Former top tennis player Chris Evert points out that it is very possible that Rafael Nadal will soon hang up his rackets.
Evert believes that Nadal will fight with Novak Djokovic for the record for some time, but that since Nadal had his son, his priorities have changed.
“I think his motivation is still high. Still, to have something like that year after year, to win a lot of titles and not lose the desire to compete, that’s great. Hey, 18 years in the Top 10! To have that motivation and dedication to the sport that never fails, to be in the Top 10 when the list of players is so deep, that speaks volumes for what is going on in his head. And that also speaks of his game, because it’s about consistency, being good, not missing the ball, and being in every point. He plays every point equally and is in the Top 10 every year. It’s a wonderful vision”, began Chris.
Although Nadal is a great fighter, he now has to take care of his body.
“His injuries were not so catastrophic, where he would be out of action for a year, as with many other players. Rafa is really looking at how to preserve his body. He was a real warrior and his body suffered a lot, because he gives one hundred percent in training and in matches. He plays very physically, his style is such that he outplays the opponent in exchanges. He spent a lot of time hitting the ball and you wonder how his body is still holding up so well. However, now that he is a father, he has a different perspective and has something to worry about after tennis,” Chris added.
He points out that there would be no surprises if Nadal suffered a major decline.
“His body is worn out and now even an ordinary injury is no longer ordinary and he will have more and more of them. You can say with certainty that it will decline in the next few years. I don’t wish anyone to retire, but in the next few years, due to injuries and family, I wouldn’t be surprised if he started to give up. There have been more and more injuries in recent years,” says Chris.
“It’s a sign that the body is more fragile and giving way. It’s understandable because of his style of play and I don’t mean anything negative about it. However, it is true that he was injured. There’s no reason to fight the emotional or mental part of the game, it’s more about keeping the body as healthy as possible. Roland Garros, clay, longer exchanges, longer matches, a target on his back. It will be a really big challenge for him”, concluded Chris Evert.
