The stage is set! Spain will take on the Netherlands in just a few hours from now at the Davis Cup Finals. However, irrespective of who’s facing whom, the tennis world is now more curious to know if Rafael Nadal will feature in this contest. When asked about the same in the recent press conference, Nadal said, “That’s a question for the captain.” What did the captain say, then? Well, David Ferrer also remained tight-lipped on this. He said, “I don’t know yet. At the moment, I have not decided the players that are going to play tomorrow.” Despite these concerns, tennis legend, Jim Courier recently explained how the Davis Cup Finals would still be a great event for all the Nadal fans.

It’s kind of a bittersweet situation for all the Rafael Nadal fans at the moment! They want to see Nadal but they’re also aware that this show may not last for too long. Previously during a conversation at the TC Live Podcast, Courier said, “We don’t know for sure but sources on the inside in team Spain have been telling me that Rafa has been practicing an awful lot in singles and he’s been practicing for the last month with no pain in his abdomen, which has been troubling him a lot.” However, seeing no update from the team on the same, there always remains a doubt.

Addressing these doubts surrounding the 22-times Grand Slam champion, Jim Courier yet again shared a few words on Rafael Nadal during the recent episode of the TC Live Podcast. He said, “It’s just the good news to hear that he’s playing pain-free. That’s the best thing. He has got a little bit of momentum going right now. Hopefully, we get a chance whether it’s singles, whether it’s double, even if it’s just on the bench it gives a chance to celebrate Rafa is so appropriate.” The 54-year-old American tennis legend further added, “He’s a team-first guy. He’s always been that way. He’s gonna do what’s right for the team. If he’s not ready, sadly we wouldn’t see but I’m hoping he’s gonna be.”

Talking about playing for the team and keeping personal things aside, well who knows it better than Rafael Nadal? Even during the recent press conference at the Davis Cup, we saw a similar reflection through his speeches. He said he’s now fully focused on helping Spain win the title. “If I’m on the court I hope to control my emotions. I’m not here to retire. I’m here to help the team win. It’s my last week in a team competition and the most important thing is to help the team. The emotions will come at the end. Before and after I will be focused on what I have to do,” said Rafael Nadal.

He’s happy to get the chance to retire in his own country. So, he wants to make this moment memorable. We’ve seen Jim Courier showcase his optimism on witnessing a magical moment featuring Rafael Nadal in Malaga, but does he consider the Spaniard as the GOAT?

Jim Courier snubs Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer to pick Novak Djokovic as the GOAT

Novak Djokovic has won  24 Grand Slam titles in his career. Although he hasn’t had a great outing in 2024, still Courier believes that he’s statistically way ahead of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Earlier this year during an interview, Jim Courier said, “Statistically, it’s over. There is a lot to it. It’s not just the major titles. Djokovic has a sizeable head-to-head record over Federer (27-23) and a narrow lead over Nadal (31-29). One that is really important is the weeks a No 1 and he has a massive lead there. Then the year-end No 1, which is the champion of a season. He’s done that eight times, Federer and Nadal five times each. (Pete) Sampras has six.”

He further added, “For me, the numbers don’t lie. He’s (Djokovic) the greatest and deserves all the accolades he gets.” During another conversation, Courier also highlighted the factor that put Rafael Nadal in some real trouble at times in his career. Courier said, “He’s (Rafa) the only one who’s played with this much muscle on his joints that has made it this far.” According to the American, the athletes who strain their bodies to that extent rarely have as long of a career. We’ve seen Nadal suffering a lot of injuries during his career. Is the aggressive style of play and over-straining of the muscles the real root cause behind his struggle with injuries?

Well, Courier believes it to be a major reason. However, he also added, “It’s been just a marvel and a blessing to have a chance to watch him.” Share your thoughts on Rafael Nadal‘s incredible 23-year-long journey in the racquet sport.