The tennis world eagerly awaits the decision of Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest sports icons, regarding his potential return to competitive play. As fans and pundits speculate on whether the legendary Spaniard will grace the courts once again, one voice has emerged with conflicting wishes.

Juan Monaco, a former tennis player and a close friend of Nadal, finds himself torn between two desires: seeing his friend back in action for the good of tennis and witnessing Nadal live a peaceful life, free from the pain and pressure that accompany a comeback.

Monaco’s personal insights on Nadal balancing tennis greatness and personal well-being

Monaco’s words shed light on the difficult decision facing Nadal as he contemplates his future in professional tennis. On one hand, there is a desire to witness the Spaniard’s triumphant return. However, Monaco also emphasized the toll that Nadal’s injuries have taken on him

“It is my wish as a friend. For the good of tennis and for the good of him, who is putting all the effort to return. I want him to come back, yes, but I also have another wish as a friend, that Rafa can live in peace, without so much pressure to come back with so much pain,” Monaco revealed.

Trending

‘I Was Already Salty’- Serena Williams Pokes Husband Alexis Ohanian Over His $180 Million Master-Stroke for Their Daughter Olympia

May 03, 2024 08:01 PM EDT

Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek’s Nail-Biting Madrid Final Forces Chris Evert to Break Her Long-Drawn Silence With a Stirring Message

May 04, 2024 10:39 PM EDT

Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka Joins Iga Swiatek in Giving a Cold Shoulder to Coco Gauff as WTA Big 3 Debate Rages On

May 03, 2024 05:11 PM EDT

Coco Gauff Soars to New Heights With $5.3 Billion Worth Sponsor as She Announces Delightful Sneaker Surprise for Fans

May 04, 2024 07:30 PM EDT

Andy Roddick Lays Bare Coco Gauff’s Issues That’s Ending Her Case as WTA Spearhead Alongside Swiatek and Sabalenka

May 03, 2024 04:57 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“He made a big effort to try to come back after Australia, and every time he strained his leg it bothered him a lot. Until he had to take the decision to have surgery…. I know how much pain he is in, I know that in the last five years he has been living with a lot of pain,” Monaco shared, as reported by Tennis 365.

However, Monaco’s concern for his friend’s well-being and long-term health comes to the forefront. He acknowledged the immense physical and mental toll Nadal’s injuries have exacted over the years. It was this unyielding spirit that ultimately led Nadal to make the difficult decision to undergo surgery, a complex procedure aimed at providing him with a chance to walk comfortably in the future.

21-Year-Old Italian Tennis Ace’s Coach Points to Deeply Disturbing ‘Cultural Problem’ that Stands in Stark Contrast to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s ‘Marathon’ Careers

Nadal’s potential return and pursuit of victory

Monaco’s conflicting wishes reflect the delicate balance between Nadal’s professional aspirations and his personal well-being. The decision to return to competitive tennis lies solely with Nadal himself. Monaco believes that if Nadal does decide to make a comeback, his unwavering focus will be on attaining victory, as the Spaniard is renowned for setting high standards and refusing to settle for anything less than excellence.

“I think if he decides to return, to train hard to return to the tour is to win. If he doesn’t, he won’t come back. [If he does win], I don’t think so! I don’t think so, I honestly don’t think [he’ll say goodbye]. He’s going to set the limit for himself. I think he has not played Roland Garros [this year] because he has seen in training that he was not ready to win Roland Garros, although he could have played it. If he prepares to come back, he comes back to win, not to see what happens,” Monaco explained.

As the tennis world awaits Nadal’s decision, the conflicting wishes of Juan Monaco provide a glimpse into the complex considerations faced by the legendary player.

WATCH THIS STORY: Celebrating the multi-faceted Ashleigh Barty varied interests outside tennis on her 26th birthday