‘Don’t Know What Can Happen’ – Rafael Nadal Hints at His Future at French Open After Defeating Novak Djokovic

In a battle of the titans of tennis, it was the ‘King of Clay’ who soared to victory! Rafael Nadal put on a scintillating display to knock out the defending champion, Novak Djokovic, in the quarterfinals of the French Open 2022.

Over his career, Nadal has had a torrid time with injuries. Earlier this year, he suffered a rib injury that kept him out for around six weeks. After his victory over Djokovic, the Spaniard opened up about his future while referring to his injuries.

Rafael Nadal unsure of his future at the French Open

During the post-match press conference after his quarterfinal victory, Nadal talked about his future in the sport. He said, “I’m very clear on the fact that I don’t know what can happen (and it can be (his) last Roland). You know what I have with my foot and if we don’t find solutions, it will be difficult. For the moment we haven’t so I give myself a chance.”

DIVE DEEPER: ‘He Is Part of the History of Roland-Garros’ – Carlos Moya Questions French Open Organizers for Scheduling the Match Between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic During the Night Session

Nadal suffers from the Mueller-Weiss syndrome, a rare, under-diagnosed cause of chronic mid-foot pain. During his Italian Open loss against Denis Shapovalov, Nadal faced the same trouble and was forced to play with a foot injury. Nonetheless, as has been the story of his career, the 35-year-old has come back stronger than ever to enter the semifinals of the French Open 2022.

Nadal avenges his French Open 2021 defeat

Last season, Djokovic got the better of Nadal in the semifinals of Roland Garros. The Serb eventually went on to win the title, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the summit clash.

WATCH THIS STORY: Novak Djokovic’s epic finals against Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Andy Murray, Wilfried Tsonga at the Australian Open

However, Djokovic couldn’t produce the result he would’ve liked this year as Nadal prevailed in a battle lasting four hours and 12 minutes. While the Spaniard won the first set comfortably 6-2, Djokovic came back strongly to win the second set 6-4 and level things. Further, the third set panned out similarly to the first. Nadal won it convincingly by a scoreline of 6-2. The fourth set was a keenly contested battle, with Nadal eventually prevailing in the tiebreaker to take the set 7-6(4).

In the semifinals, Nadal will take on Alexander Zverev of Germany. The latter had defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the other quarterfinal yesterday.