Spanish Davis Cup staff captain David Ferrer defended his determination to choose Rafael Nadal for singles by claiming that he observed each day enchancment within the Spaniard’s stage and that he was assured that he would exit and compete as exhausting as ever.
Because the second the 38-year-old introduced the Davis Cup Finals could be his final professional event, the primary query was whether or not the previous world No. 1 could be chosen for singles, understanding how the final a number of months went. However because it was set to be a farewell for one of many best gamers ever, the final expectation was that it might occur.
And on Tuesday – simply hours earlier than the Spain and Netherlands tie – it was confirmed in Malaga that Nadal would play within the opening match. Sadly for the house nation and native followers, it did not go properly after world No. 80 Botic van de Zandschulp ousted the Spanish tennis icon 6-4 6-4.
Later, Carlos Alcaraz gained his singles match to stage the tie however then he and Marcel Granollers misplaced within the deciding doubles match.
Since Nadal was removed from his greatest, some criticized Ferrer and argued that he pressured the 38-year-old’s look and will have as a substitute let Roberto Bautista Agut play. Nonetheless, the 2013 French Open finalist would not agree with that.
“I was clear that between Rafa and Roberto, seeing how they trained and Rafa improving day by day, I was confident that Rafa is a competitive beast. It was an unknown but if I had to bet on someone, I had to give him that opportunity. And in doubles, Granollers and Carlos had already played together, Carlos is powerful serving on an indoor court and so is Granollers. In doubles, Rafa had not played since the Games,” the Spanish captain mentioned.
David Ferrer and Rafael Nadal© YouTube screenshot
Additionally, Ferrer made it clear that he did not really feel Nadal failing to ship to Spain at this yr’s Davis Cup would diminish his greatness a bit.
“I’m sad about everything, about how it was, losing the tie, it’s sport and you know it’s going to be even. It wasn’t the scenario we wanted. We were favorites, but we didn’t show it. Rafa’s greatness is not going to change with a better or worse tribute,” the former world No. 3 added.
Nadal brutally honestly stated one thing after his singles defeat
If I would be the captain, probably I will change, I don’t put myself the next day. I will keep working hard every day to be on the team in case the team needs me one more time. If not, just support from the bench,” the 38-year-old said.
Also, Nadal insisted that he told Ferrer numerous times that he didn’t want him to feel pressured into giving him a shot in singles. Instead, he wanted the captain to make a reasonable decision.
“I give him, since the beginning, the input that he doesn’t need to feel any pressure to put me,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion added.
Carlos Alcaraz© Tenis Espana/Instagram – Honest Use
What Ferrer mentioned concerning the matter earlier this month?
Two and a half weeks earlier than the beginning of the Davis Cup Finals, the Spanish captain mentioned he was speaking recurrently with Nadal and his staff. Additionally, the 42-year-old mentioned that he had little doubt that if the previous world No. 1 wasn’t prepared, he would inform him.
“Yes, absolutely. I often get told: ‘what a mess you’ve been dealt’. And I say no, it’s lucky. It’s true that in the end I’m the captain and I’m the one who has to decide. I have a lot of confidence in Rafa because I’ve spent my entire career with him and I know he’s honest about whether he sees himself capable of competing or not. My idea after talking to him is that he’s ready to play,” Ferrer instructed Marca in early November.
On the time, the captain additionally mentioned he would not make any choices earlier than seeing follow in Malaga.
“I don’t know, he is training. I spoke to Rafa on Wednesday, I am also in constant contact with his coach Carlos Moyá and his agent Carlos Costa. They are updating me day by day. I will decide in Malaga, when I see how he is training. But the same will happen with the rest of the players. If Nadal is training at a good level and is physically fit, he is an option, of course,” Ferrer added.
After Spain’s defeat to Netherlands, Nadal bought a bit of ceremony and held a retirement speech.
