Boris Becker delivers Rafael Nadal retirement verdict after Novak Djokovic Olympics rout

Ewan West 30 Jul 2024 2:27 PM

Boris Becker gives his verdict on Rafael Nadal

Boris Becker has spoken about Rafael Nadal's future after his Olympics singles exit

Boris Becker has urged tennis fans to give Rafael Nadal “the time he needs” to decide when he will retire from the sport after his defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympics.

The six-time Grand Slam champion asserted that “we shouldn’t be telling” Nadal “what to do next” as he highlighted the Spaniard’s love for tennis.

Nadal fell to a resounding 1-6, 4-6 loss to Djokovic on Court Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros in the second round of the men’s singles event at the 2024 Olympics.

The 38-year-old, who has been unable to compete for large periods of the last two years due to various injury issues, was well off the pace in his 60th match against his great rival.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion is still competing in the men’s doubles tournament with 21-year-old Spanish compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in Paris. The duo will take on the Dutch pairing of Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof in the second round.

Nadal is seeking a third Olympic gold medal and second in doubles, having triumphed with partner Marc Lopez at the 2016 Rio Games.

Rafael Nadal News

Rafael Nadal has two words for Novak Djokovic after he is handed an Olympics hammering

The 5 youngest men to win Olympic singles gold – as Carlos Alcaraz targets history

Following Nadal’s one-sided defeat to Djokovic, Becker argued his fellow tennis great should not be rushed into making a decision over his future.

“It’s a very personal decision,” the German told Eurosport. “Tennis is his livelihood and something he loves doing so successfully for such a long time.

“We should give him the time he needs. We’re not in his shoes. He knows he’s not playing at the level he did a couple of years ago, but he still loves to compete. We shouldn’t be telling him what to do next.”

Becker added: “I hope it comes to a good end. At some point, every individual athlete has to recognise the end. Here he had a perfect performance. The red carpet was rightly rolled out for him – an absolute sports icon.

“People always talked about the Big Three – Nadal, Djokovic and Federer. They made tennis even more popular than the sport already was, they took tennis to a new level.”

The former world No 1 also hailed British legend Andy Murray, who is partnering Dan Evans in doubles at the Olympics and will retire after the event.

“The doubles matches, like Murray and Evans’ win, as well as the singles matches, have been electrifying. It’s great to see the sparks flying for everyone,” Becker said.

“Regarding Andy Murray, he’s had an incredible career, winning three majors against players like Nadal, [Roger] Federer, and Djokovic. His personality and character are very unique.

“Announcing that this is his last Olympics adds to the appreciation we have for him. It allows us to give him the recognition he deserves.”