Rafael Nadal has always been the talk of the town but his retirement news has brought in more attention than ever. The Spaniard revealed that the current season will in all probability be the final one of his illustrious career. Moreover, with his fitness issues still raging, Nadal also mentioned that he will participate in the French Open only if he feels physically capable of doing so. Much like the rest of us, Coco Gauff has been hit hard by the Spaniard’s retirement update.

During an interview ahead of the Italian Open, Gauff was asked to comment on Nadal’s legacy, given that he’ll potentially play the French Open for the final time in his career this year. While the American star was upset with Nadal’s retirement update, she finally realized that it was coming soon. “Yeah, honestly it’s very weird for me as a fan to come to terms with just because the majority of my life he’s been the Roland Garros winner. Yeah, I mean, I guess it’s now hitting.”

Further, she went on to add, “I think I was in Madrid. It didn’t really hit that he was retiring yet. Now when I saw them do the little ceremony after, I was like this is real life, this is for real. I feel a little bit sad about it because he’s definitely one of my favorite players to watch. His mentality and intensity is something I admire. Honestly, he’s probably the only player that when I practice on the court next to him, I would literally zone out of my practice to watch him.”

Having missed most of last year due to a hip flexor injury, Nadal has been struggling with form in 2024 too. His Roland Garros attendance is still in question, although the King of Clay wants an Olympic medal if nothing else this year. Unlike Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz has flat out refused to discuss his idol’s retirement, whereas Andre Agassi has plainly stated, “He deserves to retire when and where he wants. I hope his body allows him to make the decision when it is really clear to him.”

But even if Rafa retires from active playing, he might still remain connected to the sport, if his links to Saudi Arabian tennis are anything to go by. The kingdom’s Public Investment Fund has been venturing into the sport and has had a significant influence lately. Gauff’s coach, Brad Gilbert, also talked on this matter.

Gauff’s coach hopeful ‘some good will come’ with Saudi Arabia’s growing influence

Recently, Nadal was named the brand ambassador of the Saudi Arabian Tennis Federation. However, this decision by the Spaniard received a lot of flak online as fans have opposed Saudi’s influence in the sport. However, Brad Gilbert felt that things will improve with the Spaniard’s influence.

He said, “In the last five years the prize money has fallen off a cliff compared to Gauff. And obviously you know there’s an issue with Saudi Arabia you know but hopefully that some good will come from this and now that Rafael is ambassador for Saudi Arabian Tennis Federation.”

Meanwhile, both Gauff and Nadal will be seen in action at the Italian Open. It’ll be interesting to see how they fare at the tournament.