‘Whether I can play or not till 40 like Roger will depend on my physical shape’: Rafael Nadal

‘Whether I can play or not till 40 like Roger will depend on my physical shape’: Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal

World No.4 Rafael Nadal returned to action at the recently concluded Citi Open in Washington last week, but had to suffer a shock exit in the early rounds after losing to South Africa’s Lloyd Harris.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion cited his foot injury hasn’t fully healed and was still bothering him during play. The Spaniard is currently preparing for the Toronto Masters in Canada, where is a former five-time champion.

Ahead of this participation, Nadal opened up on his injury and doubts he has been facing after the 2021 French Open Championships.

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“I know I am not at my peak yet but I think I have been practicing better than what I played in Washington so I am excited to keep going here and be able to play a little bit better than there. Some moments the situation is worse and some moments the situation is better. I need to find again the positive feelings with my foot,” the Spaniard explained to the reporters in Toronto.

Meanwhile, the King of Clay was also asked to comment on whether he sees himself stretching his professional career till 40, like his rival Roger Federer. The Swiss maestro recently turned 40 is still very much active on the ATP tour.

Tackling the tricky question, which has been dished out several times in his career, Nadal said, “I don’t know. At 25, I thought at 30 I would be retired. When I was 30, I thought it would be impossible to play at 35. I think it will depend on my physical shape.”

Injured Nadal keeps bouncing back

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal

As tennis fans would know, the Spaniard has been hampered by injuries throughout his career. The 35-year-old has been dealt with almost every injury possible, but despite the odds, he has bounced back like a true champion.

Regardless of when Nadal decides to hang up the boots, he will enter the 2021 US Open as one of the top contenders to win the title. With the big-three tied at 20 Slams each, it will be interesting to see who takes the lead in New York.

Also read: ‘Novak is the leader and a god in India and China’: Srdjan Djokovic