His emotion during the anthems : “It’s been an emotional day leading up to what could be my last individual match as a professional. Of course, the emotions during what may be my last anthem as a professional were special. And then, with all the other emotions, it made things more difficult. I tried to do my best, to stay as positive as possible, to play with the right energy, it wasn’t enough, congratulations to Botic, he was better than me. Nothing more to say, no need for further analysis (smile).“.

The selection process : “What’s internal should stay internal, but it wasn’t an easy decision for the captain (David Ferrer). I think David decided to play the player he felt had the best chance of winning. Right from the start, I told him he had no pressure to put me on the court. I wasn’t sure I’d play, that’s the truth. There were a lot of conversations during the week. After training yesterday (Monday), it was positive, I trained well and David was confident that I was the player to play. Things can go well… or not. Playing me was a risk, obviously. But the captain has to make decisions. He made his choice thinking about what was best for the team, I’m sure, not for me, and I respect that. I try to make it easy for him to decide what he wants to do. I even talked about putting Roberto (Bautista Agut) on all week (smiles). But he chose to play me. I’ve got nothing, no injury to say I’m not ready to play. He decided after seeing us in training, and I respect that choice, thanking him for this opportunity..”

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If I were captain, I’d probably make a change and not play myself the next match.

Rafael Nadal

If it was his last match… or not : “It’s not my decision. That’s why we have a captain (smile). I’m not the captain. He made a decision today. I hope we qualify (for the semi-finals). The simplest solution, and perhaps the right one, would be to make a change. That’s the truth… That’s what I think. If I were captain, I’d probably make a change and not play myself the next game. That’s my feeling. But in the end, it’s not my decision. I’m sure he’ll make the best decision for the team. In a way, that’s good. It might have been my last game, it was probably my last game… if nothing happens. I lost my first Davis Cup match and now I’m losing my last Davis Cup match, so I’ve come full circle (smiles).“

If this potential ending suits him : “Things are what they are! What would be satisfying is to give the team the point, to help them progress in the competition, and that hasn’t been the case. I came here to help the team. I was selected to play, I tried to win, but it wasn’t possible. At this stage of my career, I can’t complain: I’m doing my best, I’m trying to enjoy myself, to play with the right energy, the right attitude. It just didn’t work out… It was a possibility. I hope Carlos (Alcaraz) wins his match and the double, and I hope we can keep going. In any case, I’m going to keep working hard every day in case the team needs me again. Otherwise, I’ll be supporting it from the bench..”

Interview at the press conference