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PARIS, FRANCE June 11. Rafael Nadal of Spain during his match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Court Philippe-Chatrier during the semi finals of the singles competition at the 2021 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on June 11th 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
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PARIS, FRANCE June 11. Rafael Nadal of Spain during his match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Court Philippe-Chatrier during the semi finals of the singles competition at the 2021 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on June 11th 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal has been facing issues with his foot since his appearance in Paris. Taking a much-needed break, he appeared at the Citi Open months later, but unfortunately, lost in the initial stages. Hence, given the severity of his injury, he soon flew back home in order to get himself treated for the recurring issue.
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It was only recently that the Spanish maestro opened up on a possible comeback to the court. Although, being his realistic self, Nadal feels that time is running out and his chances of a return to his form of the yesteryears are diminishing.
“One has to be realistic”- Rafael Nadal
Expressing his thoughts on his future, he said, “One has to be realistic, the clock is ticking, but I still have the illusion. I will fight to return.” Over the years, Rafael has been troubled by several injuries. Although, he has always bounced back to winning ways.
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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 05: Rafael Nadal of Spain waves to the crowd after losing a match to Lloyd Harris of South Africa on Day 6 during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Tennis Center on August 5, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
However, with each year passing by, the mind may be ready to fight, but he might fall short of the physical battle of the game.
A rollercoaster of a season for Nadal
Nadal kick-started his 2021 season at the Australian Open, engaging in a thrilling quarter-final clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas. However, an unfortunate loss there reduced his appearances on the court to the bare minimum.
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Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 11, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Spain’s Rafael Nadal after winning their semi final match REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Soon enough, the king of clay made a stunning comeback, winning the events in Barcelona and Rome. Although, disappointment awaited his arrival at the Roland Garros. Facing arch-rival Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the French Open, the World No. 1 knocked out Rafa, breaking a million hearts across the globe.
Facing yet another setback, he skipped the 2021 Wimbledon Championship and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Sadly, ahead of the US Open, the Spaniard withdrew from the rest of the season. We wish him a speedy recovery.
🎾 @RafaelNadal: “Uno tiene que ser realista, el reloj no para, pero sigo teniendo la ilusión. Voy a luchar para volver” 💪 https://t.co/s18NC82fKx #RafaNadalAcademy pic.twitter.com/QvMuRDj0nj
— MARCA (@marca) September 15, 2021
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