With injury issues throughout his 2022 and with the year ending with Roger Federer bidding farewell to the sport, Rafael Nadal was bombarded with questions about his retirement, leaving the Spaniard flustered as he banned questions on the subject during the press conference. But Alexander Zverev has made a bold prediction about when, where and how Nadal will retire from the sport.
Nadal had ended his 2021 season midway following a career-threatening injury that left him questioning whether to continue playing. Nadal had almost given up on tennis before making an unforgettable comeback in 2022, winning a string of first-half titles, including his second Australian Open title and another victory at Roland Garros. He also almost won a third, at Wimbledon, before withdrawing from the semi-finals.
Nadal has struggled since his return last August, but he is back, ready to enter the Australian Open as the defending champion and No. 1 seed.
“So my retirement interests you a lot,” Nadal said after his defeat against Cameron Norrie at the United Cup. “I mean, right now, it’s not. When the time comes, I’m going to ‘Let it be known, guys.’ Don’t continue with retirement, because I’m here to continue playing tennis. “
Zverev, in conversation with Eurosport, believes that Nadal will probably quit tennis at Roland Garros in May.
“Rafael Nadal will announce his retirement at Roland Garros. I don’t wish that on him, but I think he will play a great tournament, maybe win it and then say goodbye,” he said.
Nadal, who endured a tough test in defending his title at Melbourne Park, will open his campaign against an in-form Jack Draper. Zverev is also back in the picture, ready for his first Grand Slam appearance since injuring his ankle at Roland Garros last June in the match against Nadal.
