The moment has almost arrived. After years of mesmerizing fans with audacious displays, Rafael Nadal will bid adieu to the sport. The Spanish legend will be seen in action for one final time at the upcoming Davis Cup Finals which is set to take place in his native country. Further, a special ceremony is also planned to give Nadal a fitting farewell. Many bigwigs of the tennis world will be in attendance during that event. Ahead of his farewell, Nadal hinted if his long-time rival and close friend, Roger Federer, will attend the ceremony.

When Federer retired back in 2022 at the Laver Cup, Nadal was right beside him and the two played doubles together during that event. Thus, many expect that the Swiss maestro will also attend Nadal’s retirement event, albeit as a spectator. However, Nadal’s recent statements about Federer’s presence cast a shadow on the Swiss maestro’s presence.

During an interview at the Davis Cup, Nadal was asked if Federer would make it to Spain to attend his farewell event. Nadal replied, “I didn’t talk to Roger. I think Roger has busy schedule. By the way, of course that’s going to be my last week on the professional tour, but I don’t think going to be my last good-bye. So gonna be another chances to do something.”

Meanwhile, Davis Cup Finals tournament director, Feliciano Lopez, confirmed that a special event will be planned for Nadal’s retirement. As a result, several bigwigs want to attend Nadal’s retirement event. Lopez confirmed that two of Rafa’s biggest rivals will be in attendance. The director said, “For now, I know that almost everyone in the world wants to be present for his farewell. Novak Djokovic has said that he wants to be there. Also, Andy Murray wants to be there. Also, there are many more who want to be there and I don’t know if we are going to have seats for everyone.”

Amid the retirement emotions, Nadal wants to fully focus on the task at hand, that is, winning the Davis Cup title. Ahead of the tournament, he opened up about his preparations for the tournament.

Rafael Nadal wants to save the best for the last

The Spanish legend will be joined by the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Pedro Martinez, Roberto Bautista Agut, and Marcel Granollers in Spain’s squad for the finale. With a power-packed team, Spain is one of the favorites to win the tournament. However, Nadal is wary to not let the emotions of his retirement come in the way of winning the event.

The Spanish maestro said, “I’m not here for retiring. I’m here to help the team win. It’s a team competition and the most important thing is to all stay focused on what we have to do – that is playing tennis and do it very well. The emotions are going to be for the end.”

However, tennis expert, Alex Corretja believes that Nadal is unlikely to feature in the singles tie. It’s possible that he might feature in doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz. Will the Spaniard be able to finish his career on a high? What do you think?