Tennis Today: Rafael Nadal’s motivations – and retirement date – revealed
In Tennis Today, Rafael Nadal’s retirement plans are revealed, and Denis Shapovalov gets all artistic.
What’s on the site
Rather entertainingly, Roger Federer’s former coach Paul Annacone has thrown himself head-first into the debate about whether or not Feds gets preferential treatment on the tour.
The gist of his must-read argument is this: Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are massive massive hypocrites. Brilliant.
Annacone is is not the only one in tennis getting a bit ranty either. The French Davis Cup team have come out and declared the competition dead – and blamed the Grand Slams for it.
And John McEnroe was never going to miss out if things are getting ranty. He gave an interview in Australia over the weekend, where he warned one young ATP star he’s probably going to ‘run himself out of the game’ with his bad attitude.
Not only is McEnroe happy to give us new rants of his own, but he’s also firmly throwing his backing behind the rants of others. Specifically, Serena Williams’ rant at the US Open final.
What’s in the news
Toni Nadal has revealed Rafael Nadal’s motivations and, more importantly, retirement plans.
Nadal had a fragmented 2018 as he battled injury and eventually underwent ankle surgery.
However, according to uncle Toni, the King of Clay still has plenty of years left in him yet.
“Everything in the life has a deadline,” Toni Nadal told Diario Vasco.
“For what I know, he is willing to continue a few more years. And if he is healthy he will do it.
“The first thing is the personal challenge of continuing to be there, being motivated and showing yourself that you are able to win again.
“Winning is something you like a lot and have the chance to win another Godó trophy, in Monte Carlo, at Roland Garros, Wimbledon or US Open makes Rafa motivated.
“And Rafael, when he notes it, will leave the Tour.”
What’s on social media
Croatia celebrate.
And so does Ashliegh Barty…
Eugenie Bouchard’s close-season pics turn out to be remarkably similar to her mid-season pics.
And Sloane Stephens doesn’t appear to be in any rush to get back to tennis either…
And the award for the most artistic snap of the day goes to…
What’s on TV
To avoid disappointment, it’s probably best you don’t ask for a couple of months…
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