“Not Afraid of That Day”: Rafael Nadal Opens up About His Retirement Plans

Everyone sportsperson wants to end his career at the zenith of the sport. There is always a phase when one recognizes that he would go on the break the record of another World-class player and become the new all-time great of the sport. The same has been the case with Spain legend Rafael Nadal who recently won his 20th Grand Slam title at the French Open 2020. He could definitely end his tennis career with the most number of Grand Slam titles. He could also become the G.O.A.T once by the time he finishes his career.

Recently, in an interview, Nadal opened up about his retirement plans. The Spaniard believes that the day has to come one day eventually. But, it is not something that he keeps on thinking about throughout the day.

“I can’t guess when I’ll retire, I’m not, no. Who knows, the same in a year. You cannot program the future. I don’t know what life will bring us, maybe things will happen that will take away my illusion about what I’m doing,” said Nadal.

Rafa said that no one could predict the future. But, he also emphasized that one must be prepared for everything as time is unpredictable.

“Of course, to this day, I see it unlikely, but one must always be prepared because things change very quickly,” added Nadal.

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‘I am not afraid of it’- Rafael Nadal on his retirement day

Rafael Nadal has accomplished the feat of 20 Grand Slams at the age of 34. Roger Federer achieved it when he was 36. Age is on the side of Nadal. He too has expressed earlier that he wanted to end his career with the most number of Grand Slams. Rafa said that when he would feel that his time is over, that will be the time he would say goodbye to the sport.

“Of course, I am not afraid of that day. Yes, I am clear that when I arrived, I will feel it, I will know it, I will realize, probably that I will no longer feel that passion that moves me to go to training every morning time. When that happens, it will be time to say I quit and start doing things that are as or more important than tennis,” concluded Nadal.

Records speak for Nadal’s dominance. In the French Open, he has just lost 2 matches in a career of 15 years. Surely, his retirement day would be a sad day for tennis. But, fans believe that the champion still has at least 3-4 more years on the court. They hope to watch him play consistently in other tournaments as well.

Also Read: Rafael Nadal set to attain another milestone at the Rolex Paris Masters 2020