“Another withdrawal incoming”;"If Spain wins,Rafael Nadal should call it a day” - Fans react to Spaniard's inclusion in Spain's Davis Cup Finals squad

Rafael Nadal being announced as part of Spain's squad for the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga has sparked discussions among tennis fans. While many seem to be speculating that the Davis Cup could be the Spaniard's swansong, others felt he could withdraw from the event just a few days ahead of its start.

The Spaniard, who hasn't been a regular on the ATP tour for a couple of years, is seemingly headed towards his retirement. The 38-year-old was a regular during the European clay swing and was last seen in action at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Since then, he withdrew from the US Open as well as the Laver Cup.

Meanwhile, Team Spain starring Carlos Alcaraz put on a phenomenal display during the Group stages of the Davis Cup to qualify for the Final 8, the knockout stages of the event. Their performance was applauded by the 22-time Grand Slam champion as well.

The knockout stages of the Davis Cup are set to begin on the 19th of November and Team Spain recently announced their squad. The roster consists of Carlos Alcaraz, Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno Busta, Marcel Granollers, and the five-time Davis Cup winner, Nadal.

Fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to the Spaniard's inclusion. One fan said that the 14-time Roland Garros winner would withdraw once again and called him a 'con' expert. The fan wrote:

“Another withdrawal incoming... I won't believe until I see him in person...he is expert in conning”

Another fan said that the former World No. 1 should hang his racket if Spain conquers the Davis Cup. Interestingly, the event will be held in Malaga, Spain.

“If Spain wins, Nadal should (officially) call it a day…”

Here are some reactions from fans apprehensive of Nadal's participation.

“How much is he paid to wait to withdraw until right before the tournament?” a fan questioned.

“More likely another withdrawal once the tickets have been sold tbh,” a fan said.

“*1 week before* ‘Rafa Nadal withdraws from Davis Cup finals. Hope to see you back soon, Rafa!’” a fan quipped.

Here are some other reactions from fans worried that the Davis Cup would mark the end of the Spaniard's illustrious career.

“Rafael Nadal is confirmed in Spain’s team for the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga this November - could it mark the perfect end to his career?” a fan asked.

“I'm going to be crying during this, aren't I? (Absolutely nothing has been said by anyone, but I've always had a gut feeling about Davis Cup with it being in Spain.)” a fan mentioned.

“Nadal named in Spain's #DavisCup Finals squad. Swansong?” a fan pondered.

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"I hope Rafael Nadal is there too" - Carlos Alcaraz wished for his idol's inclusion at the Davis Cup Final 8, recounted how David Ferrer expressed the same

The Spanish duo at the Paris Olympics (Source: Getty)

In a recent conversation with Marca, Carlos Alcaraz recalled hearing David Ferrer, Team Spain's captain at the Davis Cup, say that he would try to ensure a sixth Davis Cup for Rafael Nadal.

"I heard David say that if Rafa was there, he would go to the death with him," Alcaraz told Marca.

Alcaraz also said that he hoped to be fit for the Davis Cup Final and expressed his desire to recreate his iconic pairing with his idol.

"I hope I'm also physically fit to be able to go to Malaga. It's something that I'm particularly excited about and I hope Rafa is there too," Carlos Alcaraz added.

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz formed a blockbuster duo during the Paris Olympics, making it to the quarterfinals.

Team Spain will be facing Team Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup. The winner will play either Germany or Canada in the semifinals.