- Rafael Nadal was decisively defeated by his longtime rival in a straight sets match in Paris
- The seasoned Spaniard’s singles journey has concluded, sparking discussions about his retirement
- Nadal announced he will decide on his future after the Olympics
Rafael Nadal has stated that he will make a decision regarding his retirement from tennis following the Olympics after losing to Novak Djokovic in the singles.
Nadal faced a 6-1 6-4 defeat against his longtime opponent on the clay of Paris, marking a lopsided match between the two champions.
This loss at Roland Garros was only his fifth in 118 matches, yet given his ongoing struggles with injuries and missed tournaments in recent years, retirement could be on the table.
The 38-year-old still remains in the doubles with fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, but he acknowledged he is nearing the end of an illustrious career.
‘I try to look ahead,’ Nadal expressed to the press. ‘I’ve given myself until the Olympics to decide.’
Rafael Nadal has revealed he will make a decision on whether to retire after the Olympics
Nadal lost to long-time rival Novak Djokovic in a one-sided singles showdown at Roland Garros
‘Once this tournament concludes, I will make the necessary decisions based on how I feel and my desire to continue. It’s challenging to recover while contemplating my retirement.’
‘For many, my situation may not be understood; I have endured a lot over the past two years.’
‘If I feel that I can’t compete effectively, I will make the choice to retire. I put forth my best effort every day, striving to enjoy what has brought me joy for so long.’
‘I have faced numerous injuries these past two years.’
‘If I sense that I’m not competitive or if I’m physically unfit to continue, I will step back and inform you.’
Reflecting on his defeat, Nadal acknowledged it was ‘clear’ that Djokovic ‘performed at a superior level’ and emphasized that he had to ‘accept’ this truth.
‘I was aware that this result could occur,’ he remarked. ‘I couldn’t compete at the level necessary to challenge him.’
After struggling with persistent injuries and missing tournaments, Nadal could quit the sport
Nadal and Djokovic shared a warm moment at the net after their match on the clay in Paris
‘Djokovic didn’t give me anything either; he was exceptional, and I lacked the consistent ball quality to challenge him.’
‘I don’t possess the stamina I had 20 years ago. Without the necessary ball quality and physicality, it’s impossible to pose a threat to the greatest player in history.’
Nadal, known as the King of Clay, was unable to disturb a dominating Djokovic.
The two rivals, with a combined total of 46 Grand Slam singles titles, shared an embrace at the net after the match, with Djokovic acknowledging Nadal as he left the court.
