Rafael Nadal’s career appears to be coming to an end, as Andy Roddick hinted that the Laver Cup would be his last match in the world of professional tennis.
Although Nadal had stated last year that the 2024 tennis season would probably be his last as a professional, he had made some contradictory remarks regarding his retirement. For example, following his first-round loss at the French Open, he refused to say that it was his final appearance at Roland Garros.
The 38-year-old had said he would play at the US Open after losing to Novak Djokovic in the second round of the Paris Olympics. However, he stated on Wednesday that he had opted not to compete at Flushing Meadows, saying he doesn’t think he would be able to give his 100% this time. He also affirmed in the announcement that the Laver Cup in Berlin will be his next event.
Roddick believes that the yearly team event in Germany, which takes place from September 20–22, may be the 22-time Grand Slam winner’s final match before retiring from tennis. However, his schedule after that is unknown.
Roddick talked about it and said: “The Laver Cup could be a celebration. We’re all better when he’s around. Hopefully, we’ll see him in the big finals again. I don’t know. It feels like this could be the end. I’m certainly not one of the greatest players of all time. I can’t figure it out, but I don’t know if he wants to compete for titles in Bastad. I don’t know if it’s his lane. We’ll see.”
Roddick added: “We don’t know what he’ll do, we’re not in his inner circle, but I find it hard to believe that he’ll put in the effort and try to give Roland Garros another chance. But I’ve been wrong about him in the past and any analyst who has an opinion is just guessing.”
Rafael Nadal in 2024
At the moment ranked no.159, Nadal played his last match on the 29th of July when he was defeated by world no.2 Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).
This year Rafael has a 12-7 record. Rafael Nadal’s most significant result of this season was reaching the final in Bastad.
Nadal is scheduled to play next at the U.S. Open (U.S. Open). He will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 26th of August.
Rafael Nadal |
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