With damage issues all through his 2022 and with the 12 months ending with Roger Federer bidding adieu to the game, Rafael Nadal has been bombarded with questions on his retirement, leaving the Spaniard troubled as he banned questions on the subject at press convention. However Alexander Zverev has made a daring prediction on when, the place and the way Nadal will retire from the game.
Nadal had ended his 2021 season halfway following a career-threatening damage that left him pondering whether or not he ought to proceed taking part in. Nadal had nearly given up on tennis earlier than he made an unforgettable comeback in 2022, profitable an array of titles within the first half which included his second Australian Open title and yet one more victory in Roland Garros as properly. He nearly received a 3rd as properly, in Wimbledon, earlier than he pulled out of the semis.
ALSO READ: Nadal’s first-round Australian Open opponent provided recommendation by tennis nice on learn how to beat 22-time Grand Slam winner
Nadal struggled since return final in August, however he’s again, all set to compete on the Australian Open because the defending champion and no.1 seed.
“So you’re very keen on my retirement,” Nadal had mentioned after his loss to Cameron Norrie at United Cup. “I imply, that, for the second, isn’t the case. When the day arrives, I’m going to let you realize, guys. Don’t maintain going (on) with the retirement, as a result of I’m right here to maintain taking part in tennis.”
Zverev, in dialog with Eurosport, feels that Nadal is prone to stop tennis at French Open in Might.
“Rafael Nadal will announce his retirement at Roland Garros. I do not want him this, however I feel he’ll play a giant match, possibly wins it after which says goodbye,” he mentioned.
Nadal, who has been handed a troublesome title-defense check at Melbourne Park, will open his marketing campaign in opposition to an in-form Jack Draper. Zverev, too is again within the draw, all set for his first Grand Slam look since his ankle damage in French Open final June within the match in opposition to Nadal.