Rafael Nadal has just have confirmed tennis fans’ worst fears by suggesting that 2024 could very well be his last year on the ATP Tour. After failing to recover in time to be fit for his favorite tournament, Roland Garros, the Spaniard admitted that the last four months have been ‘difficult’. He has been nursing an injury since his Australian Open exit back in January where he lost in the very second round to Mackenzie McDonald in straight sets. But the issues had started well before the first Grand Slam of the year.
Over the course of his announcement, Rafa revealed hat he has not been enjoying his usual practice and routine. And all that seems to have started from the pandemic in 2020.
Rafael Nadal to retire in 2024?
Rafael Nadal, 36, has been one of the biggest stars and attractions in the world of tennis and beyond. His unbreakable attitude and mental fortitude combined with his longevity and consistency, and utter dominance at the French Open have made him something of a leading light for inspiration for athletes across all sports. But the great rafa is human and unfortunately, his career seems to been approaching its conclusion.
Announcing his decision to not participate at the upcoming Major in Paris, Nadal made the admission that will break millions of hearts.
“2024 is probably going to be my last year on the professional Tour. My motivation is to try and enjoy and say goodbye to all the tournaments that have been important to me.”
“2024 is probably going to be my last year on the professional Tour. My motivation is to try and enjoy and say goodbye to all the tournaments that have been important to me” – @RafaelNadal #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/4yefk6VpKt
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) May 18, 2023
However, he also did leave the door ajar by admitting you ‘never know what can happen’. But should his injuries continue to hamper his enjoyment of the sport, we can expect the 22-time Major champion to say his goodbyes over the course of the next season.
“I can’t say 100 per cent that [it is] going to be like this because you never know what can happen. But my idea and my motivation is [to] try to enjoy and try to say goodbye [to] all the tournaments that have been important for me in my tennis career during [next] year and just try to enjoy that that, being competitive and enjoying being on court.”
If 2024 is truly the end of the road for Nadal, fans will hope he is fit enough to play as much of the season as possible so that everyone may cherish his tennis one last time. And although many suspected the end was nigh for Rafa too after Roger Federer’s retirement in September, it will still break many hearts.
