Rafael Nadal refuses to bat away retirement talk after brilliant win over Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal may be rolling back the years at Roland Garros, but a chronic foot injury means the king of clay cannot look beyond this year’s French Open.
Nadal beat his arch-rival, the world No 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic, in a late-night classic on Tuesday.
His four-set victory was built on the power, energy and physicality of a man about to turn 26, not 36 as Nadal will on Friday – the day of his semi-final against Alexander Zverev.
MAKE IT 30-29 🔥🔥🔥@RafaelNadal wins the battle against the World No. 1 @DjokerNole 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 and is now into the #RolandGarros semi-final! 🙌@rolandgarros pic.twitter.com/tZ5oDHu67U
— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 31, 2022
But Nadal has readily admitted all fortnight that his injury issues mean that every tournament, or even every match, he plays in could be his last.
“Yes, I can’t say another thing, no? I am very clear about that,” said the Spaniard, a 13-time winner in Paris.
“I’m going to be playing this tournament because we are doing the things to be ready to play this tournament, but I don’t know what’s going to happen after here.
“I mean, I have what I have there in the foot, so if we are not able to find an improvement or a small solution on that, then it’s becoming super difficult for me. So that’s it.
“I am just enjoying every day that I have the chance to be here, and without thinking much about what can happen in the future.
“Of course I’m going to keep fighting to find a solution for that, but for the moment we haven’t. So just to give myself a chance to play another semi-final here in Roland Garros (provides) a lot of energy for me.”
Nadal looked a shadow of the player who sent Djokovic packing 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) when, just three weeks ago in Rome, he limped through a defeat to Denis Shapovalov.
But Nadal and his doctor are managing the injury in a bid to nurse him towards a 14th title.
He added: “I said in Rome I’m going to have my doctor here with me. Having the doctor here you can do things that help, no?
“So it’s not the moment to talk about that. I said that we are going to talk about that after the tournament, when my tournament finishes.
“But, yeah, I am putting everything that I have to try to play this tournament (in) the best condition possible. I don’t know what can happen after, honestly, but here I think I’m going to be fine.”
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu shrugs off pressure talk after Wimbledon exit: ‘I’m still 19. It’s a joke. I literally won a Slam’
Emma Raducanu bats away pressure talk.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray not making long-term predictions, but insists ‘if physically I feel good, then I’ll keep playing’
Andy Murray vows to keep going if his body holds up.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon TV channels, streaming info: How to watch Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff on Thursday
Your Wimbledon TV, streaming, order of play guide.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon day four: British favourites fall but Cameron Norrie keeps home flag flying
Cameron Norrie ensured at least one Briton would reach the third round.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray will ask how much more he can take after Wimbledon defeat
It was almost as if Andy Murray…
-
News
Cameron Norrie not trying to ‘make a name’ for himself at Wimbledon
The British number one won in five sets to make the third round at SW19 for a second consecutive year.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic offers support to family of Boris Becker
Novak Djokovic has hosted Becker’s family in his player’s box in both rounds of Wimbledon so far.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic to make Laver Cup call after Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic is interested in taking part in the Laver Cup.
-
US Open
John McEnroe paints a grim picture for Novak Djokovic
John McEnroe sees a future where Novak Djokovic ends the year ranked outside the top 40.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon dream dies – but what comes next matters more
Raducanu may have failed to live up to ridiculous Wimbledon expectations, but it is far too early to write her off.