Bautista-Agut: "I thought Nadal would be playing in 2025".

Ahead of the Spain-Netherlands Davis Cup encounter (this Tuesday), Roberto Bautista-Agut spoke to Marca about his team and team-mate Rafael Nadal.

He was also asked about his good form at the end of the season, particularly with a title in Antwerp: "We are five players ready to give our best.

I had no idea Nadal was going to retire. I thought he'd be playing in 2025. I wrote to him on social networks, but he must have received thousands of calls and messages.

I didn't write to him personally, as I'm sure he was overwhelmed. Rafa will decide whether he plays or not. Let's hope he's all right and then we'll see who plays.

Knowing him, I know he'll do everything he can to play and that he's preparing well. He's a born competitor and there are very few like him.

I know him and I know he's going to give 100%. Personally, I feel good because I've worked very hard.

It's been a very difficult year for me, and when you overcome difficult times, you get better. That's the feeling I've had in the second half of the year. I feel in good shape."