Rafael Nadal’s career may be really close to an end.
Rafael Nadal’s career may be nearing its conclusion. The Spanish champion is taking all the time he needs to decide on his future, but he has already stated that he would not compete in the US Open 2024.
The former world number one attempted to give himself one final chance to compete at the highest levels this year, but the tennis court delivered an unmistakable conclusion. The 22-time Grand Slam champion no longer appears capable of winning the most important titles, and his body suffers from the numerous struggles that have defined his long career.
The Spaniard planned to compete in his final Olympics in Paris, where he was selected as a torch carrier during the opening ceremony. Rafa was ousted by Novak Djokovic in the singles, demonstrating his inferiority to the Serbian at the time.
Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz were ousted in doubles by Americans Ram and Krajicek, who played well but did not earn a medal. The Spanish legend’s future is still uncertain. Only his appearance at the 2024 Laver Cup is certain, though some sources feel he may play in the Davis Cup Finals later this year.
Rafa is thinking about his future
Rafael Nadal has shocked the world many times during his legendary career, but this time it seems that his decline is inexorable.
During a lengthy interview with Sky Sports, former British star Naomi Broady discussed Rafa’s current situation: “Nadal clearly has a plan in mind, but he’s keeping his cards close to his chest.” I believe Rafa still enjoys his tennis. They all adore the sport, and I believe he would like to continue playing, which is why he did not announce his retirement at Roland Garros.
I believe he was thinking, “If there is any chance, any way I can get back here, I will be back.” But it will all be up to his body, which hasn’t been cooperating lately. Whether he chooses to do it at the 2024 Laver Cup, as Roger Federer did, and has that truly incredible celebration fitting for his career, that would be fantastic. I believe many people expected him to choose that type of celebration at the Olympics – at Roland Garros on Philippe-Chatrier – while playing for his country, but who knows? “We don’t know.”
The Spaniard did not win a title in 2024 and only made it to one final, on the red clay of Bastad, where he lost to Nuno Borges decisively.
Former ATP ace and renowned analyst Alex Corretja spoke with ‘El Larguero’ about Rafa Nadal’s future, saying, “The key issue now is to give yourself an achievable goal of having the strength to practice again. What if he helped the Davis Cup team in some way? Perhaps by encouraging himself to play doubles and contribute to the team in September, he can advance to the semi-finals and, if he makes it to the finals, play in November. How else can I train in Manacor with everything that awaits me? That, to me, is the problem.”
The Spanish legend suffered a lot
Despite frequently having to manage ailments and missing many Grand Slam tournaments, the Spanish champion established history in this sport by breaking numerous records. Many felt Rafa’s career was over in 2020-2021, but he surprised everyone by winning the 2022 Australian Open and French Open.
In the most recent episode of his podcast, former American ace Andy Roddick speculated that Rafa’s retirement could be imminent: “The Laver Cup could be a celebration. We all feel better when he’s around. Hopefully, we’ll see him in the big final again. I do not know. It feels like this is the end.
I’m not like the best players of all time. I can’t figure it out, but I’m not sure he wants to compete for titles in Bastad. I don’t know if this is his lane. We will see. We don’t know what he’ll do because we aren’t in his inner circle, but I doubt he’ll make an attempt to give Roland Garros another chance. But I’ve been incorrect about him in the past, and any analyst with an opinion is only speculating.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion may decide to retire as his eternal rival Roger Federer, who played his last match at the 2022 Laver Cup at the O2 Arena in London.