Rafael Nadal was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz within the second semi-final of the ‘Six Kings Slam‘ in Saudi Arabia, a outcome that meets expectations since Rafa has not performed since this summer season. The final match of the Spanish legend was the truth is again to the Olympics in Paris, the place he performed each singles and doubles with Carlitos.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has confirmed to be in fine condition, however can not compete towards prime gamers. As everybody is aware of by now, Nadal’s profession will finish in November on the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. The previous world #1 determined to signify his nation for the final time earlier than he says goodbye to skilled tennis and begins his second life. His outcomes weren’t good in 2024, with just one closing reached on the purple clay of Bastad and misplaced sharply towards Nuno Borges, who achieved essentially the most prestigious results of his profession.
The 14-time French Open champion has realized that he can not play with out bodily restrictions and has determined to retire on the finish of 2024. The followers hope that the legend from Manacor will keep in shut contact with the tennis world and arrange exhibition matches along with his outdated rivals (like Roger Federer and Andy Murray).
Rafa vs. Nole
Rafa will play one other match in Saudi Arabia, as he’ll face his nice rival Novak Djokovic tomorrow within the closing for third and fourth place. Throughout the press convention, the 22-time Grand Slam champion opened up on his efficiency towards Carlitos: “It has been my first match right here, I am struck by the power skilled on the court docket, since I arrived I’ve felt very shut the love of the folks, it has been one thing big. I’m very comfortable for the welcome I’ve acquired and the assist I’ve been feeling all as of late. In fact, the occasion is pure present with all of the lights and the remainder of the spectacle, so we’re all having fun with it so much, going through it in a aggressive manner and attempting to deliver out our greatest model.”
The previous world #1 will attempt to assist his Spain within the Davis Cup Finals, maybe enjoying in doubles with Alcaraz. Captain David Ferrer will likely be referred to as in to evaluate Rafa’s situation earlier than the beginning of the occasion. The Spaniard additionally revealed his function on the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga: “I made the choice just a few weeks in the past, it was truly fairly tough for me, however after the Olympics I had some weeks to assume, to understand some issues and reply some questions that made me see that this was the best resolution in the present day. Am I prepared for the Davis Cup? Emotionally, for certain; in bodily and tennis phrases, I nonetheless have a month forward.
I’ll put together for it, I’ll attempt to arrive in fine condition to assist the workforce win. If I really feel ready and the captain thinks the identical, it will likely be his resolution. If I do not really feel prepared myself, then I would be the first to step other than the person and see how else I may also help. First, I’ve to really feel aggressive to enter the competitors, then you’ll be able to win or lose, that is a part of the game. If I am not at 100% or I see myself removed from profitable my match, I received’t step onto the court docket.”
The golden period is over
With the retirement of Rafa, Andy and Roger, Djokovic is about to stay the one survivor of the Fab 4 within the coming season. The 37-year-old from Belgrade is decided to play for a very long time, however the indicators of age are beginning to plague him too. Novak didn’t win a single Main title in 2024, for the primary time since 2017 and for the second time since 2011.
Just lately, tennis pundit Matt Roberts spoke about Nadal’s retirement: “We’ve to take into the context of Nadal retiring. I genuinely assume that has an affect on Djokovic. He gave an ideal quote saying a part of me leaves with them, speaking about Federer, Nadal and Murray all retiring not too long ago. If he doesn’t have payoff I believe within the first half of subsequent 12 months I believe he’s all of a sudden going to really feel a bit lonely like on the market.
With out his largest rivals he’s bought these two new youthful rivals who at this stage he’s struggling to beat, I believe subsequent 12 months for Novak Djokovic goes to be so fascinating. I’m sort of leaning in the direction of that we’d not be seeing Novak Djokovic for a lot past subsequent 12 months, that’s sort of simply the way it feels to me proper now.”