Rafael Nadal, a 22-time major tournament winner, has made just 13 appearances since last August. The Spaniard has struggled with a few injuries, lost ground after Roland Garros last year and dropped out of the top 10 after nearly 18 years.
Despite this, Rafa is eager to return to the front of the stage and afford a few more years on the circuit! His uncle and former coach Toni has dismissed the retirement claims, saying Rafa is still passionate about the sport and wants to extend his career.
After being absent from the courts since January, Nadal is expected to return to competition in the coming weeks, eager to clinch his fifteenth Roland Garros title in June.
Rafa made his Paris debut in 2005 and became a major champion days after turning 19.
The Spaniard began his incredible journey and became the most dominant player in history in a single major tournament, losing just three matches in Paris and winning 14 trophies in as many finals!
Rafa arrived in Paris 12 months ago with dark clouds over his head, having suffered early defeats in Madrid and Roma and battling a foot injury.
However, he overcame all odds and beat Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud en route to his 14th Paris trophy. This is the last ATP title for Nadal, who has made just 13 appearances since August last year and won five of them.
Rafael Nadal does not think of ending his career.
Rafa couldn’t play at his best late last year, and the start of 2023 hasn’t brought him anything good.
The Spaniard suffered a blow at the Australian Open, failing to continue his title defense and losing nearly 2,000 ATP points. Rafa injured his left hip and missed seven tournaments, three of them on his beloved clay.
In March, the Spaniard left the group of top 10 players after almost 18 years, and his return is still pending. Nadal won’t rush anything after such a long break, but his fans expect to see him in Rome and Paris.
“Rafa would like to compete now, but it won’t be long. He will play at Roland Garros, and we will base his chances on the coming weeks and the Rome Masters. Rafa does not think about his retirement.
He is still passionate about tennis and wants to fully recover and return to competition,” said Toni Nadal.
2023-04-29 19:00:43
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