Rafael Nadal says he feels at peace with his efforts as he prepares to end his legendary career at this week's Davis Cup final in Malaga.
“In the end, I have achieved what is most important to me, because this day has come and I am relieved because I gave everything,” Nadal said. “I've been playing and practicing since I was seven years old. I started when I was three years old, and at that age you play with passion and love and a determination to be as good as you can be. I started working more and more.
“I'm not the kind of person who says, 'No, I won't change things,' because to me that would seem arrogant. Of course I'm going to change things, but there's one thing that's very important to me. [is that] I intend to give my best in almost every moment and leave this Pro Tour with a sense of calm and personal satisfaction. ”
This year was a somber final season for the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Although he returned from hip surgery in January, Nadal's hopes of a successful comeback did not materialize and he announced his decision to retire last month. Nadal says he is not mentally burnt out, but physical limitations have forced him to end his career.
“If I had to explain my struggle with my body throughout my career, it's not a five-minute explanation,” Nadal said with a laugh. “During my career, there have been some episodes that have complicated my activities, but I have overcome them. My last injury in Australia meant I had to undergo hip surgery and my iliopsoas Part of it had to be removed. [muscle]. Because of this, I haven't been able to match what I've been doing for most of my career.
“Every problem I have had in my career, I have found a solution. [or] They gave me room to play without restrictions. Then they came back to me and that's why I took so many breaks in my career. However, I feel that I cannot continue to carry out my activities normally without restrictions.
“I don't have the time to train or compete at 100% anymore. That's one thing (the injury), but besides that, I also have all the other illnesses that I haven't healed from. It's limiting me. In other words, like many other athletes, it's a cocktail that I have to stop at. I think that's logical.”
Malaga City Council does not take lightly the task of seeing off Spain's greatest athlete. The city's athletics stadium, located across the road from the competition venue, Palacio Deportes, is a gigantic 2,600 meter long track and field stadium.2 A banner reading “GRACIAS, RAFA” was hung next to the 38-year-old's photo.
Such was the fanfare and attention surrounding his retirement that the ITF held the pre-tournament press conference in Spain at the player's hotel 19 miles away, as the press conference room at the Palacio de Deportes could not accommodate the large audience. It was decided that the meeting would be held in the convention room. Fuengirola. The rest of Spain's team, Carlos Alcaraz, Marcel Granolles, Pedro Martínez and Roberto Bautista Agut, watched mostly in silence as most questions were directed at Nadal.
“I'm not here to retire. I'm here to help the team,” Nadal said. “And of course it's going to be our last week on the Pro Tour, but at the end we're going to be here playing team games. The most important thing here is trying to help the team and It’s about staying totally focused on what we have to do, which is playing tennis and doing well, right?”
The question remains what form Nadal's participation in his final tournament will take. Spanish captain David Ferrer will select his squad for Tuesday's quarter-final against the Netherlands. Judging by their form, Alcaraz and Bautista Agut are likely to play in singles, while Nadal, who has not competed since the Olympics, could partner Granollers in doubles.
“The big farewell for me is the joy of winning with everyone,” Nadal said. “I don't know how to answer, how to answer. I don't know if he's going to play or not. I haven't played much lately. As for Roger's presence, I don't know if Federer will be here. He's working hard. I will, but I have a very busy schedule.”
