Rafael Nadal is yet to confirm whether he will retire following his Olympic Games campaign but there is talk he could be set to follow Swiss legend Federer in his plan to call it quits
Rafael Nadal could be set to follow in the footsteps of fellow tennis legend Roger Federer and retire at this year’s Laver Cup.
The Spanish star has yet to confirm whether he will hang up his racket after his Olympic Games doubles tournament run with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz came to an end with a 6-2, 6-4 defeat to Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in Paris. After the loss, Nadal, who also lost to Novak Djokovic in the singles, gave a heartfelt wave to the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd, leading many fans to speculate that it could be the last time they see him grace the court.
However, the ‘King of Clay’ remained tight-lipped about his future plans post-match, sparking rumours that his last professional game could be at the Laver Cup in September due to a gap in his schedule. The Laver Cup holds special significance for Nadal as it was where his close friend and former rival, Federer, also decided to retire.
Nadal even partnered with the Swiss maestro for his final match – a doubles defeat to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. After his Paris defeat, he remained evasive about whether he would travel to the USA to gear up for the US Open, but the 38-year-old tennis legend was non-committal and indicated he needs a breather to plan ahead, reports the Express.
“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.”
Nadal, who has dominated Roland-Garros like no other player, also dropped a hint that his Olympic outing might have been his swansong while expressing deep love for the venue that witnessed his rise to greatness. “If that’s the last time, it’s an unforgettable feeling and emotions,” Nadal 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, who called it quits at the Laver Cup two years prior, shares a close bond with Nadal. Their friendship has also sparked speculation that the Swiss icon could make a sensational return to play alongside Nadal at the tournament, mirroring the warm tribute Nadal paid him.
The event will take place at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany from September 20th to 22nd, and has many fans speculating that it could be the stage for the 22-time Grand Slam winner to end his career. Former world No 1 Andy Roddick also shares this belief.
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer of Team Europe during the doubles match against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at the Laver Cup in 2022 (
Image:
Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
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 will choose to retire in Berlin is yet to be seen. However, post-Olympics, he openly admitted that he’s no longer playing for results and titles as his career draws to a close. Instead, he’s seeking “experiences” and the emotions that competitive tennis brings him, rather than the glory of victory.
“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.”
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