“If he lacks adrenaline and wants to continue playing, why not?” Paolo Bertolucci gives insight into Rafael Nadal’s future in tennis

Rafael Nadal is currently in the last phase of his illustrious career.

“If he lacks adrenaline and wants to continue playing, why not?” Paolo Bertolucci gives insight into Rafael Nadal’s future in tennis

Paolo Bertolucci and Rafael Nadal (via IMAGO)

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal is approaching the end of his illustrious career at the age of 38. His most recent appearance was in the first round of Roland Garros, where he was defeated in straight sets by fourth seed Alexander Zverev.

Several tennis experts have weighed in on Nadal’s future in the sport, including former World No. 12 Paolo Bertolucci, who discussed Nadal’s possible retirement in an interview with Fan Page It.

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It’s difficult to judge what he does. If he lacks adrenaline and wants to continue playing, why not? Then there will be those who criticize his choice to lose to inferior players, and those who praise him for emphasizing humility. Let him do it, out of respect for what he was. Whatever he does will be good.
Paolo Bertolucci said in an interview with Fanpage It

Nadal’s next scheduled appearance is at the Bastad tournament, which he will use to prepare for the Paris Olympics. At the Olympics, he will partner with Carlos Alcaraz to represent Spain. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has previously won the Olympic Singles Gold in Beijing 2008 and the Olympic Doubles Gold in Rio 2016.

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In addition to these events, the only other tournament Nadal has confirmed he will participate in is the Laver Cup. He will join Team Europe, marking his return to the event for the first time since he played doubles with his retiring rival Roger Federer in 2022.

Rafael Nadal skips Wimbledon to focus on Olympic Games

Rafael Nadal, a two-time Wimbledon champion, has decided not to participate in the tournament this year to prioritize his preparation for the Paris Olympics. The 38-year-old Spaniard announced that he will be competing in a clay-court event in Bastad, Sweden, as part of his buildup for the Olympic tennis competition starting on July 27.

Rafael Nadal Roland Garros
Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros (via Imago)

Nadal, who claimed the Wimbledon title in 2008 and 2010, expressed his disappointment about missing the prestigious event, which begins on July 1. He shared that Wimbledon holds a special place in his heart and that he will miss its vibrant atmosphere.

Following his early exit at the French Open last month, the 22-time Grand Slam champion stated that his primary focus is now on performing well at the Olympics on the clay courts of Roland Garros. To best prepare for this, he believes it is beneficial for his body to continue playing on clay rather than switching surfaces.

Currently ranked 264th in the world, Nadal will be competing in the doubles event at the Olympics alongside Carlos Alcaraz. Although the Spaniard had hinted at retiring later this year, he mentioned before the French Open that he could not be certain if it would be his last appearance at the tournament.

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