‘Paying the Bill for That’- Amid Growing Concerns Over Rafael Nadal’s Falling Career, American Tennis Legend Lists Out ‘Real Concern’ for the Spaniard

Rafael Nadal, one of the big three of tennis in the modern era, has smashed more records than the majority of the players. The Spaniard puts fear into the hearts of his rival when he steps onto the clay. He has earned the name ‘The King of Clay’ by all means. However, he has struggled with injuries throughout his career and started the 2023 season with an injury. After being active for over 20 years, Andy Roddick believes that Nadal is paying the price for glory.

Rafa had to sit out all ATP Masters till now due to an injury sustained in the Australian Open. After a lot of speculation, the Spaniard was unable to return to any Masters tours this year.

Rafael Nadal is paying the price

As of now, Nadal, unfortunately, withdrew from the Monte Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open, two tours that favor him the most. There could be a possibility that the Spaniard will withdraw from Madrid Open as well. His fans have been eagerly waiting for him to play again ever since he was defeated by Mackenzie McDonald.

One player who is not hopeful about Nadal’s return is his former on-court rival, Andy Roddick. Roddick, who works as an analyst on Tennis Channel, believes that Nadal’s return is not as likely. Hip injuries are always problematic as they take longer to recover and the risk of being injured increases. This means that he would have to be conservative about which tournament he chooses to enter.

Read more – ‘Window Is Narrowing’ – Days After His Monte Carlo Withdrawal, Another Bummer From Rafael Nadal Leaves Fans Losing French Open Hopes

Roddick said, “For the rest of his career, he is going to draw a bright red circle around the French Open and do everything in his power to get matches going in. This is a real concern if he’s missing out on Monte-Carlo, Barcelona, and Madrid. He’s a diesel engine, he needs those reps going into events. This is very concerning for Rafa fans.”

In the Five Clubs podcast, Roddick talked about how Nadal along with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic changed the sport. He also added that Nadal was paying for his long and illustrious career.

“McEnroe has won 7, Becker has won 6, Agassi has won 8, now the conversation starts at 10 because of these three guys and that’s insane.  The fact that these guys have been able to play for 20-somewhat years, and listen, Rafa’s paying the bill for that.”

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If Nadal withdraws from the Madrid Open, his French Open participation will also become worrisome. What do you think? Will Rafa play anytime soon?