Rafael Nadal's retirement date has yet to be confirmed, and Garbine Muguruza questions why her legendary compatriot is still trying to compete.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion started 2022 by winning the Australian Open and French Open, but he has been plagued by injuries in the two years following those successes.
Despite enduring numerous setbacks, Nadal has still not given up hope of returning to the court and playing at a high level again. There were some positive signs during his run to the final of the ATP-250 event in Bastad, but he is still far below where he once was.
The 38-year-old's latest setback was withdrawing from the Laver Cup. There had been rumors about Nadal retiring at the team event like his old rival Roger Federer, but that is now confirmed to be untrue.
Nadal has been more injury-prone during his career than Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. Many consider those three to be the greatest players in tennis history, but Djokovic is now statistically the most successful of the trio.
It is unclear whether Nadal would have won more Grand Slam titles than Djokovic if he had been fitter more regularly. The Spaniard's uncle, Toni Nadal, enraged Djokovic's fans by saying Nadal would have been the best if it weren't for his injuries.
The 14-time French Open champion's outstanding success makes his desperation to return to the court understandable. The Spaniard's love and passion for the sport are evident.
Muguruza, who won two Grand Slam titles, officially retired from tennis this year. She had taken a break from the sport last year, but the 30-year-old decided not to return and ended her career.
The 2016 French Open champion wonders why Nadal is continuing to try and fight to return after so many injury problems. Muguruza also mentioned his son, Rafael Jr, feeling it might be time to properly appreciate being a father by not having to worry about tennis.
"He’s so ready. His body, his mind, just everything. It’s time to also enjoy his kid! I see him smiling all the time with his baby. I’m like, ‘Why are you on the court still? Go home, take the boat, go in Mallorca.’ I think he gave everything he had."
Muguruza contrasted Nadal's determination to keep playing with her acceptance that the time to retire had come, saying life sent her signals that she should move onto a new chapter in her life.
"I was so ready. Life was sending me signals to me physically. I was just looking forward to that next chapter."
The former Wimbledon champion also discussed the enjoyable balance she has since retiring. Muguruza no longer has to worry about the stresses of being a professional tennis player, but she still travels regularly and keeps busy.
"I thought I was going to be more at home, but it turns out I’m traveling so much—but in a nice way. I’m not stressed, I’m not carrying my 55 racquets, I’m not nervous. I’m happy to travel in this way."
"I’m just doing all the things that I couldn’t do before, spending time with my loved ones. Now I’m feeling that personal side, and before it was, everything professional."