Nadal’s uncle casts doubt on retirement plan as Djokovic eyes Wimbledon glory

Jul 11, 2023 at 1:33 PM
Nadal’s uncle casts doubt on retirement plan as Djokovic eyes Wimbledon glory

‘s uncle, Toni, has hinted that the 22-time Grand Slam champion might scrap plans to retire subsequent yr if he makes a robust restoration from his damage troubles. Nadal has been out of aggressive motion since January, with a crippling hip subject forcing him to observe from afar as bids for an additional main title at .

Nadal supplied tennis followers a glimpse into the finer particulars of his scenario when he referred to as a press convention again in May. While addressing the media, the 37-year-old conceded that he wouldn’t be able to combat for the highest prize on the French Open.

Djokovic gained it in his absence, placing him alone on the prime of the all-time males’s Grand Slam charts. And Nadal went on to make clear that he was ready to scrap this season in preparation for 2024, which he believes will ‘in all probability be his final yr on tour’.

“My idea, my motivation is try to say goodbye to all the tournaments that have been important for me in my career and just enjoy being competitive and enjoy being on court,” he added.

With Nadal persevering with to get better behind the scenes, his shut relative, affectionately often known as ‘Uncle Toni’, claims {that a} robust restoration might see these retirement plans tossed apart. “Rafael is already 37 years old, the years weigh heavily,” he instructed Clay.

“What I do know, as a result of I talked to him, is that Rafael desires to return again, he desires to get better properly. And if he recovers properly I believe he’ll wish to proceed.

With a heavyweight conflict in opposition to seventh seed Andrey Rublev scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, Djokovic might e-book his spot within the final 4, edging him nearer to a potential ultimate with world No 1 and prime seed Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic has taken a number of large scalps on the All England Club this yr, together with three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka and grass-court specialist Hubert Hurkacz.