Rafael Nadal’s iconic run at the Italian Open is finally over. Coming into the tournament as a dark horse, he clearly had all the support he needed to win the match against Hubert Hurkacz. However, despite his efforts, he could not make it to the third round.

But, what stole the show was the fact that he did not get the farewell that he received at the Madrid Open. This certainly received a lot of flak from everyone. However, the Spanish player was quick to answer the concerns. But the answers might come as a surprise to everyone.

Rafael Nadal confirms speculation surrounding Italian Open farewell

Rafael Nadal didn’t have a special goodbye ceremony in Rome like he did in Madrid. However, he came ahead and had an explanation for this. But, it was quite a confusing one. He explained that he never said Rome would be his last tournament. In Madrid, he was sure it was his final appearance, but in Rome, he felt about 98% sure.

So, he didn’t want to say it was 100% final when he wasn’t completely sure. That’s why there wasn’t a ceremony in Rome. He thinks if he retires in the future, maybe they’ll have a ceremony then. This helps us understand that Nadal is still unsure about when he’ll retire.

“I don’t know about that. I never said going to be my last tournament here. I said in Madrid because that was that case. Here I am not 100% sure. Was probably 98%, but I will not say 100% when is not 100%, so, different feeling here than Madrid. Different story. Different kind of moment for me. I don’t know. I didn’t expect any ceremony honestly, no,” said Nadal in the post-match interview.

“If I retired, I think hopefully they going to have time if they want to do something in the next few years,” he further added. Thus, Rafael Nadal clearly suggested that this was not the final time he was in Rome. While he already announced that this will be his last year as a professional player, it will be interesting to see how things fold in the future.

Rafa recreates a vision of the difficult road that he traveled on his comeback journey

Besides mentioning the reason why didn’t receive a Madrid-like farewell, Rafael Nadal also explained how difficult it was for him to seek momentum in the ongoing scene. “You can see today on the court how difficult is. That’s the answer, no? Yeah, that’s an option that can happens today and you need to accept,” he said, pointing at his dull performance in the showdown against Hubert Hurkacz.

Along with that, he also expressed doubts about his participation at the much anticipated French Open. “Probably one is to say, Okay, I am not ready, I am not playing enough well. Then is the moment to take a decision in terms of not playing Roland Garros,” he said.

“Physically I have some issues, but not probably yet enough to say not playing in the most important event of my tennis career,” he added, expressing his urge to be a part of the clay court major. As Rafa currently struggles both mentally and physically, it still remains to be seen if he will be able to pave his way.