Rafael Nadal Set to Compete in Davis Cup Final Eight

Rafael Nadal has joined Spain’s squad for the Davis Cup Final Eight in November, marking his return to competitive tennis. The 38-year-old former world number one will compete alongside world number three Carlos Alcaraz along with Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno Busta and Marcel Granollers. Nadal has not competed since the Paris 2024 Olympics where he faced Novak Djokovic in singles and lost in the quarter-finals of the doubles while partnering with Alcaraz.

Due to fitness concerns, Nadal withdrew from the US Open in August and the Laver Cup the following weekend. He expressed that he could not perform at his best, stating, “I would not be able to give my 100% at this time,” and he believed that other players could better help the team secure victories. Earlier this year, he also missed the Australian Open due to injury and opted out of Wimbledon to focus on the Olympics.

Spain a six-time Davis Cup champion with their last title in 2019 will face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals starting on November 19. The tournament format will feature the quarter-finals from November 19-21 followed by the semi-finals on consecutive days, culminating in the final on Sunday, November 24. Reigning world number one Jannik Sinner will lead the defending champions, Italy.

They aim to become the first team to retain the title since 2013. Despite hinting at retirement later this year, Rafael Nadal has indicated uncertainty about stepping away from the sport particularly regarding his future appearances at significant tournaments like the French Open.