The 22-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal, will start the 2023 season in the first United Cup. Nadal and Paula Badosa will have to lead Spain in the new team event that brings together 18 countries in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney.
The United Cup begins on December 29 and will offer six groups with three teams. The group winners and the best runner-up will head to Sydney for the final phase of the event between January 6-8. Each country will add three or four players from the ATP and WTA circuit, with 500 ATP and WTA points at stake for the most successful competitors.
Nadal claimed the title for Spain at the 2019 Davis Cup and returned to compete for his country a few weeks later at the inaugural ATP Cup in Australia. Spain faced Japan, Uruguay and Georgia in the group stage and overcame all three obstacles to advance to the quarterfinals.
Nadal had four wins in six singles matches and scored 250 points. In the opening match, Rafa defeated Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3 7-5, struggling a bit in the second set before sealing the deal without playing a decider. Nadal played better against Pablo Cuevas and knocked down the Uruguayan 6-2, 6-1 after a good display of serve and return.
The world No. 1 beat Yoshihito Nishioka 7-6, 6-4 to close the group stage with three wins and send his country through to the round of 16. Rafa’s first defeat in the ATP Cup came against David Goffin, who played at a high level and beat him 6-4, 7-6.
Despite this, Spain advanced to the semi-final and faced Australia. Nadal outclassed the young Alex De Minaur in front of his Australian crowd and helped Spain reach the title clash against Serbia. Nadal lost to Djokovic 6-2 7-6 in one hour and 55 minutes, and was unable to seal the deal for Spain before the doubles final.
Nadal opens up on Federer
Seeing an extremely emotional Federer, Rafael Nadal couldn’t hold back his tears after the match as the two cried while sitting next to each other. “It was a beautiful day, emotional, but also sad,” Rafael Nadal said.
“A legend of world sport had retired. He was an adventure companion. We shared many years on the circuit, many important moments for him and for me, that we competed together. I’m happy because Roger had an unforgettable night in London on his farewell, with the affection of so many people from all over the world.
He deserves it for being a great example and an icon. Personally, to be a part of his last professional moment, it was a hard day, but with many emotions,” he added.