“He will let you know,” Brad Gilbert asks the media not to bother Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard snapped at retirement question
The former tennis player has backed Rafael Nadal's stance against the retirement questions he constantly faces
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Rafael Nadal and Brad Gilbert
Former tennis player and current ESPN analyst Brad Gilbert backed Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard had lashed out at the media for questioning him about his retirement. Gilbert responded to a clip of Nadal’s press conference on Twitter with words of support. He quipped about the nature of the media and said the question is bound to come up again during the Australian Open in Melbourne.
He left a memo for the reporters and asked them to appreciate Nadal’s greatness and humility. Gilbert also addressed the reporters and told them Nadal would let them know when the time came. Responding to a reply which pointed out how Roger Federer was asked the same question since 2009, Gilbert expressed his sadness, stating how unfortunate and tiring the question is to the players.
Rafael Nadal snapped at the press after constant questions about when he would retire. The 36-year-old said,” Every time I am coming to a press conference seems that I have to retire, so you are very, very interested on my retirement. I mean for that moment is not the case. When this day arrives, I’m going to let you know. But don’t keep going with the retirement because I’m here to keep playing tennis.”
Addressing the incident, Gilbert tweeted, “Unfortunately even after @RafaelNadal tells u stop asking about my retirement, will come up again in Melbourne, memo appreciate his greatness and humbleness he will let you know when time comes.”
Related: Cameron Norrie credits Tim Henman and other coaches for his win over Rafael Nadal at the United Cup
Rafael Nadal’s 2022 ended with injuries piling up
Nadal’s 2022 was successful in multiple ways. Winning the 2022 Australian Open and the 2022 French Open took his tally of Grand Slam titles to 22. He is now the most successful men’s singles tennis player. However, the end of the season was difficult for ‘Rafa’.
The Spaniard withdrew from the 2022 Wimbledon after tearing an abdominal muscle. He battled foot, rib, and abdomen injuries throughout the year. Multiple setbacks meant he was not fully fit even when he did play at times. This resulted in him playing just four tournaments after Wimbledon.
But injuries have always been part of Nadal’s career. He has missed a Grand Slam every year of his career since he was sixteen due to injury. Nadal is back to full fitness as 2023 begins and will be keen to retain his Australian Open crown.
The Mallorcan lost to Cameron Norrie at the ongoing United Cup. The press conference after the match forced Nadal to take this stand. The Spaniard will be looking to get up to speed at the United Cup to be fully fit for the Australian Open. Nadal will be looking to have a good Open after an injury-hit end to 2022.
Article by: Samarth Srivastava
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