Rafael Nadal Opens Up on Retirement Date

Olympic gold medallist Rafael Nadal will not be rushing into any decision on whether he will participate at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.  However, Nadal admitted that is difficult to be at his best for the quadrennial event of sports.

The Spaniard mentioned that it is very improbable to play the 2024 Olympic Games at the Roland Garros stadium. This also explains that the 33-year-old is very unlikely to continue playing tennis till 2024.

Talking about featuring at the 2024 Rafael Nadal explained that it is really far away but for now he feels that it will be very tough. He said: “No. It’s too far away. If you ask me now, I would say I will not play. In 2024 I will be 38. No, it would be very tough. But you never know.”

He further added: “What I like is the competition. On the court I have good control, I never break rackets, I do not do crazy things. That’s my way to understand the sport in general, I am the same guy if I play a football match or golf with friends.”

The 19-time Grand Slam champion explained that he needs to be at his best to continue playing at the age of 38. The Spaniard also elucidated that without being 100 percent fit, he cannot play the sport.

He said: “My view when it comes to this sport is to give my best. Anytime. In tennis, you need self-control to keep the emotions, especially in key moments. You need to be doing 100 percent physically otherwise you have no chances and you have to be talented.”

“Without talent, you can work a lot but it will not be enough. I like being on the court. All days. I am still motivated to keep playing at the highest level. I always felt lucky to live those years. I am happy with all that happened. For me, the most important thing is to be happy and tennis makes me happy, “ Nadal said.

The Mallorcan divulged that he is still inspired to head to the court every day and will continue to play till the day when he does not feel passionate about going to the practice every day.

The US Open champion concluded: “I am healthy. When I will not be that passionate heading into the court every day, then it will be the time to do something else, but that day did not come yet, that’s why I keep playing.”