2022 witnessed the retirement of his close friend and rival, Roger Federer. As such, Rafael Nadal, the former world No. 1, is keeping the world on its toes about his retirement plans. Fans wish to see him play more and add more titles to his legacy.
The left handed Spaniard won two exquisite titles this season, to overtake Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, and now tops the rankings. The master of Clay has won 19 Grand Slam singles titles. His exemplary career boasts of thirty five ATP Tour Masters 1000 titles, twenty one ATP Tour 500 titles, and two incredible Olympic gold medals.
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Rafael Nadal and his cryptic message on retirement
Nadal is the lone player in the Open Era who has won all four Grand Slam tournaments on clay. Rafael Nadal, at the age of 36, has become the oldest tournament champion with his record of 14 Roland Garros titles in 2022. During an exclusive interview, his former coach and uncle, Toni Nadal shared, “Rafael plays for him, he doesn’t think about whether Carlos Alcaraz, David Ferrer or even Djokovic is there.”
Nadal is currently battling with painful abdominal and foot injuries. His uncle quoted Nadal’s thinking, ” As long as he feels he has a chance of winning, he will continue.” Toni Nadal further added , ” When he sees that he has no options, if he goes to a tournament and has no chance of winning, I don’t think he will play“. Toni Nadal feels Rafael Nadal has won too much to fold badly.
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READ MORE – Rafael Nadal To Play in an Exhibition Event After Shocking US Open 2022 Exit.
Nadal and Federer team up at 2022 Laver Cup
Rafael Nadal teamed with his rival turned close friend, Roger Federer, at the latter’s last professional tennis match. The legendary duo played in a doubles match for Team Europe against Sock and Tiafoe, representing Team World. Nadal, along with Federer, suffered a loss of 4-6, 7-6, and 11-9 to the Americans of Team World.
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At the O2 Arena, Nadal bid an emotional farewell to the legend Roger Federer. In December 2022, Nadal and Casper Ruud will play a series of fierce exhibition matches in South America. Fans are waiting eagerly for the legend to recover from his injuries and serve some winning shots.