‘Sports Is About Winning or Losing Not About Retiring’- Rafael Nadal Makes a Statement After Tough US Open First Round

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal is having a brilliant season. The 36-year-old won the first two Grand Slam titles of the year and made it to the semifinal of the Wimbledon Championships as well. However, an unfortunate injury ruled him out. Nadal had a chance of getting his calendar Grand Slam but missed that because of injury. Currently featuring in the US Open 2022, the Spaniard made a winning start to his campaign.

Interestingly, he is yet to lose a match in Grand Slam events this year. However, he still didn’t win all three of them. In his post-match interview, the 36-year-old discussed the feeling of retiring midway through a tournament due to injury.

Rafael Nadal on his Wimbledon exit

While a reporter reminded Nadal he is yet to lose a match in Grand Slam tournaments this year, the 36-year-old said, “I didn’t lose a match, but I didn’t win all three, so… In some way, yeah, was even tougher.” Further, the 36-year-old added, “Retiring is, in my opinion, much tougher than losing. That’s the thing, no? The sports is about winning or losing, not about retiring. When you retire, you can’t compete. The feeling is much worse than losing a match, no?”

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However, the Spaniard still believes the injuries are part of his career now and he can’t complain much about it. “That’s what happened. In some way, it’s part of my tennis career, too. In the other hand, of course, I’m having an amazing year in terms of results, but at the same time a tough year because I went through the foot, the rib, stress fracture on the rib, then the tear in the abdominal. A lot of things going on during the last six months and a half, seven months,” Nadal said.

Nadal wins a hard-fought first-round match at the US Open 2022

Rafael Nadal didn’t get much opportunity to prepare before the last Grand Slam of the year. The 36-year-old went into the American Major tournament having played only one competitive match.

Playing in the first round match of his US Open campaign, the Spaniard was up against wild card entrant Rinky Hijikata. Nadal made a slow start and lost the first set 4-6.

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However, he started regaining momentum and subsequently took the next three sets to win the match. Up next, the 36-year-old will have the challenge of former world number 9 Fabio Fognini.

Do you think Nadal can beat his injury concerns and lift a third Grand Slam title this season?