Rafael Nadal news: Spain’s Raging Bull breaks down as he reflects on emotional moment
Rafael Nadal has described a challenging moment in his life that made him doubt if he will continue playing tennis.
On Friday the Spaniard moved to within a match of claiming his 21st Grand Slam title after outplaying Italian Matteo Berrettini and reaching his sixth Australian Open final.
Nadal is level on 20 Grand Slams with his golden era rivals Novak Djokovic, who was deported on the eve of the Australian Open, and Roger Federer, who is absent with injury.
It was a straightforward win for Nadal, as he took the semi-final 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in 2 hours and 55 minutes at Melbourne Park.
“For me at the end it’s about more than all these statistics, it’s about being in the final of the Australian Open one more time. That means a lot to me,” Nadal said.
“To me, it’s more important to be in the final of the Australian Open and fight to win another Australian Open than the rest of the statistics for the history of the sport.
“I just feel happy to be part of this amazing era of tennis, sharing all these things with another two players.
“That’s it. In some ways, it doesn’t matter if somebody achieves one more or one less.
“I feel very lucky that I won once in my career here in 2009, but I never thought about another chance in 2022.”
Playing final again feels like a miracle for Rafael Nadal
Nadal will face Russian Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s final.
After the semi-final, Nadal revealed that he recently contemplated hanging up his racquet.
“I went through a lot of challenging moments, a lot of days of hard work without seeing a light there,” said Nadal.
“A lot of conversations with the team, with the family, about what can happen or what’s going to happen if the things continue like this, thinking that maybe it’s a chance to say goodbye.
Nadal added: “That was not a lot of months ago. To be able to be where I am today, I really can’t explain in words how important it is for me in terms of energy, in terms of personal satisfaction, in terms of being very thankful for all the support that I received from the fans and especially from the people really close to me.
“It’s much more important to have the chance to play tennis than win the 21.”
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz forced to accept brutal reality as he slumps to shock Miami Open defeat
Carlos Alcaraz could have no complaints as he was forced to accept the brutal reality that he was beaten by a better player.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”