In a recent interview, the former French player leonel roux detailed Rafael NadalThe prospects for the new season that has just begun. He said: «It will be interesting to see if Rafael Nadal manages to stay in the top 10 in the world, even if it seems like heresy to many.
If you want to remain competitive throughout the season, you must necessarily miss the American Masters 1000. He played too much in the first part of 2022 and has paid the consequences from Wimbledon.» Many wonder if Rafa will retire at the end of this season.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion wanted to clarify: «I don’t understand why there is so much speculation about it. If this was my last year here in Australia, I would try to enjoy it as much as possible.» But I don’t see it that way, that is, with the idea of playing here for the last time.
But if it were the case, I’ll accept it. I still hope to be here in 2024 as well.»
Rafa’s panorama after his great 2022
Rafael Nadal broke into the Top 10 of the ATP rankings in April 2005 and hasn’t failed since. The Spanish phenom is the longest-serving player in the Top 10 with a record of over 900 weeks, further testament to his incredible longevity.
The former world number 1 did not start the new season well, having been beaten by Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur in the inaugural edition of the United Cup. The 36-year-old from Manacor still looked a long way from his best. shape and has already gone to Melbourne to train for the Australian Open.
Rafa will have a lot of points to defend in the first part of 2023, having won the Australian Open and Roland Garros last year. The 22-time Grand Slam champion said he felt confident despite the false start, but it won’t be easy to stop opponents much younger than him in the AOs.
If we also include the last part of last season in the discussion, it is interesting to note how the Iberian has lost six of the last seven games played on the Tour.
