Michael Stich reveals he thinks Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic should have already been retired, especially the Spaniard.
Last month, the record 14-time French Open champion announced his career would come to an end at this month’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. When the 38-year-old shared the news, it was disappointing but absolutely expected considering everything he had said over the last year and a half while battling major injury issues.
On the other side, Djokovic didn’t win a single Grand Slam this season – this didn’t happen since 2017. But the 37-year-old managed to finally win his first Olympic gold medal and complete his resume since he already owns the record for the most Slams and weeks spent at the world No. 1 spot.
When it comes to Nadal, he hasn’t won any titles since collecting his 22nd Major at the 2022 French Open. In fact, he has barely played over the last two and a half years.
And 1991 Wimbledon champion Stich believes the Spanish tennis icon should have called it a career after the 2022 French Open while the Serb should have taken that step after this year’s Paris Olympics.
“With Novak, it’s a bit different (Rafa). He has always surprised you. They have all surprised us at certain times in their careers. But I would have liked Rafael to say ‘I’m quitting’ after his 14th French Open victory. I would have also liked Novak to call it quits after winning the gold medal. What else could come next? The eleventh Australian Open victory? If that drives him, all good. But at some point, as I felt, you don’t want to lose to the number 30, 40 or 50 in the world and have to work so hard. Finding the way out is always difficult,” the German tennis legend told Tennis Magazin.
Michael Stich© YouTube screenshot
Nadal kept it straight honest when announcing retirement
After battling rib and foot injuries in the first part of 2022, the Spaniard also sustained an abdominal injury during 2022 Wimbledon and wasn’t able to play his semifinal match against Nick Kyrgios. Later, the former world No. 1 also battled knee and hip injuries and had to surgically repair his hip – the injury that ended his 2023 season after the Australian Open.
At the start of his comeback, Nadal made it clear that the chances of seeing him play beyond 2024 were pretty much slim to none. And after his injury issues continued in 2024, he had no other choice but to cap off his career.
“I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But, in this life, everything has a beginning and an end. And I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined. I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country,” Nadal said in his announcement.
Rafael Nadal© Rafa Nadal/X – Fair Use
Djokovic has no plans to retire
Amid Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s rises, there have been calls throughout the year on the 37-year-old Serb to walk away from pro tennis. Recently, the record 24-time Grand Slam champion responded to those comments and made it clear that he will be back in 2025 because he feels there is more success for him to achieve.
“Deep down, I still feel like I have a few more Grand Slams to win. That’s what drives me to compete, to feel like I can still do it, and to play the Davis Cup for Serbia. I love playing for Serbia. Tennis is still my biggest platform for sharing the messages that I care about, whether it’s related to tennis, society or business. I still feel that I enjoy the process and it brings me all these benefits, so why not?” Djokovic told La Nacion.
In mid-October, the Serbian tennis star and Nadal met one last time and the current world No. 5 won 6-2 7-6 (5) in the third-place match at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh.
“The last dance was an epic one. And of course emotional. I’ll cherish our rivalry forever, @rafaelnadal. Tennis will miss you. As-salamu alaykum, Riyadh. #SixKingsSlam is a special tournament. See you soon,” Djokovic wrote on X after beating his biggest rival for third place at the Saudi exhibition.