"I'm here to play tennis" - Nadal shoots down Zverev retirement prediction

| by Kadir Macar

Alexander Zverev gave a bold prediction of Rafael Nadal winning the Roland Garros and then possibly retiring from the sport, and now the Spaniard addressed it.

The German player certainly doesn't have good memories of seeing the 22-time Grand Slam champion on the other side of the net, as the last time he played him, he was forced to miss the remainder of the 2022 ATP season after a horrific injury.

Recently, Zverev gave a bold prediction about Nadal's future in tennis. The 36-year-old is, naturally, nearing the retirement, and with it, many players are starting to predict where it may happen.

With Nadal winning 14 Roland Garros titles, it's not a surprise that the vast majority predicted the Spaniard to retire at the French Open, and so did Zverev recently, predicting the Spaniard to win his 15th Roland Garros title and retire afterward.

Ahead of the 2023 Australian Open, the Spaniard was told Zverev's bold prediction, and he shot it down immediately. Zverev claimed that he knew nothing, but the prediction freaked out many Nadal fans around the world.

Novak Djokovic brushes off injury concerns before Australian Open
Novak Djokovic brushes off injury concerns before Australian Open

I don't know what's going to happen in six months. I have a very good relationship with Zverev, but not enough to confess something like that to him.

Nadal on Zverev's prediction

Nadal immediately turned the focus to his 2023 season and what's about to happen on the tennis court. He doesn't want to discuss possible retirement, the 22-time major winner wants to talk about playing matches and winning them.

The reality is that I'm here to play tennis, try to have a great 2023, fight for everything that I have struggled throughout my career and I don't think about my retirement.

Right now, Nadal will focus on his title defence at the 2023 Australian Open, but this time, his main rival, Novak Djokovic will be in the draw.

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