Rafael Nadal news sends tennis into meltdown as stunning Davis Cup prize money is revealed
Any suggestion the Davis Cup has lost its significance in a crowded tennis calendar has been banished as the Final 8 nations competing for the big prize in Malaga confirmed their teams.
The most eye-catching selection was Rafael Nadal’s inclusion in the Spain team, sparking suggestions that this could be the final appearance of his professional career.
Confirmation that Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are in the team for a Davis Cup Finals that will see them open their campaign against the Netherlands came after Spain captain David Ferrer admitted he didn’t know if the 22-time Grand Slam legend would be available to play for what may be a farewell appearance.
“I spoke to Rafa, but we don’t know anything yet,” said the former world No 3.
“There is a possibility that he could be with us in Malaga in November. His goal was the Olympics this year, but then he stopped. He needed to rest and spend time with his family, so it was right not to call him up now.
“I will speak to him later. The important thing is that he is well. If he arrives in good condition in November, he will certainly be a player we can count on.
Now it seems Nadal has given captain David Ferrer the indication he needed to include him in his line-up, with the legendary champion having a couple of months to get himself into top shape to offer something to the Spain team.
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As the Davis Cup is competed in a best-of-three-set format these days, it would appear to be a little more realistic for Nadal to take part.
Yet he has not played since the Olympic Games and may have to play a warm-up event to confirm he can contribute to the Spain cause at the level he wants.
With Italy naming world No 1 Jannik Sinner in their team and USA captain Bob Bryan picking a strong team that includes Taylor Fritz and Ben Selton, the final event of the tennis year is set to become an spic event.
Malaga proved to be a sensational host venue for last year’s Davis Cup Finals, even though Spain failed to qualify for the event.
Now the home fans will have their team to cheer on and if this is confirmed to be Nadal’s final competitive event, it will be an occasion to remember.
Meanwhile, the prize money for this year’s Davis Cup has been revealed by the ITF and it is set to be a big windfall for the winners.
The men’s 2024 world champion team will receive $2,678,571, with that total split among the members of each team.
For the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, the breakdown of player prize money is as follows (all figures USD):