Even though Rafael Nadal acknowledges he has no idea when he will hit his last shot in a fit of rage, it is becoming more and more clear that his body is having trouble handling the pressure of playing competitive tennis.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has intimated that this will be his last year as a professional. Although he has not yet stated when he will hit his last shot, he acknowledges that fitness issues have hindered his preparation for this week’s Indian Wells Masters event.
Being present is what matters most to me. This is the reality. After arriving in America last week, Rafael Nadal declared, “If I’m here, it’s already good news.”
“The objective was to play the Las Vegas and Indian Wells match two weeks ago, and I’m getting closer to accomplishing it, regardless of the outcome.
It is not the most essential thing to me today, but I’m not sure what level I’ll be at in Indian Wells. I swear. I think it’s crucial to train with experts for a few days in Indian Wells.
“Your body is no longer ready to stop when you reach an advanced age. The body adjusts to the loads when you play. There is a higher chance of injury if you cease. The problem is now bigger than a tennis match.
In the opening round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Rafael Nadal is paired against fellow veteran Milos Raonic. The event organizers have been revealing the Spanish great’s schedule well in advance since they know it will sell out.
When Nadal retires from the game, tennis will be lacking that star quality, and there’s a good chance this will be his final professional visit in America.
It is anticipated that he won’t play in the Miami Open later this month in favor of concentrating on the European clay court season, where he believes he has the best chance to record one more major victory.
I’m thinking of competing in Indian Wells right now. Before playing Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition match in Las Vegas on Sunday, Rafael Nadal declared, “I would love to play in Monte Carlo.”
“After that, at this stage of my career, I have to evaluate my emotions, my whole state of mind, and the games I want to play.
“I’ll do my best to increase my chances of achieving my goals. To be happy, I want to pursue the things that truly bring me joy.
Nadal went on, “I’m not saying goodbye because then I’d say I’m not playing anymore.”
I hesitate to make this crucial point because I’m not entirely sure how to phrase it. I haven’t been able to play for the past two years.
Life is pointing out the way for you. How did I picture saying goodbye? I didn’t visualize it at first because the more you imagine something, the closer you are to realizing it.
It wasn’t what I was envisioning. I want to leave the court having had fun, being competitive, and saying goodbye.
Time will tell whether or not that is possible. It’s clear that the weeks and months have shown me a difficult route. There are times when things are hard to control.
“It was a setback two weeks ago when I was unable to travel to Doha, but now here we are. I’m going to allow myself a little extra time to savor it.
Given that his health problems seem to be an unwelcome and persistent companion, Rafael Nadal would find it difficult to complete the 2024 season and might even think about calling it quits following the French Open.
If so, over the next several days at Indian Wells, we might be able to see the last pages of his tale on American hard courts.
