Rafael Nadal admitted Saturday that he may be forced to sit out the singles at the Davis Cup Finals where the Spanish superstar will call time on his iconic, record-setting career.

All the members of the Spanish team have repeated that it will be Rafa who decides what role he will have in Malaga. The most likely option is that Nadal will only play doubles in this edition of the Davis Cup Finals, perhaps alongside his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz as at the Olympic Games.

The 38-year-old Nadal has been on tour for more than 20 years and is the second member of the so-called Big Three of men’s tennis to stop playing. Roger Federer announced his departure in 2022, while Novak Djokovic is still near the top of the game.

Rafael Nadal says he "couldn't ask for anything more" from his career as he prepares for the start of the Davis Cup, the final tournament before he retires

Nadal gave everything to recover his form following a severe hip injury at last year's Australian Open. He played 19 singles matches this season, reaching one final but struggling to chase notable titles. At 38, Rafa decided to terminate his incredible tennis journey after 23 years on the professional circuit.

"I would have said 1% for Rafa... He proved us wrong once again. He never gives up and this is probably his biggest legacy."

Rafael Nadal is getting set to retire from professional tennis after one last event: He will be part of Spain's team at the Davis Cup finals

Iga Swiatek has admitted she is unsure whether she is going to watch any tennis after her idol Rafael Nadal retires from the sport. The world No 2 revealed Nadal was the only player she watched after meeting with the Spanish legend in Malaga.