Richard Gasquet reveals what’s ‘strange’ about Rafael Nadal announcing his retirement in 2024
Rafael Nadal called time on his career after losing the Davis Cup quarterfinals with Spain against the Netherlands in 2024.
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Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet (Image via X/We Are Tennis, NBC Sports)
What Rafael Nadal did last year that shocked the whole tennis world? It was his retirement announcement, obviously. But for Richard Gasquet, the announcement was very, very strange.
Gasquet announced last year that at the 2025 French Open, he will call it quits. Just a few hours later, Nadal uploaded the video on his social media accounts to announce his retirement.
If someone had told me that in 2024, we would be announcing the same thing on the same day, I certainly wouldn’t have believed it. My destiny is somewhat linked to him. I’ve known him forever. We all know the player he was, the champion he was, and the person he was. He’s an incredible person, but in any case, the probability of us announcing the same thing on the same day was low. It was strange for me, but I think the nod is rather nice. It’s still quite funny.
Richard Gasquet told France TV
Gasquet’s destiny, indeed links with Nadal. Nadal turned pro in 2001 and the next year, Gasquet did. Gasquet, known as the ‘little Mozart of French tennis’ and was tipped to win Grand Slam trophies, could never go past the semifinals of a Major event.
The 16-time ATP titlist had met the 22-time Grand Slam champion 18 times and never was successful in beating the Spaniard. They last faced each other in the third round of the 2022 US Open.
Gasquet has just one last chance to win a Major at this year’s French Open. He is in Monte Carlo and will kick start his campaign at the Masters 1000 event on clay against Matteo Arnaldi on Sunday (April 6).
Rafael Nadal recalls his 2022 Australian Open final against Daniil Medvedev
Rafael Nadal turned the table when he was locking horns with Daniil Medvedev in the 2022 Australian Open final. The Russian, seeded second, was playing in the tournament after winning the 2021 US Open.
He claimed the first two sets and Nadal doubted whether he would be able to win the match. Seeded sixth in the tournament, Nadal did what is known for. He fought till the end and after over five hours, he emerged victorious with a scoreline of 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.
I thought I was going to lose. But it was very important not to let myself go. I’ve been a player with a good capacity for self-control. I haven’t been a frustrated tennis player on the court, and accepting things allows you to find solutions. The 4% was worth fighting for. That’s always been my point of view.
Rafael Nadal told Diario AS
It was his career’s second victory at the Melbourne Slam. With that win, Nadal surpassed Roger Federer to claim the most Grand Slam titles in Men’s tennis at that time (Novak Djokovic later broke the record).
That year, the King of Clay secured a record-extending 14 French Open titles by breezing past Casper Ruud in the final. It was his 22nd Major title as Nadal, after suffering a hip injury the following season, struggled a lot to win matches.
Rafael Nadal lost to Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup Final
After Rafael Nadal made his comeback in 2024 following a long injury lay-off, he was successful in reaching just one final at the Swedish Open. He lost the title to Nuno Borges.
Then after the Paris Olympics, Nadal represented Spain in the Davis Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands. Botic van de Zandschulp was his career’s last opponent. The 38-year-old lost the match in straights and with Spain’s defeat, Nadal closed the most remarkable chapter of his life.
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