Rafael Nadal lost to Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which resulted in the Spaniard being asked about his retirement once again, and he wasn't that thrilled by it.
Andy Murrya had a nightmare time during this year's press conferences because so many reporters were asking him about his retirement at every chance they got. He spoke openly about how annoying it was.
He was quite open about announcing it when he knew, but because he didn't know, the Brit simply declined to give a date. Nadal has been getting that treatment recently, and very much like Murray, the Spaniard isn't amused by the question.
However, he does have some blame, because he's also kept the question quite open. He announced his retirement for this year, and then he walked it back, which maybe created some confusion.
A similar sentiment was echoed this time around when he was asked after his loss at the 2024 Paris Olympics to Djokovic. However, he wasn't amused by the question.
"I can't think about that all day. I come here and you ask me the same thing every day and at the same time… in the end it is very difficult to recover an optimal level if I think about whether I retire or not."
"I come from two very difficult years with many physical problems that have not allowed me to have continuity. That is why I have given myself extra time to see if I was able to recover many things but if you always ask me about withdrawal it is impossible because you are always with the noise behind your ear that doesn't let you develop what you need to make the real decision."
At his age, the Spaniard probably really doesn't know when retirement may come, and he also likely just observes his level from match to match. It could happen tomorrow, but it could also happen in three years.
One thing is more likely than the other, but it doesn't have to be true. The Spaniard still enjoys playing; if he can, he will play. If he can't play anymore, he will announce the date.
"I try to look forward and when the Olympics are over I will make the decisions… You have to take it based on the desire and feelings you have, although for many it makes little sense…"
"I have been suffering for two years, I have had hip surgery, I have been recovering for a long time and now I am feeling better physically. Obviously if I feel that I am not competitive I am going to make the decision to leave, but I have played really little."
"It’s not easy to recover from hip surgery. I try to do what I can to try to enjoy myself and to give myself the option to be competitive. If I no longer want to play, I will let you know and that's it, but I will live day by day to choose what I have to do when I know it."
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