© Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
Rod Laver says he would absolutely love to see Rafael Nadal make at least one final return to tennis. Nadal, who hasn’t played since the Australian Open, underwent surgery on his psoas muscle in early June. Nadal, 37, is hoping to be able to play at the 2024 Australian Open and his intention is to retire from pro tennis next year. “How much are you looking forward to seeing Rafael Nadal play tennis again next year?” a fan asked Laver.
Answering the question, Laver dropped some major praise on Nadal: “Rafa has had such a great career. I’d love to be able to see him play one more time. He’s a student of the game.”
Rafa has had such a great career. I’d love to be able to see him play one more time.
He’s a student of the game. — Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 24, 2023
Nadal on if 2024 is indeed going to be his last year in pro tennis
In May, Nadal announced his intention to retire from pro tennis in 2024. Since then, many have wondered what will happen if Nadal returns healthy in 2024 and stays healthy for a longer period.
Last week, Nadal highlighted he is not closing the doors on playing beyond 2024 but also added he is “pretty convinced” that next season is going to be his last. “Let’s see. I think it’s going to be my last year. I’m pretty convinced.
Although, at the same time, at this point, at the end of September, I don’t know. What can happen? If suddenly things are working very well, I feel fine physically, my head usually works. If I feel competitive and enjoy what I do, why would I limit myself? I can’t say 100%.
What do I think my last year is going to be? I’m saying it, I think it’s going to be my last year. What is it going to be 100%? I can’t say for sure either because things can always happen and I don’t want to say one thing 100% and then they say, you said such a thing, because I’m not 100% sure. Now, if I had to bet, I’d say it’s my last year,” Nadal told Diario AS last week.
