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There is a lot of discussion about Rafael Nadal and his future. The 38-year-old tennis player has been a major presence in the sport for years, but many are questioning whether the Spaniard should continue playing for a few more years or if it’s time for him to retire. Experts, his peers, and former stars of the sport generally share the same opinion: Nadal should consider retiring.
He tried at the Australian Open but was eliminated in the second round. Then, at his favorite Roland Garros, Alexander Zverev knocked him out at the very start. Things didn’t get much better at the Olympics… He missed Wimbledon, had to withdraw from the US Open, and yesterday he also pulled out of the Laver Cup. Many believe he’s just postponing the inevitable, and Garbiñe Muguruza has no problem saying it; Rafael Nadal is ‘ripe’ for retirement.
The former Spanish tennis player, who decided to end her career in April this year, believes it’s time for her compatriot to do the same. The 30-year-old Spaniard believes that the experienced tennis player should focus on his family and children, and give them more attention. Nadal has been a part of the sport for many years, and Muguruza clearly feels that he has spent too little time with his family and loved ones. She shares the view of many that Rafael should enjoy his retirement.
“He’s ready… His body, his mind, everything… It’s time for him to also enjoy time with his child! I see him constantly smiling with his baby. I ask him, ‘Why are you still on the court? Go home, take a boat, go to Mallorca.’ I think he’s given everything he can,” Muguruza said.
The two-time Grand Slam champion (once each at Roland Garros and Wimbledon) revealed that Nadal had hinted in one of their conversations that he might retire by the end of the year. Nadal is aware that he might soon end his career, but his plans remain unclear. Given the injuries he’s been struggling with, it’s evident that retirement is likely in the near future.
“It’s hard to read him. He’s very reserved. We talked a bit at the Laureus Awards in Madrid earlier this year. He told me, ‘This is my last year,’ but he didn’t share anything more with us. I wouldn’t want to ask him personal questions.”
Muguruza reflected on her decision to retire from tennis, explaining that she felt ready to move on as life was signaling it was time for a change. She was looking forward to starting a new chapter in her life. Although she originally thought she would spend more time at home, she found herself still traveling, but in a more enjoyable way. She no longer felt the stress of managing multiple rackets or dealing with nerves.
Instead, she is happy to travel without the pressures of her professional career, enjoying activities she couldn’t do before and spending quality time with loved ones. She now appreciates the personal side of her life more, contrasting it with the previously professional and demanding nature of her career.
Rafal Nadal on the Laver Cup
The experienced tennis player expressed his disappointment at not participating in the Laver Cup, a tournament where he would have had the chance to compete against big names in the sport. He had hoped to play alongside Björn Borg but remains hopeful that things will turn out well for Team Europe.
“I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week. This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them and at this moment there are other players who can help the team deliver the win. I have so many great, emotional memories from playing Laver Cup and I was really looking forward to being with my teammates and with Bjorn in his final year as Captain. I wish Team Europe the very best of luck and will be cheering them on from afar".
Nadal stressed that there comes a point when the idea of retirement becomes difficult to accept because it means giving up trying. He mentioned that he has taken some time to enjoy tennis again after being away from the court for a year and a half. During this period, he is focusing on enjoying each day and is allowing himself the time to make a clear decision about his future. He is trying to handle everything as best as he can.
The experienced Spaniard will have to make the right decision as soon as possible.
English (US) ·