David Ferrer hopes for the lone fighter Rafael Nadal · tennisnet.com

Rafael NadaI’m in the Spanish Davis Cup squad for the final tournament in Málaga. The captain also knows how much he can contribute to a home success David Ferrer not yet.

Botic van de Zandschulp has already put fear into Spanish tennis fans once this year. The Dutchman showed probably the best performance of his career at the US Open in New York City. And took Carlos Alcaraz, one of the big favorites, out of the competition. In three unadorned sentences.

Now van de Zandschulp could once again play a role in Spanish tennis history. Namely as one of Rafael Nadal’s last opponents in his illustrious career. Spain opens the Final Eight in the Davis Cup in Málaga against the Netherlands. And Nadal, as number two behind Carlos Alcaraz, would be predestined to take on Botic van de Zandschulp.

Ferrer would like Nadal to have match practice

“When the draw became public, I sent him a message and told him to prepare to play against Botic van de Zandschulp,” Spanish captain David Ferrer said in a video. “His answer was clear: I will be ready.”

Ferrer will be happy to take his old friend and rival at his word. Even though he hasn’t played a singles match since his elimination from the Olympics against Novak Djokovic. Of course, David Ferrer also has this on his mind. “Rafa will play the Six Kings this month. I would like him to compete in another event before he joins the team. I will talk to him about it in the next few weeks.”

This will also make the tournament directors in Basel, Vienna and Paris-Bercy sit up and take notice. Herwig Straka, the head of the Erste Bank Open, has all but ruled out the 22-time Grand Slam champion taking part.

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