2024 has not been satisfactory for Rafael Nadal until now. The Spanish champion has not achieved much this year, which should be the last of his legendary career. The former world number 1 has worked very hard to compete in major tournaments, but was eliminated at his debut at the French Open and second round of the Paris Olympics by his eternal rival Novak Djokovic.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion seemed far behind top players and is unlikely to win any other major titles before retirement. After the Paris Olympics – in which he also played doubles with his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz – Rafa took time to decide his future well.
Nadal has also announced that he will not be competing in the 2024 US Open, as well as missing the Masters 1000 in Montreal and Cincinnati. The last Grand Slam of the season will start in a week and the Spaniard has admitted that he would not be at the top of his form. At this time, only his presence at the Laver Cup is certain. The prestigious exhibition founded by Roger Federer will take place in Berlin at the end of September and could be the last official event of Rafa’s career.
Rafa wants to reflect well
Given the difficulties of recent months, Rafael Nadal’s career seems very close to its conclusion. The former world number 1 is reflecting on his future and a decision may come soon.
While enjoying his vacation in Mallorca, the 22-time Grand Slam champion made some interesting statements to MARCA: “I’m not in a rush to make a decision about my future. What’s certain is that I’ll be at the Laver Cup and then we’ll see.” Fans and insiders are eagerly awaiting Rafa’s decision, which could potentially help Spain in the Davis Cup Finals later this year.
Recently, French analyst Benoit Maylin opened up on Nadal’s future: “Who’s going to be able to afford Nadal’s farewell? It should have been at Roland Garros this year or at the Olympics, the symbolism would have been strong but he didn’t want to. (Will his farewell be) at the Laver Cup, as with Federer, who lined up the zeros to get it in September? In Saudi Arabia, where he became the ambassador of their tennis federation this year and who could organise an exhibition worth millions? As long as it’s nothing like that, it would tarnish the image of a champion renowned for his ethic. So if he has to stop this year, let him do it in Spain, defending his country’s colours in the Davis Cup, with Carlos Alcaraz. That would be beautiful.”
Nadal has shocked the world so many times and you should never underestimate him, but his body has sent clear signals to him in the last two years. During a long interview with Sky Sports, respected pundit Naomi Broady reflected on Rafa’s current status: “Nadal clearly has a plan in his head but he’s keeping his cards close to his chest.
As we saw with Sir Andy (Murray) these guys will only – and rightly so – step away when they feel completely ready. I think Rafa still really enjoys his tennis. They all just love the sport so much and if he can keep going then I think he would like to, which is why I think he didn’t announce his farewell at Roland Garros.
I think he was thinking ‘if there is any chance, any way I can get back here I will be back’. But it’s just going to be dependent on his body and unfortunately his body hasn’t been playing ball. Whether he chooses to do it at the Laver Cup like Roger Federer did and able to have that really incredible celebration fitting for his career, that would be incredible. I think a lot of people thought he would have chosen to have that sort of celebration at the Olympics – at Roland Garros on Philippe-Chatrier – and playing for his country, but who knows? We just don’t know.”
The Spanish legend wants to impress again
Rafa’s career seemed close to an end in 2022 due to injuries, before the Spanish legend made two memorable achievements at the Australian Open and the French Open. The next two seasons were a calvary for Nadal, who suffered many injuries and never returned to his best.
The former world number 1 is trying to end his career in style, but it will not be easy to achieve this dream. Fans dream that Rafa will impress the world for the umpteenth time. Regardless of his decision, Rafa is without doubt one of the best athletes ever.
