French Open: Rafael Nadal Puts Retirement Speculations to Bed by Confirming His Final Pitstop

Despite rumors to the contrary, Rafael Nadal is not done yet. Just when fans were overcoming the sadness after what was thought to be his Madrid Open appearance yesterday, he delighted the tennis world with just what it needed right now. The red clay court of Roland Garros is currently awaiting the “King of Clay” to embark on one last journey there. But before the 14-year-time winner of the French Open stepped there, he waved away the rumor that the tournament was his last one before retirement. And this has sent the tennis world into a frenzy!

Rafael Nadal was away from the tennis spotlight for almost a year before he made his comeback in Brisbane earlier this year. However, owing to a hip flexor injury, the 37-year-old Spaniard hinted at his retirement earlier this season. He even withdrew from the Monte Carlo tournament, dashing too many hopes. But by Barcelona and Madrid, Rafa made sure to confirm that the French Open would not be his last one. He wants to play in the Olympics as well!

“My dream would be to play in the Olympics once again. I have never said that my career would end in Paris”, he stated. Nadal, who clinched his gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in his first try, declared his dreams are far from over.

Rafael Nadal previously admitted that he is not entirely fit to give 100% to his game. He has also shown uncertainty about performing at the French Open in the first place. “The world does not end with Roland Garros. There are the Olympic Games ahead and different formats that make me excited,” he said a few days ago in Madrid. “I’m going to do it, things that I have to do to be able to play Paris. And if it is possible, it is possible and if not, I will not go to Paris if I [do not] feel qualified enough to compete.”

After joining hands with Björn Borg to play in the Laver Cup, Nadal has further pleased his fans by promising he would make an Olympic run this year. Despite a body that might not support him 100%, Rafa is ready to keep tennis in summer going.

The last time he earned a gold medal in the Olympics was when he won the doubles tournament at the Rio Olympics in 2016. After almost eight years, he is ready to make his last appearance in the Olympics scheduled for July in Paris. But before that, his emotional goodbye at the Madrid Open saddened him and fans alike.

“This is a difficult day when it arrives,” says Rafael Nadal after his Madrid Open farewell

After three successful victories in the Madrid Open this year, Rafael Nadal’s run in the tournament ended against Jiri Lehecka. With a score of 7-5, 6-4, the five-time champion of the Madrid Open received an emotional farewell from the tournament. While the crowd chanted, “Rafa Rafa Rafa,” five banners were hanging up in the air, showing Nadal’s achievement there. Naturally, the Spaniard’s smile at the end of the game further made his fans emotional.

Addressing the crowd later in his speech, the former World No. 1 said, “This is a difficult day when it arrives. But it’s a reality. My body and my life have been sending me signs for some time. The memories here will stay with me forever.” However, soon after his recent announcement, it is clear that he is not done yet. Therefore, fans are now waiting to see the Spaniard on the biggest platform in the world soon!