Rafael Nadal has provided a fresh update on his plans for retirement from tennis following Monday’s French Open first-round loss to Alexander Zverev. It was widely expected the 37-year-old was playing Roland-Garros for the final time before hanging up his racket but he has performed somewhat of a U-turn. Just before his clash against Zverev, Nadal appeared to suggest that he may play the French Open again in future, as organisers cancelled their farewell ceremony .
Nadal, one of best tennis players of all time and one of the most loved stars in the sport, has won a record 14 French Open titles and is nicknamed the ‘King of Clay’. Speaking after his defeat to the German fourth-seed on court Philippe-Chatrier, Nadal said: ‘It is difficult for me to talk, I don’t know if it’s the last time I’ll be here in front of all of you. ‘Honestly, I am not sure.
If it is, then you have been amazing. The feelings I have today are difficult to describe in words. It is the place I love the most.
‘I have to congratulate Sasha for this great match. I really wish you all the best in this tournament. 2022 was a tough moment for you so you deserve it.
‘I have been going through a very tough two years in terms of injuries. I went all through these processes with the dream to be back here. ‘The first round wasn’t ideal.
I was competitive and I had chances but it was difficult against a player as good as Sasha. ‘It’s hard to say about the future. I am travelling with my fa.