Former Australian Open CEO Paul McNamee asserted on Thursday (March 7) that Rafael Nadal should consider retiring if he fails to secure a victory in the 2024 French Open.
Nadal’s return to professional tennis this year has been less than ideal. Suffering a muscle tear in his left hip during a quarterfinal exit in Brisbane, he subsequently withdrew from the Australian Open in January. Although initially planning to participate in the Qatar Open in February, Nadal decided not to play, citing his lack of readiness to compete at the highest level. This reason also led to his withdrawal from the 2024 Indian Wells Masters before his first-round match against Milos Raonic.
Despite Nadal’s struggles in his 2024 comeback, former player and sports administrator Paul McNamee believes that the 37-year-old won’t retire as long as he believes he has a viable chance to match Novak Djokovic’s tally of 24 major titles. However, McNamee suggested that Nadal might contemplate retirement if he fails to win this year’s French Open, which is his most successful Grand Slam tournament.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), McNamee expressed his perspective, stating, “Let’s call it as it is. Rafa continues while he believes he can still win more of Roland Garros’s, & why not? If he does, he’ll keep playing. For me, he won’t quit while he has a chance to equal Djokovic at 24. If he doesn’t win RG24, the end of a magnificent career becomes imminent.”
Since turning professional in 2001, Nadal has dominated the French Open, securing 14 titles on the clay court, making him the most dominant player in a single Major tournament. Despite some setbacks, including missing the 2004 French Open due to an ankle injury, Nadal has had a remarkable career at Roland Garros. His unparalleled success includes defeating Roger Federer in his debut year and recording five consecutive triumphs from 2010 to 2014.
While Djokovic ended Nadal’s winning streak in 2015 and a left wrist injury led to Nadal’s withdrawal in 2016, he experienced a resurgence from 2017 onwards, claiming four consecutive Roland Garros titles. Despite a setback in the 2021 semifinals, Nadal secured his 14th and most recent triumph at the French Open in the following year.
