Leylah Fernandez noticed Rafael Nadal in Malaga and instantly became ecstatic and started telling the entire Canadian team to come so everyone could see the Spanish tennis icon ahead of his last tournament.
This week, the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga started and will last through Wednesday. On November 19th – one day before the final of the BJK Cup event – the Davis Cup FInals will also kick off in Malaga.
Although the Davis Cup Finals hasn’t yet started, teams have already arrived and are preparing for the event. And while in the gym, Fernandez saw one of her idols, whose astonishing career is set to come to an end in the next 10 days.
“I was in the gym finishing up my recovery, and then Rafa was coming in, and i was telling everybody, the team, that rafa is here. I was just fan-girling the whole night,” the 2021 US Open runner-up said in Malaga.
Nadal’s farewell will probably be very emotional
For the last tournament of his pro career, the 22-time Grand Slam champion decided to play in front of his home fans by representing his nation. And it is safe to say that the stands in Malaga will be absolutely packed when Spain takes on Netherlands in the quarterfinal.
David Ferrer, who retired in 2019 and is now the Spanish Davis Cup captain, admitted that even he may drop a tear or two during Nadal’s farewell.
“I didn’t cry when I retired from tennis, but maybe I’ll for Rafa, I don’t know. I mean, I’m really hoping that things go well for Rafa, as a friend. I’d be really excited if he ended up happy and doing well… What happens in Malaga is not going to change his life or his career. But on a personal level I would like him to leave tennis with a good taste in his mouth,” Ferrer told Marca earlier this month.
For now, the plan is to give Nadal a chance to play singles if he confirms that he is healthy and ready. If not, he will likely then get some action in doubles.