The question is even more devastating now, given how formidable the Spaniard appeared in the first half of 2022. Retirement was still a possibility back then, but it felt so far off as Nadal was winning his record-tying 22nd Grand Slam championship at Roland Garros and his second Australian Open triumph.
Currently, all tennis fans can hope for is that Nadal can retire from the game on his own terms, having missed the majority of 2023 due to an injury and surgery.
He will have two chances to win at Roland Garros: once at the Grand Slam competition and once in Paris during the Olympic Games. Rafa will probably be evaluated on his accomplishments at these two tournaments, which will be held on his cherished Terre Battue, where he has distinguished himself the most during his career, if this is, in fact, his last season.
Holding the 37-year-old to this standard today, though, seems almost cruel considering that he recently disclosed that he’s not even sure if he will be able to finish the farewell season or if he would have to end it early.
Although we will always have fantastic memories of Rafael Nadal, his final dance will probably be difficult to watch and filled with regret.
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