Rafael Nadal recently spoke on the discourse regarding retirement and stated when he would announce his decision on whether this will be the final year of his professional career.
Nadal teased his retirement during last year's press conference when he revealed that he won't be competing at the 2023 French Open due to a hip injury. The Spaniard was visibly emotional and explained that he intended to play a farewell season in 2024.
After undergoing surgery and recovering in the second half of last year, Nadal believed he could prolong his career and play beyond 2024. His uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, weighed in on the discussion and reckoned his nephew wouldn't retire this year.
Nadal rejoined the tour at the start of last month, playing his first tournament in 12 months at the Brisbane International. He won a couple of matches but was knocked out in the quarterfinal by Jordan Thompson. He sustained another hip injury at that tournament and has since been undergoing treatment.
In a recent interview with Spanish radio station COPE, Nadal explained why he has not conclusively made his decision that this will be his final year on the tour, adding that he wants to give himself every chance to see progress. He also indicated that he'll make that important call before Roland Garros.
"This is going to be my last year but I don't confirm it 100%. I will go day by day. I'll say it before Roland Garros. I give myself a few months of caution. You know that things can happen, so I can't define things months in advance after a year without competing."
Nadal withdrew from the upcoming ATP 250 event in Doha, where he was looking to make his second comeback in 2024. Asked whether he could win this year's Roland Garros amid all the injury struggles, he admitted that it was "impossible" to make such rapid remarks but was "excited" to play in his beloved tournament.
"Today, it is impossible for me to answer you, today it is very difficult to think that I can win Roland Garros, but I am excited to be able to arrive and enjoy playing Roland Garros. If I thought I had zero chance of winning, I would be doing other things."
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