Rafael Nadal’s retirement saddened followers all over the world, though it was clear to everybody that the Spanish legend’s profession was very near its conclusion. At 38, the 22-time Grand Slam champion determined it was the appropriate time to stop skilled tennis and dedicate himself to his household full-time.
The final two years have been significantly powerful for the previous world No. 1, who has had many accidents and has not been in a position to play as he would have favored. The 14-time French Open champion would have favored to play extra tournaments throughout his final dance in 2024, however his physique didn’t enable him to transcend 19 matches performed (earlier than the Davis Cup Finals).
Rafael Nadal, Davis Cup Finals 2024© Stream screenshot
When he introduced that he could be retiring from the Davis Cup Finals, everybody thought that Nadal would solely play doubles in Malaga. Towards all odds, Spain captain David Ferrer determined to subject him within the first singles in opposition to Botic van de Zandschulp and the consequence was merely disastrous. Rafa gave his finest as all the time, however he did not have sufficient degree to win. That loss condemned Spain to a untimely and surprising elimination within the quarterfinals, making the farewell ceremony in Nadal’s honor a lot much less iconic than anticipated.
A wonderful profession
Though the ending was not excellent, the Spanish legend will be proud interested by the varied moments of his superb profession.
Nobody thought that Rafa would play till 2024 and that he would stay on the highest degree till 2022, when he gained his final two Grand Slam titles (in Australia and Paris). Nadal has exceeded his limits a number of occasions and has subjected his physique to a really outstanding stress, by no means giving up even when accidents appeared to have taken over.
Rafael Nadal, Miami Masters 2011© Stream screenshot
In an interview with the official ATP web site, uncle Toni spoke about Rafa’s superb profession: “Of course I saw him suffer. But I got so used to seeing him suffer so many times during his tennis life.
Many times he had bad injuries, injuries that looked like they were going to impair him and even prevent him from playing anymore. Because I got so used to that, I wasn’t surprised to see him suffer a bit at the end. The truth is that, even seeing him suffer, I think Rafael can’t complain because life has treated him very well.”
He continued: “I feel very happy about everything that he’s achieved, obviously on court because of everything he won. But, above all, the most notable thing, which really pleases me as a relative, is seeing how a boy who had a dream of being a great tennis player did everything possible without losing his way.”
Petkovic discusses Nadal’s retirement
At some factors this season, the previous world No. 1 had considered extending his profession even additional. Rafa may have performed a couple of tournaments (on crimson clay) in 2025 as effectively, however he understood that it might make no sense to proceed with out having the ability to win crucial titles.
The Spanish legend was not in a position to defeat the present prime gamers and his bodily decline had develop into obvious for everybody. Not even his beloved crimson clay has saved him this yr, additionally because of the ordinary accidents and never significantly favorable attracts (corresponding to on the French Open and the Paris Olympics).
The hope of followers is that the 22-time Grand Slam champion will set up some exhibition matches along with his everlasting rival Roger Federer, though the Swiss nonetheless has knee issues.
On the newest version of ‘The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast’, former World No.9 Andrea Petkovic mirrored on Nadal’s retirement: “Boris Becker… I just saw him for a lot of times now lately, and he said to me, ‘It’s like a drug. Tennis is like a drug.’ He said, ‘Winning titles is a drug, playing on Centre Court is a drug.
I think with Rafa you could see when it turns into addiction, when it becomes hurtful for your life.
You could tell that he was starting to neglect his being, like you could see that it was unhealthy, he was injured all the time, you could see it in his face. Rafa is not the most relaxed person in general.”
Petkovic added: “I will have the h*ttest of h*ttest takes here. I think he could have been much better if he had less fear in him.
Have you ever watched him practice? He played in practice 10 times the speed which he played in matches, as he got so tight and everything got short. Sometimes you would get glimpses that Rafa would be able to play even better, which is crazy.”
