cup is seen as a significant reinforcement for Spain, which is seeking its first title since 2019. Spain is set to face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals starting on November 19.

With his persistent injury issues, Nadal has intimated a potential retirement from tennis, suggesting this year might be his last. After his first-round defeat in the French Open in May to Alexander Zverev, Nadal hinted it could be his final appearance at Roland Garros, although he has not ruled out returning in 2025. Reflecting on the match, he said, "I don’t know if it’s going to be the last time I’m going to be here in front of you. I am not 100% sure, but if it is the last time, I enjoyed it. It’s a big percentage that I will not be back here playing at Roland Garros, but I’ve enjoyed it a lot."

Nadal's return at the Davis Cup later this year is highly anticipated by fans eager to see if "Nadalcaraz" will compete once more in doubles.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Emma Raducanu was injured in Korea Open Quarter-Final.