“Leave it to the gravel season,” Rafael Nadal drops concerning retirement update as the ‘King of Clay’ hints towards potential farewell tournament

Rafael Nadal hints at retirement as he gears up for the Indian Wells.

“Leave it to the gravel season,” Rafael Nadal drops concerning retirement update as the ‘King of Clay’ hints towards potential farewell tournament

Rafael Nadal (via Imago)

The time has finally arrived as the tennis world gears up to witness Rafael Nadal back in action in Las Vegas. He is all set to face his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the “Netflix Slam.” However, ahead of that, the two Spaniards appeared in an interview for Marca. 

At the start of the interview, Nadal was hit with the question of his health and recovery. To be completely honest, the Spaniard opened up about his form and what to expect for the upcoming Indian Wells. He also admitted that his preparations for the Indian Wells have not been good compared to those of Brisbane. 

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Furthermore, the Spaniard stated that he was aiming to just finish the Indian Wells unscathed. His goal was to be ready for Las Vegas and Indian Wells, and rightly so, the tennis great is right on schedule despite not knowing the level of his gameplay. 

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Two weeks ago, regardless of the results, the goal was to play the Las Vegas and Indian Wells match and I'm closer to achieving it. I don't know what level I'll be at in Indian Wells, but it's the least important thing right now. I promise. It's important for me to spend a few days in Indian Wells and train with professionals. I'm excited to play with Carlos in Las Vegas.
 Said Nadal via Marca. 

While speaking about his poor preparations for the Indian Wells, Nadal revealed his top priority, which is to remain unscathed by the end of the gravel season (the clay season), which may or may not be his last.

With that being said, there have been many speculations about Nadal calling it quits at the French Open, where he has had immense success. And his recent statement hints at a possible retirement plan. 

The preparation for Indian Wells has been bad and for Brisbane it had been good. I'm confident I'll play a set between this Sunday's match and the three days I have left before the debut. For me, the priority is to try to come out of Indian Wells unscathed. Whatever has to be left, leave it to the gravel season, which may or may not be the last, I have not decided 100 percent.
Continuing further, he added

Rafael Nadal hints at retirement as he reveals to do the things that make him happy 

Two Spanish stars, Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal, were present together in an interview with Marca, where the 22-time Grand Slam title champion revealed his current form heading into the Indian Wells. 

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (via Imago)
And then, at this point in my career, I have to analyse how I am at all times, the sensations I have and where I feel most like playing. I will try to do what is best to reach my goals with some option. I want to do the things I really feel like doing to be happy.
Said the Spaniard in the interview

Furthermore, Nadal also spoke about his future in tennis and how he has to decide what is best for him. With age, the players cannot compete in all tournaments and have to choose the important ones.

With Indian Wells about to commence, Nadal wants to give himself a chance to enjoy himself, as he is happy with his progress despite the uncertainty of his form in the tournament. 

Tonight, the Spaniard returns to the court for the first time since his Brisbane exit and will face Alcaraz in an exhibition event. Fans gather in crowds to watch the 37-year-old back in action, a few days before the start of the BNP Paribas Open. 

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