Rafael Nadal: resignation? "A few weeks ago I was close"
Rafael Nadal is through to Round 3 at Wimbledon after two lackluster wins . But the most important thing: the foot seems to be holding - because of him Nadal was recently about to retire from tennis.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Jul 01, 2022, 05:23 pm
The calendar Grand Slam is still a bit away for Rafael Nadal, the winner of the previous two major tournaments in 2022. A triumph at Wimbledon? Of course it would be a huge thing, Nadal was last successful in 2010 on the holy lawn.
Crucial, of course, in addition to pure tennis: the left foot. Because he had caused a lot of problems for Nadal in 2022, at the French Open he was only able to play thanks to anesthetic injections, but no permanent solution. The new treatment, radio frequency therapy, seems to be working. A career end is not necessarily in sight soon.
It was very recently though. Some had already expected a corresponding announcement at the award ceremony in Paris, then at a press conference in Mallorca . And in Wimbledon Nadal now confessed: He was close.
He was asked about his philosophy in terms of resignation, Nadal answered: "My philosophy is that a few weeks ago I was about to do it," he explained. And immediately added with a laugh: "Now I don't feel like it anymore, so that's my philosophy."
Rafael Nadal, the sports fan
But Nadal continued to philosophize. He is not afraid of it, his life outside of the tennis court is a very nice and happy one, there are many things to do. However, it is normal for great athletes to resign. And suddenly Rafael Nadal, the sports fan, spoke.
Athletes in popular sports are part of life for so many people. He feels that way himself, with footballers, with golfers. "Someone I really enjoy watching play is Tiger Woods. I don't see him that much now. In a way it's also a change in my life. Maybe a lot of people think like me, as a fan. When Roger isn't playing, or Novak, or me. Or other footballers, or basketball players, or other athletes. Because they've become part of everyday life. Because they're an inspiration."
The good: The "inspiration" Nadal could remain active for a while. A lot depends on the foot.
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