Rafael Nadal brushes aside retirement talk, saying ‘I’m going to keep fighting to try to keep going’

There have been murmurs in recent weeks that Rafael Nadal is set to walk away from tennis after the French Open, but the Spaniard made it clear after winning a 22nd Grand Slam title that he is determined to continue his career.
Nadal has struggled with a chronic foot problem for several years and after being struck down by the injury at the Italian Open in May, there were suggestions that he could call it a day at any point.
And those rumours went up the notch when the world No 1 admitted during the French Open that he is playing every match as it could be his last in tennis.
Some reports even suggested that Nadal had asked Roland Garros organisers to hold a second press conference either on Sunday or Monday to make an “important announcement”, but that was shot down by his team.
And after he dispatches Casper Ruud in Sunday’s final, winning 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 to secure a record-extending 14th title in Paris, he vowed to continue playing.
The stage is yours again, @RafaelNadal#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/Nhp3e6wrwV
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 5, 2022
“It’s something that I for sure ever believed, to be here at 36, being competitive again, playing in the most important court of my career,” he said.
The tennis icon added: “I don’t know what can happen in the future, but I’m going to keep fighting to try to keep going.”
The 22-time Grand Slam winner will rise to No 3 in the ATP Rankings on the back of his victory, but he is yet to confirm if he will compete at the third major of the year, Wimbledon.
Latest
-
News
Wimbledon’s Centre Court scheduling still skewed to favour men
The All England Club is celebrating 100 years of its main show court in 2022.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray pays tribute to motherly Sue Barker ahead of her final Wimbledon
Former World No 1 Andy Murray and…
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios a ‘legit contender’ according to Special Ks partner
The other half of the Special Ks has put his tag team partner over.
-
Wimbledon
Being an inspiration is part of the job for Ons Jabeur
Being a role model and inspiration is part of the job for Ons Jabeur.
-
Wimbledon
Jodie Burrage adding to the momentum behind Brits ahead of Wimbledon
Burrage’s journey, not only on grass courts but on tour as a whole, has not been smooth sailing.
-
Wimbledon
Exclusive – Rumours over Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon withdrawal as John Lloyd gives his verdict
US Open champion Raducanu has not played since withdrawing from the Rothesay Open Nottingham with the injury that continues to trouble her.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon: Jack Draper feels ‘ready to be dangerous’ following last four run in Eastbourne
Draper was beaten in the Eastbourne semi-finals by Maxime Cressy on Friday.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu can rise above the pressure and deliver at Wimbledon
The 19-year-old sparked more fears around her fitness by pulling out of a practice session on Friday.
-
News
Eastbourne: Jack Draper misses out on maiden ATP final
Cressy continued his conquering of the British players to edge through 7-6 (5) 6-7 (2) 6-3.
-
News
Ukraine grateful to Wimbledon for its decision to ban Russian players
The Ukrainian teenager says she has been “constantly disappointed” at the reaction of tennis since Russia’s invasion.