'I was confident..' David Ferrer explains the reason for playing Rafael Nadal in the first singles fixture at Davis Cup

Spain’s Davis Cup captain, David Ferrer, shared his insights on the decision to include Rafael Nadal in the singles lineup for his farewell event. Although, Nadal faced a challenging match against Dutch No. 2 Botic van de Zandschulp, ultimately losing 4-6, 4-6 in the first rubber of Spain’s quarter-final tie with the Netherlands, Ferrer emphasized the importance of giving Nadal this special moment in his storied career.

The 38-year-old icon's retirement from tennis has been officially confirmed following Spain's shocking 2-1 defeat in Malaga. Carlos Alcaraz defeated Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets during the second singles match, setting the stage for a crucial deciding doubles rubber. In the doubles match, the 21-year-old teamed up with Marcel Granollers but faced a formidable challenge, ultimately succumbing in two tight sets to van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof. Ferrer’s decision to select Nadal for singles instead of doubles has sparked some debate. 

Spain's skipper explains the reason for selecting Nadal

It’s worth noting that Nadal had not participated in a competitive singles match since his defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympics at the end of July, and his last indoor hard-court appearance was in 2022. Some commentators suggest that world No. 46 Roberto Bautista Agut, who recently secured an indoor hard-court title in Antwerp, might have been a strong candidate for the singles position.

Ferrer provided reasoning for his selections for Nadal. He expressed admiration for Rafa's training regimen and noted his consistent improvement each day. The Captain believes strongly in Rafa’s competitive spirit and potential. While it was a decision filled with uncertainty, Ferrer felt it was only fitting to allow Nadal to shine.

“I knew that between Rafa and Roberto, seeing how they trained and Rafa improving day by day, I was confident that Rafa is a competitive beast,” Ferrer told.

“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.” Ferrer said.

Ferrer stated that when Nadal dropped the first set, he expressed clear concern about losing his feel for the game. Nadal confidently declared that he would adapt his strategy by playing further back, despite recognizing that it wasn't the ideal approach on such a fast court.

“When he loses the first set. He’s worried because he can’t find his feeling. He tells me he’s going to play further back, although I didn’t think it was appropriate on such a fast court,” Ferrer said.

“In the second set, there are two breaks and I tell him that he has to enjoy himself, that he has to loosen his arm and play bravely. Winning or losing didn’t matter, he wasn’t going to change his career and he knew he was going to suffer. It was like focusing on it as when he was a child and had the illusion of playing. I told him I was very proud of him and thank you.” he added.

Ferrer stated with certainty that he doubted Nadal would have returned to play if Spain had advanced further. The 42-year-old, a long-time Davis Cup teammate of Nadal’s, emphasized the immense enjoyment the Mallorcan found in the event throughout his career.