"Rafael Nadal's answer was clear, 'I'll be ready'" - David Ferrer sheds light on chat with compatriot about Spain's Davis Cup Finals QF vs Netherlands

Spain's Davis Cup team captain David Ferrer has disclosed an exchange he had with Rafael Nadal recently. According to Ferrer, his compatriot will likely be coming out guns blazing during the Spanish Armada's quarterfinal match against the Netherlands at the team event.

The 22-time Major winner has endured a tough season on the ATP Tour in 2024, failing to go deep in any of the big tournaments thus far. However, he will be eager to help Spain win a sixth Davis Cup title later in the season.

Last month, it was revealed that Rafael Nadal will join Carlos Alcaraz as one of the top singles players in Spain's last-eight tie against the Netherlands at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals on 19 November. He is poised to take on Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp in singles (since higher-ranked Tallon Griekspoor will play against World No. 2 Alcaraz).

Captain David Ferrer recently told the Spanish tabloid DGO that Nadal had promised that he would be on top of his game against van de Zandschulp. Interestingly, the Dutchman had upset Alcaraz in straight sets at the 2024 US Open, making him a force to be reckoned with.

"When the draw came out, I sent him a message and told him to prepare to play against Botic Van de Zandschulp," David Ferrer revealed to DGO last month. "His answer was clear: 'I will be ready.'"

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"I would like Rafael Nadal to compete in another event before playing with the team" - David Ferrer

Rafael Nadal will play at 6 Kings Slam in October

David Ferrer also revealed that he was going to implore Rafael Nadal to get some match practice under his belt at any tour-level event before the Spain vs Netherlands match in Malaga. The 38-year-old is already playing at Six Kings Slam, an exhibition tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, later this month.

"He’s going to play the Six Kings Slam this month and I would like him to compete in another event before playing with the team," Ferrer said. "I will talk to him about it in the coming weeks."

The former World No. 1 will play his first match at the Six Kings Slam against the winner between his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz and World No. 14 Holger Rune on 17 October. If he comes out victorious, either Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner or Daniil Medvedev will await him in the title match.