Rafael Nadal has revealed he’s willing to forfeit the singles at the Davis Cup next month if he doesn’t feel up to playing ahead of his showdown with Novak Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia.
The veteran will go into the showdown looking to bounce back, having lost 6-3, 6-2 to Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday.
Nadal recently confirmed he would be retiring from tennis after a glittering career that has seen him claim a staggering 22 Grand Slam titles.
Only Djokovic, who he will face on Saturday, has won more.
Rafael Nadal has revealed he’s willing to forfeit the singles at the Davis Cup next month if he doesn’t feel up to playing ahead of his showdown with Novak Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia
GETTY
Once the tournament in the Middle East is out of the way, Nadal will feature for Spain at the Davis Cup.
However, the veteran has now revealed that he could end up withdrawing from the singles if he doesn’t feel up to playing – though is confident he’ll be fighting fit in his swansong from the sport.
“Emotionally, I’m sure I’ll be ready. Physically and in terms of tennis level, there remains a month left to prepare,” he said following his defeat to Alcaraz.
“I will try to be in good shape to help the team to win. If I don’t feel ready for the singles, I’ll be the first one to say.
JUST IN:Mike Tyson replacement plan takes shape as Jake Paul sent three-word message to save fight
“Be 100 per cent sure, I will not be on court if I don’t feel ready to win my match.”
Nadal and Djokovic will meet for the final time on Saturday in what promises to be an emotional occasion.
The pair have battled it out 60 times over the years, with Djokovic winning 31 of those contests compared to his friend’s 29.
The Serb also got the better of Nadal when they met at the Paris Olympics earlier in the year.
READ MORE: Sir Alex Ferguson’s private stance on Man Utd revealed after being axed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe
And Nadal has admitted he’s looking forward to facing Djokovic for the last time as his time in tennis draws to a close.
“To have Novak in front [of me], it’s like a nostalgic thing,” added the 38-year-old.
“We’ve played each other a lot, so it’ll be fun to play each other again one more time in this match.
“Hopefully we can create a good show and good level of entertainment.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Rafael Nadal lost to Carlos Alcaraz in their Six Kings Slam clash on Thursday
GETTY
While Nadal is heading for retirement, Alcaraz continues to impress.
With four Grand Slams to his name already, the 21-year-old and Jannik Sinner look set to dominate the sport for many years to come.
And Nadal has said he’s willing to provide support for Alcaraz if he needs it as he prepares to head off into the sunset.
“He’s going to do very well with what he’s got. He’s learning all the time,” he continued.
Rafael Nadal is looking forward to facing Novak Djokovic for the last time
GETTY
“We can see he’s developing in every way. But of course I’ll be ready whenever he wants to call me.”
Alcaraz and Sinner will face off on Saturday after the fixture between Nadal and Djokovic.