“It’s very difficult,” Rafael Nadal declares he can’t continue anymore as his body has been sending signals
The Spaniard won five titles at the Masters tournament.
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)
Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will not be coming back to Madrid as he struggles to actively compete on the tour. The 37-year-old has faced problems with his body over the last few years and it is only getting tougher for him to stay fit enough to compete at the highest level.
Nadal has hence decided that the 2024 season will be his last. He played his last match in Madrid where he lost to Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round. The Spaniard received rousing applause from the fans as he bid farewell. Meanwhile, Nadal was asked if he is intending to come back and the 22-time Grand Slam champion denied it straight away.
Nadal said that while saying goodbyes is tough, his body has been sending him signals. The 37-year-old also talked about his dream to finish on the clay court and called himself privileged for being able to do what he loved.
This is one or those times where when it arrives, it's very difficult… but life and my body have been sending signals to me for a long time. My dream was to finish here on the court. I have been fortunate in my life to turn my passion into my job. I am privileged.Rafael Nadal said.
Rafael Nadal cherishes the time spent in Madrid
Rafael Nadal spoke his heart out in his farewell speech at the Madrid Open. The 37-year-old remembered the time spent at the Masters tournament and recalled how he had received a lot of love from everyone involved in the game.
The five-time champion in Madrid confirmed that this will be his last time here. Nadal said that the love and respect he has received in these 21 years is more significant than a Grand Slam tournament. The Spaniard also claimed that the memories of playing and winning in front of home fans will stay with him forever.
Looking at the pictures [on the banners], some of them seem like they were a lifetime ago. All I can do is thank everyone who has helped me in my career. Even though it’s not over, this is the last time I’ll be in Madrid. You have given me a gift for the last 21 years that’s more significant than any Grand Slam I have won. The emotions of playing in Madrid, in front of the Spanish fans, is something that will stay with me forever.
Rafael Nadal said. (H/T: ATP Tour)
Notably, Nadal won first played at the Madrid Open in 2003. He won his maiden title at the Masters tournament in 2005. The Spaniard went on to add four more titles to his kitty. The second title came in 2010 while he won the third Madrid Open title in 2013. The remaining two came in 2014 and 2017.
