Rafael Nadal could follow fellow tennis legend Roger Federer and retire from the sport at the Laver Cup this year.
The ‘King of Clay’ has yet to confirm whether he is to hang up his racket following his run in the Olympic Games doubles tournament with countryman Carlo Alcaraz. Nadal and Alcaraz’s adventure eventually came to an end with a 6-2, 6-4 loss to Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in Paris.
Following the defeat, the 14-time French Open champion gave a heartfelt wave to the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd with many fans believing the Olympic Games loss could be the last time they see Nadal grace the court. However, after the match, Nadal was evasive on his future, and a gap in his schedule is now fuelling chatter that an appearance at the Laver Cup in September may be his last game on the pro circuit.
The Laver Cup is significant for Nadal in more ways than one as it is where his great friend, and one-time rival, Federer also called it a day on his career. Nadal also teamed up with the Swiss star for the final match – a doubles loss to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
After the defeat in Paris, Nadal was asked whether he would head to the USA in order to prepare for the US Open. However, the 38-year-old declined to confirm what his next steps will be and suggested that he needs some time to consider his next move.
“It looks like not but I’m going to let you know soon. For me now, I can’t give you a clear answer, I need some time. But for me it looks difficult,” he said. “We’ll see if I keep playing the normal tour.”
The Spanish star, who has claimed the title at Roland-Garros more than any other player, then briefly hinted that the Olympic loss could be his final time competing and expressed his affection for the arena where he cemented his greatness.
“If that’s the last time, it’s an unforgettable feeling and emotions,” he said. “They give me the love and the support every single second that I have been on court. It’s super, super special to feel that in particular in this place.”
Federer called time on his iconic career at the Laver Cup two years ago, and with the pair’s strong relationship, there could even be a scenario where the great man himself comes out of retirement to play alongside Nadal at the tournament – returning the gesture Nadal graciously carried out for him.
This year’s Laver Cup takes place at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany from September 20th-22nd and, as well as many fans who think the 22-Grand Slam winner will end his career there, former world No 1 Andy Roddick also believes the event could be a fitting stage for Nadal to exit the sport.
Speaking on his podcast he said: “The Laver Cup could be a celebration. Hopefully we’ll see him in the big finals again. I don’t know. It feels like this could be the end.”
Whether Nadal decides to drop the curtain in Berlin remains to be seen, however, he did candidly reveal post-Olympics that he is no longer playing for results and titles as the twilight of his career closes in. Nadal also insisted he is now courting “experiences” and the emotions competitive tennis brings him rather than the glory of winning.
“At this stage of my career, I play for feelings, I play for emotions more than for results,” he said. “I won enough in my career, much more than what I ever dreamed. For me, it’s about enjoying different experiences”
