Spain’s Davis Cup captain, David Ferrer, has been deeply disappointed with the organization and planning of Rafael Nadal‘s retirement ceremony. He noted the absence of key figures from the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s career. Ferrer admitted that he missed seeing Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic at the event.
Nadal lost his singles match 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp. Spain then lost 2-1 to the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals. This early exit made Nadal’s match his final one, as he had chosen the Davis Cup for his retirement.
I’m sad about everything, about how it happened, about losing the tie… it wasn’t the scenario we wanted. We were favourites but we didn’t show it. And the farewell to someone as important as Rafa was watered down; very important people in his career were missing, as well as people who have been so important at the level of his rivals and his team. I missed those people.
David Ferrer said in an interview to COPE
Ferrer expressed disappointment at the absence of Federer, Djokovic, and Spanish NBA star Pau Gasol. He felt that their presence would have made the farewell more fitting. The 2012 Paris Masters champion added that someone else, not him, should have been speaking at such an important ceremony.
The farewell was done with the best of intentions, it was after losing and in a hurry… it was a bit sad. I missed Federer, Djokovic, [Pau] Gasol, who is a close friend of his. I shouldn’t have spoken. Rafa’s greatness is not going to change with a better or worse tribute.
David Ferrer added
After the decisive doubles loss of Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers, Nadal gave an emotional speech. Ferrer also spoke to honor his teammate. He paid tribute to the two-time Olympic Gold medalist’s incredible career and thanked him for representing Spain.
Reason behind Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic missing Rafael Nadal’s farewell revealed
Rafael Nadal’s final Davis Cup match in Malaga was missing many big names from the tennis world. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray did not attend, despite expectations they would be there. Nadal’s uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, was also absent. Only his family, close friends, and the Spanish tennis community joined him at the Martin Carpena Arena on Tuesday.
Reports later revealed that a grand farewell was planned for Friday if Spain had reached the semi-finals. The plan fell apart when Spain lost their quarter-final match to the Netherlands. This early exit meant the Friday celebration was canceled, and Nadal received a simpler send-off after the doubles loss.
Nadal’s teammates, Carlos Alcaraz and captain David Ferrer, were present for the farewell, along with his coach Carlos Moya. His wife, Maria Francisca, son Rafa Jr., parents, and sister also attended. Long-time team members, including his physio, nutritionist, and press officer, supported him from the bench.
Federer, Djokovic, and Murray had recorded a farewell video that was shown on the big screen in the arena. Toni Nadal explained he missed the match due to work commitments in Rome but hinted he might have attended later if Spain had progressed.
