Retiring Nadal Insists Won’t be Distracted Helping Spain in Farewell Davis Cup

Retiring superstar Rafael Nadal says he will not be distracted by emotion as he aims to help Spain win the Davis Cup in the final tournament of his illustrious career.

Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, will retire from tennis after representing his nation at the men’s team event in Malaga.

Spain play the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Tuesday, but it remains unclear if 38-year-old Nadal will be fit enough to play a significant part.

The former world number one has played only seven tournaments this year after battling various injuries over the past couple of seasons.

“I’m not here for retiring. I’m here to help the team win,” said Nadal, who announcedlast month he was planning to quit here.

“It’s a team competition and the most important thing is to all stay focused on what we have to do – that is play tennis and do it very well.

“The emotions are going to be for the end.”