Tennis fans worldwide are worried Rafael Nadal could retire from the sport after the Paris Olympics, and the Spaniard's comments about the subject will do little to reassure his supporters.
Despite his numerous physical issues in the last two years, Nadal competed in the men's singles and doubles at the Olympics. Many thought the 14-time French Open champion would only play in the doubles.
Unfortunately, Nadal got a terrible singles draw. After winning his opening match against Marton Fucsovics, he was crushed by his old rival Novak Djokovic 6-1, 6-4. In truth, the match was even more one-sided than the score suggests.
Hopes were higher for Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles, but that also ended in disappointment. The excellent American pair of Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram defeated the Spaniards in straight sets.
After the match, Nadal said he and Alcaraz could have shared many beautiful moments together if he had been ten years younger. Since the 22-time Grand Slam champion is close to the end of his career, playing doubles with Alcaraz at the Olympics is the best memory they will have together on the court.
Despite their disappointing loss, Alcaraz said he enjoyed every minute of playing alongside Nadal. The 21-year-old also mentioned that he and the 38-year-old had conversations about life that he would keep for himself.
Nadal also demonstrated his trademark honesty and humility after the loss. He took the blame for the doubles defeat and acknowledged that Krajicek and Ram were simply the better players on the day.
Not for the first time, Nadal was asked about his tennis future after the defeat. The tennis legend admitted the Olympics had been his goal for the last few months, and he would now have to reevaluate his feelings after exiting the event.
"My future as a professional is affected by the desire and the feeling that I have when I have to make the decision. I had set the Olympics as a goal since the beginning of the year, and this cycle has ended."
Nadal has always been rigidly focused on the next challenge. Therefore, it is not surprising that he was only thinking about performing well at the Olympics and not about his tennis future.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner says he will return home to consider his future in the sport. He did not indicate his decision, but Nadal admitted he would retire if he felt the desire and motivation to continue had gone.
"Now I will return home, to disconnect, and when I have decided what my next step is, whether with a racket in my hand or without, I will let you know. If I don't have the desire, strength or motivation to continue, I will hang up my racket."
Nadal's passionate fanbase will nervously wait for his decision. The sport will undoubtedly be damaged when the great Spaniard hangs up his racket. Hopefully, the 38-year-old can find the desire to keep improving his level and try to win one final French Open title next year.
0 Comments