Rafael Nadal, the Spanish tennis legend, found himself caught in several rumors after his exit from the round of 16 at the Italian Open. Many argued that his chances of participating in the French Open were bleak. While others believed that he wouldn’t be able to sucre a decent run just like Rome.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, defying all odds, Nadal dominated in the red dirt of Roland Garros and clinched his 14th victory. He defeated the 24-year-old Casper Ruud to claim the title and silenced rumors of his retirement.
Rafael Nadal about his future in tennis
Nadal, after winning his 22nd Grand Slam title, addressed the matter that caught fire recently. He spoke about his retirement and broke joyous news to his fans.
The Spaniard, after thanking his family and fans, said, “I for sure never believed I’d be here at 36 being competitive again. Playing in the most important court of my career one more time. Means a lot to me. I dont know what’s gonna happen in future but I am gonna keep fighting. To try to keep going. So many thanks. “
We can't wait to see you in New York, @RafaelNadal 😊#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/rwoKsdnU0L
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) June 5, 2022
However, Rafa also addressed his current physical situations. So that his fans are not in the dark, estimating things that might not happen. He disclosed, “I can’t confirm anything. I need to find a solution. I can’t keep going the way I’m going.”
“I can’t confirm anything. I need to find a solution. I can’t keep going the way I’m going.” Nadal in post match on court interview with NBC’s @MariaTaylor when asked if he’ll be back at Roland Garros.
— The Big 3 (@Big3Tennis) June 5, 2022
The world no.5 has a rare degenerative disorder, which affects the Navicular bone in the mid-foot region. Nadal has been suffering from the same since 2005 and in the year 2021 he kept out of several major tournaments, as the issue resurfaced.
Read more: ‘Help Improve the Future’ – Rafael Nadal Takes His Training Venture to a Whole New Level
Further, the same issue caused his early exit at this year’s Italian Open, and might cause problems in his upcoming tournaments.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Nadal against Ruud
Throughout the tournament, Nadal defeated some high-caliber contenders such as Novak Djokovic to reach the semis. Therefore, it was a fact unknown to none that Rudd will have to fight tooth and nail to secure his first Grand Slam title. However, the Norwegian had no answers to Rafa’s tenacity, as the legendary Spaniard won in straight-sets of 6-3 6-3 6-0.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for the 22-time Grand Slam champion, as he intends to take some time off before announcing an update about his comeback to the ATP tour.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story: Meghan Markle and Serena Williams’ friendship over the years