“If I were captain, I wouldn’t be played the next match,” says Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal, stop or still? The score (4-6 4-6) does not say everything: future retiree, the winner of 22 Grand Slam titles did not really exist against the Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp this Tuesday, in Malaga, in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup. The Netherlands leads 1-0. “I hope Carlos (Alcaraz) wins in singles and then in doubles”says Nadal, at a press conference. It remains to be seen whether this sad defeat for the Spanish legend will remain like his last professional match. “If I was captain, I wouldn’t be played the next game. Given my level, I wouldn't choose myself, but that doesn't mean I don't want to play.”he indicated. It’s up to David Ferrer to decide.

If Alcaraz wins his singles, Spain would have a doubles to play in the process. “Today was perhaps my last individual match. He (Ferrer) made the decision to make me play, that's why he is captain. I didn't put any pressure on him. The decision was made for me to play and we knew there was a risk. I couldn't win the point, I can't say I'm sorry because that's sport. I tried as I always tried. You can't control your level. I already said I would rule myself out if I didn't feel ready, but I've trained well enough.”continued Nadal, who had not been seen in action since the Paris Olympics and who will in any case end his immense career after the Davis Cup. It might already be over…

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Today will not be the day I do self-criticism.

Rafael Nadal

“I knew this could be my last match as a professional and the emotions were difficult to deal withhe said again, he who we saw very moved from the anthems, before the meeting this Tuesday. I didn't have the ability to read the game fast enough to feel in control. The points went by very quickly and I didn't have time to think. When you've spent so much time without competition, it's all about the little details. I am not in the automatisms of the players who are on the circuit. Today will not be the day I do self-criticism. I didn't have the mental agility to make decisions without thinking.”. Time will tell if there is a next time.