Rafael Nadal gives verdict on playing until 40 like Roger Federer
ATP
Rafael Nadal shared whether he could imagine playing in his 40s like his rival and good friend Roger Federer.
Nadal was the player who stood next to Federer during his last career match at this year's Laver Cup. The Swiss Maestro played professionally until his forties, and that's something that is a rarity among professional athletes.
Nadal is currently competing with Novak Djokovic for the most Grand Slam titles. He is still competitive despite being 36 years old. Moreover, he can finish this ATP season as the World No. 1 player in the ATP Rankings, so his qualities are undeniable.
He was asked about playing in his 40s ahead of the 2022 ATP Finals. Nadal admitted that only a few years ago, he couldn't see himself playing at 36, yet he does.
"It looks difficult, honestly, but at the same time, when I was 28 or 29, for me was super difficult to imagine myself playing at the age of 36, and here we are - In a high position on the ranking and being competitive."
At the same time, the Spaniard said that he's happy to continue playing as he's one of the players who struggled a lot with injuries recently. He's aware that it may soon get worse and impact his lengthy career.
"You never know what can happen. It always depends on different facts; some of them you are able to control, and others you don't have the chance to control."
"So, let's say I am super happy to be where I am at the age of 36 and a half. Let's see, I just want to keep going and enjoy the fact that I am playing every year, which, for me, is a present."
Competing at the ATP Finals is always special for Nadal as it's one of the very few tournaments where he never managed to lift a trophy. He wasn't successful in Shanghai and London, but Turin may be the place for him.
"Well, you never know what could happen. It’s a great feeling to be here after I first qualified in 2005. I'm super happy because it means I had a very positive season in terms of possible results. I'm not a fan of talking about what could happen or not."
"I'm just here to follow my way, try my best every day in every practice. Then I have the competition that I'm going to start on Sunday. Then let's see, of course, I'm here to try to achieve the best result possible."
