Rafael Nadal was visibly emotional as he prepared for the final tournament of his illustrious career at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.

Selected for Spain’s Davis Cup Team

Spain’s captain, David Ferrer, has chosen Nadal as their singles No. 2 player for the tie against the Netherlands. The 38-year-old will face Botic van de Zandschulp in the first rubber.

The former world No. 1 and 22-time Grand Slam champion confirmed last month that he would retire in Malaga, putting an end to months of speculation fueled by ongoing injury struggles.

Emotional National Anthem Moment

As Nadal joined his teammates for the national anthems before the match, he was visibly moved while the Spanish anthem played.

“An emotional anthem for @RafaelNadal”
– Davis Cup on Twitter

Tweet embed placeholder: An emotional anthem for @RafaelNadal #DavisCup | @RFETenis pic.twitter.com/wZNt3kmB9x

Nadal’s Focus on the Team

Speaking on Tuesday ahead of Spain’s quarter-final clash against the Netherlands, Nadal emphasized his focus on helping the team rather than the emotions surrounding his retirement.

“I’m here to try to help the team. It’s my last week on the professional tour, but the priority is to focus on the competition and perform well,” Nadal explained.

He added that the emotional aspect of his farewell would come later:

“The emotions will come after this week. Right now, it’s all about doing our job on court because the competition is tough, and the rivals are challenging.”

Reflecting on Retirement

Nadal admitted that retirement was a decision he had contemplated throughout the season.

“It’s something I’ve thought about for a long time, but I kept giving myself one more chance. This is the right time, and I’m enjoying this week with my team.”

Spain’s Road Ahead

Following Nadal’s match against van de Zandschulp, Carlos Alcaraz will face Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles rubber.

If a deciding doubles match is needed, Alcaraz will partner with Marcel Granollers to face van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof.