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‘Rafael Nadal Is One Step Away..’ – Tennis Veteran Follows Alexander Zverev to Make a ‘Paris’ Prophecy on the Spaniard’s Retirement

Published 01/31/2023, 6:15 AM EST

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Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has had a difficult few months since returning from injury. Many fans believe that it may be time for the 36-year-old to retire from the sport. The recent update from Alexander Zverev has only reinforced these beliefs, with many speculating that the 22-time Grand Slam champion might bring his career to a close this year.


Despite such speculations, Boris Becker, the former World No.1 and six-time Grand Slam champion, believes that the ‘big three’ – Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic – have effectively transcended the sport. He shared that the newest crop of talent will struggle to replicate what we have seen from these three legends.

American tennis veteran adds his views on Rafael Nadal and his legacy

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During his appearance on Eurosport Germany’s tennis podcast ‘Das Gelbe vom Ball’, Becker acknowledged, “we are seeing the generational change at the moment“. The former tennis star believes that Nadal will play in Paris but after that, there is a question mark over his future. On the other hand, Becker thinks that Djokovic will play this season, but if he reaches 23 Grand Slams and turns 36 next year, then it is a matter of time before he too retires.

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The retirement of the Big Three will indeed mark the end of an era in tennis. It will be interesting to see who will rise to the top to fill the void left by these legends. Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic have dominated the sport for the past two decades. They have set the bar incredibly high for future generations. Their sheer talent, hard work, and dedication have inspired countless players and fans around the world. Becker also added, “Roger Federer is already gone, Rafael Nadal is one step away for me. He will play Paris, after that, I see a question mark.”

READ MORE- VIDEO: Heart-Breaking Scenes as Rafael Nadal’s Wife Breaks Down in Tears in the Middle of the Match at Australian Open and Sparks Retirement Concerns

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Nadal’s longevity in the sport is a testament to his commitment and dedication to the game. Despite facing numerous injuries over the years, he has always found a way to come back stronger. He continues to compete at the highest level.

Zverev recently shared his thoughts on Nadal’s potential retirement

Zverev stated that he believes the ‘King of Clay’ will retire after this year’s Roland Garros. He expressed his hope for Nadal to have a great tournament and potentially even win it. However, he also acknowledged that these are just his speculations. It is worth noting that Nadal has yet to make any official announcement regarding his retirement plans.

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Last year, Nadal won his 14th French Open title. The domineering win solidified his status as the most successful player in the tournament’s history. If Nadal were to retire after this year’s French Open, it would be a fitting farewell for the tennis legend. However, any predictions at this point are premature, as no official statement has been made. Share your thoughts about the Spanish GOAT in your comments below.

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Written by:

Dr Aditya Raveendran Menon

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Aditya Menon is a Tennis Author at EssentiallySports. He developed an unbridled love for tennis from the moment his father introduced him to the sport. Watching Roger Federer dominate the ATP tour with his unique and effortless style played a pivotal role in pushing Aditya to write about tennis for national publications.
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Edited by:

Tony Thomas