Rafael Nadal’s magnificent career will come to an end at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, as it does with all great stories.
Nadal, plagued by injuries and recent defeats, chose to end his tennis career after 23 years on the professional Tour. The Spanish warrior sacrificed everything for our sport, and real tennis fans will never forget his accomplishments.
Unlike Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, Casper Ruud will not travel to Malaga to cheer on his friend and idol. The Norwegian is tired of tennis after a long season, but he wants to watch Rafa on TV and wishes him a successful week and retiring ceremony.
Casper and Rafa share tight ties. The young gun came to practice at Rafa Nadal Academy, making rapid development and leaving the paradise island of Mallorca with significant improvements. Also, the two adversaries competed for a Major title two years ago.
Let’s revive the 2022 Roland Garros final
Rafa played his 14th and final final in Paris in 2022, with Casper on the opposing end of the net. The king of clay won 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in two hours and 18 minutes on his beloved Court Philippe-Chatrier, his 22nd and final Major victory. Ruud capitalized on his opportunities to reach the final, becoming the first player from his country to compete for a Major championship.
He fought hard in the first two sets, as you only get a few chances against the sport’s legend! Casper took an early lead in the second set but the veteran reacted by reeling off 11 games and blasting a backhand down the line winner that set records.
Nadal served like he could have only wished for, playing against three break points and suffering two breaks. His return was similarly impressive, as he stole 55% of Ruud’s points and secured eight breaks out of 16 opportunities. Nobody could have imagined that it would be Rafa’s penultimate match in Paris.
The Spaniard hit 37 winners and made 18 unforced errors, focusing on the opponent’s backhand and gaining control of one of Paris’ most one-sided finals. The king of clay commanded the most advanced exchanges, limiting blunders and sailing to the top.
“I was pretty optimistic against Rafa, considering his foot injury. I was not too nervous before the match. However, he broke me in my first service game and took those positive vibes away from me,” Casper Ruud said.
Nadal’s rollercoaster ride and latest struggles
Rafa stopped the clock in the first half of 2022, winning two Major titles and advancing to the GOAT position. However, injuries plagued the second half of the season, leaving him unprepared for the upcoming season in Australia. The veteran damaged his left hip in Melbourne and ended the season, needing surgery and casting doubt on his future.
Unwilling to close his final tennis chapter in that manner, Nadal returned in 2024, playing 19 singles matches and winning 12. Still, he was unable to reclaim his well-known A-game, losing early in key tournaments in May and July before retiring at the Davis Cup Finals.
The Spaniard trained at home in Mallorca before traveling to Malaga on Thursday to prepare for his final tennis dance. Rafa, two decades after his debut in the national shirt, wants Spain to win the title for the first time since 2019.
Nadal led Spain to the title five years ago, winning all eight matches and having a fantastic ride with his teammates at Caja Magica. If his body sends out encouraging indications, we should see the veteran on the court against the Netherlands in five days.
VAMOS RAFA 🇪🇸@RafaelNadal defeats Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 for his 1⃣4⃣th #RolandGarros title! @rolandgarros pic.twitter.com/2CHGIEylKe
— ATP Tour (@atptour) June 5, 2022
“I won’t be in Malaga to support Rafa. I’ve played and watched enough tennis this season. I’ll probably watch it on TV while relaxing at the beach. Rafa’s retirement announcement took me by surprise. I figured he’d attempt it again on clay next year. At the same time, I am aware of the difficulties he has had as a result of his injuries. The pain and setbacks wear you down mentally, and you eventually give up. Rafa will have a beautiful finale in Malaga; he deserves a memorable retirement. “I hope Spain makes it to the final so the fans can watch him for a few days,” Casper Ruud remarked.
