Spain has named 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal and rising star Carlos Alcaraz in their five-man Davis Cup squad for the finals, set to take place in Malaga. Nadal, 38, has struggled with injuries recently, pulling out of both the US Open and Laver Cup, and has only participated in one of the last seven Grand Slams. However, his inclusion in the team adds significant experience.
Alcaraz, fresh off inspiring Team Europe to victory in the Laver Cup, will play a pivotal role as Spain aims to win their first Davis Cup since 2019. The Spaniards will begin their campaign against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.
Italy, led by world number one Jannik Sinner, will also be in contention. Sinner was instrumental in Italy’s 2023 triumph, where he famously defeated Novak Djokovic in both singles and doubles during the semi-finals. Italy will face Argentina in their quarter-final clash as they bid to defend their title, which they won last year for the first time since 1976. The Davis Cup finals are scheduled to begin on November 19th.
