Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has opened up about his retirement plans. The Spaniard, who turns 37 next month, has admitted that the end of his career is near. He will not play at Roland-Garros this month due to his hip not healing well enough to allow him to compete at the top level. Nadal plans to take a break, perhaps for a few months, in an effort to extend his career into 2024, a year that he admits will « probably be my last ».
Nadal hopes to enjoy the Tour and say goodbye to all the tournaments that he enjoyed playing. He is driven by the hope that he can say goodbye in his way, being as competitive as ever, chasing more slam titles. Nadal’s determination came through as he said how he hoped to be back playing, competing for the biggest titles in 2024. He also pointed out the impact the Coronavirus pandemic had on his fitness, perhaps a factor in where he stands today.
Listening to Nadal speak at his press conference, held at his academy in Mallorca, it was clear to hear the disappointment in his voice, as he discussed not being at Roland-Garros for the first time in his career. But his determination also came through as he said how he hoped to be back playing, competing for the biggest titles in 2024. Nadal’s press conference lasted 40 minutes in Spanish, English and Catalan.
Keywords: Rafael Nadal, retirement, Roland-Garros, tennis, pandemic, slam titles, Mallorca.