Rafael Nadal is trying everything to end his career in style on the tennis court. But does his body cooperate?
On his announced farewell tour, even Rafael Nadal experienced a first. For the first time in his impressive career, the Spanish tennis star played a match in glamorous Las Vegas.
At the so-called “Netflix Slam” in the Mandalay Bay Hotel, the 37-year-old Nadal lost to his 17-year-younger compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the match tiebreak 6:3, 4:6, 12:14, but gained an important insight: Nadal’s body is shining again to be ready for his final months on tour.
“It’s going better than expected,” said Nadal when he was interviewed at the show event in front of almost 10,000 spectators midway through the first set. The 22-time Grand Slam champion didn’t really have to push his physical limits in the friendly comparison with his designated successor. But the way Nadal moved on the gray surface that was specially laid for the game gave him confidence.
Next stop: Indian Wells
“I have to compete with these top people to see where I stand. Even if it’s just an exhibition fight,” said Nadal, who has repeatedly been stopped by injuries throughout his career. Most recently, Nadal had to take a break for almost a year due to a complicated hip injury. He only returned to the ATP tour in Australia in January, but was stopped by the next injury at the tournament in Brisbane after two wins. The result: No Australian Open, instead more rest and rehab.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to complete the program that I had planned,” said Nadal, who also had to cancel the tournament in Doha. But now he wants to compete again at this week’s Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells and gain match practice for the coming months. Because the clay court season that begins in April is what Nadal is still struggling for.
Paris as a destination
“Whatever I have left in me, I want to let it out during the clay court season,” said the former world number one. His last big goals are the French Open and the Olympic Games, both of which take place in his tennis living room at the Stade Roland Garros. The Court Philippe-Chatrier is where Nadal celebrated his greatest successes and where he became a legend. He has won the title 14 times in Paris, a final triumph there would mean everything to him.
But it is still questionable whether Nadal will really be able to win over five sets for two weeks again. “I would like to say adios when I’m doing well, when I’m competitive and having fun on the court,” Nadal said in Las Vegas. He had already stated in May of last year that 2024 would most likely be his last year on the tour. “At the moment things are going in this direction,” confirmed Nadal these days.
Until then, fans and opponents will enjoy watching Nadal on the tennis court. “It’s always special to play against him. I enjoy every second with him on the court,” said Alcaraz, who recently had to sit out due to an ankle injury. For him too, the duel with Nadal in front of show greats like Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones was a welcome test.