Rafael Nadal is prepared to sit out singles matches at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga if he feels he's not fit to contribute to Spain's success in what will be his farewell tournament.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion, burdened by years of injuries, will retire after the Davis Cup, bringing an end to his illustrious 20-year career on tour.
"I'll try to prepare as best as possible so I can be available to play, but I want to help in any way I can, playing or not playing," the 38-year-old Nadal said Saturday from Malaga in an interview published by the Spanish Tennis Federation.
"First, we have to see how I'm feeling in training. If I really don't see myself ready to have a chance of winning in singles, I'll be the first to say I don't want to play."
Nadal's singles record in 2024 is 12-7. His last official competition was the Paris Olympics in August, where he lost in the second round to longtime rival – and eventual gold medalist – Novak Djokovic. Nadal reached the doubles quarterfinals with Carlos Alcaraz. Last month, he played two exhibition matches in Saudi Arabia.
"I have already told (Spain captain David Ferrer) on many occasions not to make any decision based on the fact that this is my last week as a professional tennis player," Nadal said. "The team comes first, and he should not be affected in the slightest by any hype that may come along because of me. He has to do what is best for the team, and that is what I want."
Spain will open Tuesday against the Netherlands, and if it wins, it will advance to the semifinals on Friday against Canada or Germany.
"My first great joy as a professional tennis player was in the Davis Cup in 2004," Nadal said.
He helped Spain win the Davis Cup in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2019.
"I'm more than grateful for everything that has happened to me in all these years. I obviously would like for the team to do well and for me to have the chance to win another Davis Cup, whether by playing or cheering from the stands. I'd like to enjoy this week and close a very beautiful and very long cycle of my life ... accepting that everything has a beginning and an end."