Rafael Nadal has provided a fresh update on his plans for retirement from tennis following Monday’s French Open first-round loss to Alexander Zverev.
It was widely expected the 37-year-old was playing Roland-Garros for the final time before hanging up his racket but he has performed somewhat of a U-turn.
Just before his clash against Zverev, Nadal appeared to suggest that he may play the French Open again in future, as organisers cancelled their farewell ceremony.
Nadal, one of best tennis players of all time and one of the most loved stars in the sport, has won a record 14 French Open titles and is nicknamed the ‘King of Clay’.
Speaking after his defeat to the German fourth-seed on court Philippe-Chatrier, Nadal said: ‘It is difficult for me to talk, I don’t know if it’s the last time I’ll be here in front of all of you.
‘Honestly, I am not sure. If it is, then you have been amazing. The feelings I have today are difficult to describe in words. It is the place I love the most.
‘I have to congratulate Sasha for this great match. I really wish you all the best in this tournament. 2022 was a tough moment for you so you deserve it.
‘I have been going through a very tough two years in terms of injuries. I went all through these processes with the dream to be back here.
‘The first round wasn’t ideal. I was competitive and I had chances but it was difficult against a player as good as Sasha.
‘It’s hard to say about the future. I am travelling with my family and I am having fun. The body is feeling better than it did two months ago.
‘Maybe in two months I say it’s enough. That is something I don’t feel yet. I hope to be back here for the Olympics, that motivates me. I really hope to be well prepared.
‘The amount of feelings I had on this court throughout my career, I didn’t think I would be here almost 38 with all of the success. It has been a very beautiful process. All the people who are in Roland Garros helping me since I came here and the support of my people.
‘I can’t thank them all enough. The feelings you made me feel here are unforgettable, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I hope to see you again, but I don’t know.’
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