“I’m obsessed with competing,” Rafael Nadal quashes retirement rumors eyeing a successful campaign in 2023
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Rafael Nadal - IMAGO / NurPhoto
Rafael Nadal had a fabulous 2022 year despite injury struggles in the second half of the season. The Spaniard made his best-ever start to a season winning 20 matches on the trot. That included his 2022 Australian Open title, making him the first man ever to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles.
Nadal’s first bout with injury this year came in the form of a stress fracture to his rib. The already shortened clay season was then affected by the resurfacing of Nadal’s chronic foot injury. The Spaniard still managed to win the 2022 French Open later revealing that he took painkillers to numb his foot.
Things worsened for him at the 2022 Wimbledon when he ruptured his abdomen suffering a 7mm tear. He was forced to withdraw on the eve of his semi-finals. The injury saw him go trophyless after the clay season ended. With retirement rumors arising once again, the Spaniard has rebuked them all.
“I always answer naturally. I don’t know, I don’t know what can happen tomorrow. But I know that I’m still happy doing what I do. I’m looking forward to starting a new season. Then the physical, the head and the results will mark. I’m a competitor and I enjoy it. People think I’m obsessed with winning and winning. And no, I’m obsessed with competing,” said Nadal as per Cadena SER.
Also Read: Remodeled Rafael Nadal serve should see him do better at the Australian Open
Rafael Nadal not scared of retirement
The King of Clay, Rafael Nadal has been battling injuries for a long time. He has had many close shaves with serious injuries where many saw him being forced to retire. Nadal not only proved all the doubters wrong, but he also ensured that he did not drop out of the Top-10. His streak in the Top-10 is now the longest-ever by any player.
“Right now I don’t have that feeling, I think that in my life I have always been happy also outside of tennis. Luckily, I have many projects to enjoy and live them for the future. I’m not afraid. Everyone changes have an impact and you have to have respect, but it’s not something that scares me,” said Nadal when asked if the thought of retiring scares him.
Further talking about his ideal retirement scenario, Nadal said, “I know that moment is closer than last year, without a doubt, and that two years ago. That’s pure logic. But in the end, it is one thing that when it has to happen, it will happen. I would like it to be on a tennis court, mind you. There is also another issue and that is that when you start thinking a lot about withdrawal you are already entering that dynamic and I am not at that point.”
Rafa will be spearheading the Spanish team at the 2023 United Cup that starts in a week’s time in Australia. The 2023 season will commence with the mixed-gender competition that is scheduled to start on 29th December this year. Nadal has to defend 2250 points Down Under next season and will look to make the best of starts in his bid to retain the majority of the points.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)