Rafael Nadal gives verdict on playing until 40 like Roger Federer
Rafael Nadal was the player that stood next to Roger 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 rarity among professional athletes. Rafael Nadal, who is currently racing with Novak Djokovic for the most Grand Slam titles, is still competitive despite being 36-years-old. Moreover, he can finish this ATP season as world no. 1 in the ATP Rankings and so his qualities are undeniable.
“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 that 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," he said.
Competing at the ATP Finals is always special for Nadal as it's one of a 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,” Nadal concluded.
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