Rafael Nadal’s career is coming to an end and it will be hard for the Spaniard to achieve another great result before he says goodbye to professional tennis. The former world number 1 has been practicing a lot in his academy over the last few months and his physical condition has certainly improved, but these advances have not been enough to win at least another great title.
The Spanish legend stopped in the first round at the French Open and in the second round at the Paris Olympics, not being so lucky with the draw. Alexander Zverev was his first opponent at Roland Garros, while in the Olympic tournament he had to face his great rival Novak Djokovic.
Nadal/Djokovic© Djokovic Facebook/Fair Use
Rafa was one of the stars of the ‘Six Kings Slam’ last week, having a great time in Saudi Arabia and bringing his family too. The 22-time Grand Slam champion – who had not played an official match since this summer – has been beaten in two sets by both Carlos Alcaraz and Nole Djokovic.
The 14-time French Open champion has done some great shots, but he seemed far removed from the level of current top players. The former world number 1 has one month left before the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, where the entire tennis world will celebrate one of the greatest athletes ever.
Rafa’s last title
Without shocking surprises, Rafa’s last title is set to remain at the 2022 French Open. The Spaniard shocked the world in the early part of that year, winning the Australian Open and Roland Garros despite his poor foot condition. In a post on his official X profile, tennis analyst Gill Gross stressed how special it is that Nadal’s latest title is a Major: “Random reflection on Rafa… 2022 Roland Garros was his last title (his 92nd title in career, ed.). The list is so long that one could play with theories as to why. Motivational peaks and valleys more extreme for older players. Satisfaction from Slam titles can trigger faster descent into retirement.”
The legend from Manacor has achieved exceptional results during his long career, managing to remain competitive more than expected despite the numerous injuries that have plagued him. Rafa has a beautiful family and he has many passions outside the tennis court, which is why he will have no problem staying motivated even when he stops playing.
Rafael Nadal, Six Kings Slam 2024© Stream screenshot
The 22-time Grand Slam champion is ready to start a new chapter: “It will be a big change in my life. I need time to decide what I want to do in the future. I’ve lived as a professional athlete since I was a child. Right now, I am focused on preparing for the Davis Cup and enjoying these last months as a professional. I will prepare myself in the best way to be competitive. After that, I don’t want to put pressure on myself, and I will only need time to reflect.”
After their match in Saudi Arabia, the Spaniard sent a message to his huge rival Nole Djokovic: “I want to say a few words for Novak and his team. Thank you. For everything. What you said today and all the moments we shared on court. It’s been an amazing rivalry. In a personal way, you helped me go over my limits during almost 15 years. Without that, I wouldn’t be the player I am today. Congratulations for all the titles and amazing career to you and your team. I wish you all the best of luck for the future.”
The best moments
The former world number 1 has had many memorable moments during his glorious career. Nadal won the Olympic gold medal, 22 Grand Slam titles, 14 French Open titles and was number 1 in the world for over 200 weeks. At the beginning of his career, almost no one would have imagined that he would win so many titles even outside of his beloved red clay.
Rafael Nadal, Six Kings Slam 2024© Stream screenshot
In an interview with AS, the Spanish legend selected the best moments of his amazing career: “Roland Garros 2006, for example. Because it was the first year after the foot injury. Really, and it’s not to make an epic story, it is real, we did not think that he would play tennis again at competitive level. That I remember, because we had a lot of bad times. The most advanced injuries in your career, when you’ve already achieved a lot, are tolerated in one way or seen from a slightly different prism.
From Madrid, which was indoor, until January, I could find no solution. And then they are key in my career Wimbledon 2008, the Olympics that year, which were very nice too; all 2013, because after 2012 I was from Wimbledon to Viña del Mar without being able to play and still had a lot of knee pain, Everything that happened was very emotional… And Australia 2022 is the most exciting thing I’ve ever experienced.”
