WATCH: Rafael Nadal arrives in Riyadh for Six Kings Slam ft. Novak Djokovic and others days after retirement news
Rafael Nadal recently arrived in Riyadh to compete in the Six Kings Slam, a lead-up event before his retirement next month. The 38-year-old has already received a bye into the semifinals, and the tournament also features some other prominent names, including Novak Djokovic.
Nadal recently announced that he will play his final match in Malaga, Spain, during the knockout stages of the Davis Cup. The Spaniard is part of Spain's squad, which will face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals this November.
"But I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country. I think I’ve come full circle, since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004," he said.
Nadal's first challenge ahead of the Davis Cup is the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh. The tournament starts on October 16 and includes top players like Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, and Jannik Sinner. Djokovic also received a bye into the semifinals.
While the winner between Medvedev and Sinner will face Djokovic in the semifinals, the winner of Alcaraz vs. Rune will secure a date with Nadal. The 22-time Major champion was warmly welcomed with a beautiful flower bouquet, after which he signed autographs for a few fans. Watch the video shared on X below:
If Nadal and Djokovic reach the finals, it could mark their last-ever encounter.
The Six Kings Slam is Rafael Nadal's first tournament since the 2024 Paris Olympics
The tournament in Riyadh will be Rafael Nadal's first competition since the 2024 Paris Olympics. Injury concerns have weighed heavily on the Spaniard, forcing him to miss most of the 2023 season and preventing him from performing at his full potential this season. He has won 12 out of his 19 matches this season.
Nadal has participated in only a few tournaments in 2024, with his best results being a quarterfinal finish at the Brisbane International and a runner-up finish at the Nordea Open in Bastad.
Nadal last competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he suffered an early second-round exit in the singles draw, losing to the eventual gold medalist, Novak Djokovic. The former World No. 1 also teamed up with Carlos Alcaraz in doubles, but they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the USA's Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram.
However, fitness concerns prevented him from participating in the entire North American hard-court swing, including the US Open. Before that, he also missed Wimbledon 2024.
Even during his retirement announcement, Nadal acknowledged that he would not be able to continue further and that it was the right time to hang up his rackets.