Aurélien Canot, Media365, published on Monday November 18, 2024 at 1:05 p.m.
At the dawn of saying goodbye this week in Malaga during the final phase of the Davis Cup, Rafael Nadal admits that he does not regret having decided to end his career. On the other hand, the Majorcan, who does not know if he will be able to play, would not cough up a sixth coronation in the competition to be able to close his career in apotheosis.
The end is closer than ever for Rafael Nadal. As he announced last month, the legendary Spanish champion, now 38 years old, will end his career this weekend, at the end of the final phase of the Davis Cup. This Monday in front of the press, the Majorcan assured that he did not regret his decision to hang up, certainly somewhat constrained and forced. “If I could, I would continue to play tennis, but I don't have the opportunity to play at a level that really satisfies me on a personal level,” confided the man with 22 Grand Slam titles and five in Davis Cup.
Nadal: “I don’t know if I will play a match”
“The Bull of Manacor” also dreams of adding a sixth to its collection to be able to bow out with yet another and final coronation. “It would be fantastic if the team was competitive and won the Davis Cup. A beautiful farewell for me and a joy for everyone”, Nadal begins to dream, without knowing if he will be able to defend his country's chances on the Malaga court. “I don't know how I will react and if I will ever play a match. I have played very little in recent months, I try to do my best in case I step on the court (…) If I'm the one on the pitch, I'll play with maximum enthusiasm, trying to give the best of myself.”
Nadal: “It will be a big change in my life, but I will think about it later”
He will then have plenty of time to think about what happens after tennis. For the moment, the person concerned swears that this is not the case. “I'm enjoying the week. I'm not paying attention to it. I know it will be a big change in my life, but I'll think about it later. I'm here with the team and that's what makes me happy. It's my last week, but I'm not here to retire, I'm here to help the team.” The message is clear.
