Rafael Nadal's future is uncertain after his defeats in the Olympic singles and men's doubles. Andy Roddick thinks the legendary Spaniard could retire at the Laver Cup in September.
Many were surprised that Nadal elected to participate in the men's singles after his physical issues. In the second round, he faced his great rival, Novak Djokovic, but the Serbian comprehensively beat him.
Nadal's goal of winning a medal in the doubles with Carlos Alcaraz seemed more realistic. Unfortunately, the high-profile pair were defeated by the American partnership of Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek.
Speaking after his doubles loss, the 22-time Grand Slam champion was unsure about his future. He admitted retirement was possible if he did not have the desire, strength, or motivation to continue.
One of Nadal's great rivals is worried about him. Roger Federer expressed concerns about Nadal's physical struggles, hoping the 14-time French Open champion can overcome those issues.
Nadal's consistent injuries in the last two years make it unclear whether he will be able to challenge for Grand Slams in the future. The French Open always represents his best opportunity, but he did not come close in either of his appearances at Roland-Garros this year.
2003 US Open champion Roddick is one of those who is unsure about Nadal's chances of challenging at the French Open again. However, the American also admitted he had been wrong about Nadal in the past.
"I find it hard to believe that he's going to ramp up and try and make another run at the French Open, but I've been wrong about him before and any analyst who has an opinion, we're just guessing. We don't know, we aren't part of his inner circle."
Roddick is correct that no analyst or fan is entirely sure about Nadal's future. The Spaniard became quite irritated about the constant questions about it by journalists at the Olympics, saying he would let them when he decides to quit.
Although Roddick accepts he was not one of the greatest players ever, the three-time Wimbledon runner-up finds it challenging to believe Nadal will continue playing if competing to win ATP-250 or 500 events is the best he can manage.
"I certainly don't tick like the greatest players of all time. Can't understand it, but I don't know if he wants to be competing for titles at Bastad. I don't know if that's his lane. We will see. We're all better when he's around. Hopefully we see him in big finals again. I don't know. It feels like this could be the end. Laver Cup could be a celebration."
It would be interesting to know where Nadal would prefer to retire. Roger Federer's retirement at the 2022 Laver Cup, where he played doubles with Nadal, was memorable and a fitting finale to the Swiss Maestro's career.
However, the 22-time Grand Slam champion may prefer to retire at the French Open or on home soil in Madrid. Hopefully, whatever Nadal decides, he gets the fitting sendoff his incredible career deserves.
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