“Don’t intend for it to seem like a farewell” Rafael Nadal hints fans he will return to Roland Garros next year
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Rafael Nadal
13-time French Open champion and 21-time major winner Rafael Nadal has deservingly been honoured with a statue outside the Stade Roland Garros for being its finest and most dominant champion ever since he made his debut at the major in 2005 and won the Grand Slam as well. Over the past 17 years prior to the 2022 French Open, the Spaniard has won 13 titles and suffered a mere 3 defeats.
However, the 2021 French Open changed a lot of things for the Mallorcan. While it has been no surprise that the player has long been carrying a foot injury that has troubled him a lot over the past few years, after his defeat in last year’s semi-finals at the French Open, he played just 1 more event in the entire season and his surgery had left him on crutches for a few days before he returned to normal training.
With an injury scare in the 2022 Rome Masters as well, 2-weeks prior to this year’s French Open, there were massive doubts if he would keep his streak of playing in every edition of the tournament since 2005 and the Spaniard did turn up and turned up how as he is now into the semi-finals yet again. But, he has maintained the stance that difficulties with his leg have increased a lot and he continues to look for solutions.
“I have always had things clear. Accept things as they come. At no time do I intend for it to seem like a farewell. What happens is that there is a reality that today is what it is, and what can happen. We will continue working to find solutions to what is happening down here (foot). I trust and hope to be able to return. What happens is that there is a year to go and it is evident that these last months, not these last three, I would say since last year they have been difficult.
“The day to day with all that it entails is being difficult, not because of the effort that it entails for me, but also because of staying competitive, because in the end, I play to be competitive, because it’s what really makes me happy. We’re going to enjoy the moment and after that, we’ll keep thinking about the things that need to be improved (foot) and the fantasy is to continue,” said Nadal as per Marca.
“The satisfaction is great”: Rafael Nadal
Nadal however spoke about how in his glorious career, more than the individual achievements, he has enjoyed the affection of the people more has shown him that he has been more than a tennis player for the society. The statement did hint that there’s nothing that the Spaniard regrets even if he was to retire soon but the fire in him will continue till he does not hang up his racquet.
“I do what I can and in the end, somehow, well, I suppose that when you receive the affection and support of the people, the satisfaction is great. Because it means that you have not only done things well hitting the ball but also some other good things. It is a satisfaction that one takes away well. They are beautiful moments and more so when you are already advanced in your career and you know that it is not forever,” added Nadal.
Rafa will now take on World No. 3 Alexander Zverev in their 10th career meeting and it will be a high-stake game as a win for Nadal will take him to his 14th French Open final while Zverev’s qualification increases his chances of becoming the new World No. 1. Many are dubbing the Zverev-Nadal clash to be the virtual final as a first-time French Open finalist will come from the clash of Marin Cilic and Casper Ruud in the second semi-final.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)