"This is my nightmare" - Ben Shelton wary of potential Rafael Nadal battle at Davis Cup Finals in Spaniard's retirement tournament

Ben Shelton recently discussed, with Gael Monfils, the possibility of playing Rafael Nadal in the final match of the Spaniard's career at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. The American seemed unsure about wanting to face the 22-time Major champion, considering the magnitude of the occasion.

Shelton is currently competing at UTS (Ultimate Tennis Showdown) in Frankfurt. It is an interactive exhibition event where players compete in quarters of eight minutes and the first one to win three quarters wins the match. The American is in the final of the exhibition event where he will be facing Ugo Humbert.

A clip of Ben Shelton and Gael Monfils was posted online by a user where Shelton was seen discussing the possibility of playing Nadal at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, in the Spaniard's final match.

"Will Rafa play singles?" Shelton asked.

"It's a good question," Monfils responded.

"Because, are they going to make him retire in doubles? "It's his choice, right?" the American pondered.

"Rafa is Rafa, you know. If he feels ready, they will make him play. 100%. And he'll be a beast," Monfils replied.

Shelton then proceeded to talk about how being Nadal's final opponent would be a 'nightmare'. However, Monfils told the 22-year-old that it would be an experience worth cherishing.

"If it's our match, he ends up playing me, I'm gonna be so tight. So tight. He’s gonna be (grunting). The crowd, everything… No. This is my nightmare," the American said.

"But it will be a crazy experience for you," the Frenchman said.

"I'm praying that it happens. I'm praying it doesn't happen."

"I understand. But it can be, as I told you, one of the best experience of your career."

"For sure," Shelton replied.

It may be noted that for Ben Shelton to play Rafael Nadal at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, both Spain and the USA will have to reach the final of the tournament.

Spain will kick off their campaign against the Netherlands, while the USA will play Australia.

The Spaniard recently concluded his penultimate outing at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh.

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Rafael Nadal was bestowed with a special golden racket at the Six Kings Slam

Rafael Nadal (Source: Getty)

Rafael Nadal, who competed at the inaugural Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh, received a bye into the semifinals where he kicked off his campaign with a straight-set defeat to Carlos Alcaraz.

Following this, he played Novak Djokovic in third place but was defeated by his long-time rival 2-6, 6-7(5).

After the match, Nadal was gifted a special golden racket to celebrate his illustrious career. During the post-match interview, the Spaniard thanked everyone, who helped him live his dream of becoming a tennis player.

"It has been a dream come true to be able to play for almost 20 years being competitive, having the chance to play in the best places in the world, which I watched on TV as a kid. I cannot thank enough the support and love I have received all around. There was an amazing journey every single tournament over the years. I feel very fortunate to be a tennis player."

During his on-court interview, Djokovic made an emotional plea to his long-time rival, asking him not to quit tennis.