Rafael Nadal won two majors in 2022, proving for the umpteenth time that he is a living legend. The Spanish phenom, back from a bad 2021, won the Australian Open and Roland Garros despite persistent foot pain. The 36-year-old from Manacor tried to win his third Wimbledon title, but an abdominal rupture prevented him from playing the semifinal against Nick Kyrgios.
That injury also affected Rafa’s performance at the US Open, where he left the stage as early as the second round at the hands of local favorite Frances Tiafoe. The former world number 1 went to London to greet his great friend and rival Roger Federer, with whom he doubled in the Laver Cup.
On Saturday October 8, Nadal and his wife María Francisca Perelló gave birth to their first child. According to the latest reports, the Mallorcan should play the Paris-Bercy Masters 1000 and the ATP Finals in the latter part of the season.
Speaking to Eurosport Germany, Mischa Zverev analyzed Rafa’s prospects. «You have to think about how you do it, how selfish, even if it sounds stupid, you want to be. Tennis or family? It’s not easy to combine both.»
For me, family always came first,» said Zverev. The former world number 25 said that life will change enormously for Rafael Nadal and it could affect his training regimen. «Life will change enormously: for the woman, but also for the father.
You have to train two or three hours every morning, and then it’s time for regeneration or fitness. You normally warm up for half an hour, then train for two hours, followed by an hour of regeneration. I know for myself: If you have a child, you also say: ‘Tomorrow I regenerate and today I need to warm up not me’ Then three and a half hours of training in the morning turns into two or one and a half, «he explained.
Wawrinka pays tribute to Nadal
Stan Wawrinka was asked if Rafael Nadal’s achievements over the years were an inspiration to him. «No, I think what Rafa has done this year and his entire career, it’s incredible to see him as a tennis fan.
You can’t take anything with you as a player, because it’s in [a] different league, always has been and always will be, «he said.» It’s always amazing to see him play, to see him compete and to see him at the top of the game after so many years. I enjoy watching it. But like I say, as a player you can’t take anything away,» she added.
