Martina Navratilova, a former tennis great, has spoken out on Rafael Nadal’s impending retirement, noting that if she were in Nadal’s position, she would hang up her racket.
The 38-year-old’s most recent performance was at the 2024 Olympics, where he lost in the first round against Novak Djokovic in singles. The Spaniard competed in the pairs event alongside compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, but his Olympic campaign ended in the quarter-finals.
Navratilova provides a realistic evaluation of Nadal’s playing future
Nadal is set to compete in the Laver Cup, which will take place from September 20 to 22, 2024. The former World No.1’s only other announcement is that he will participate in the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia from October 16 to 19, 2024.
In an interview with Sky Sports Tennis, Navratilova discussed whether Nadal should play additional events this year or retire.
“It depends on the level of desire. If you’re simply fighting your body – you really want to play but it won’t let you – I’d just quit up,” remarked the 18-time singles Grand Slam champion. “He’s had an incredible career. Because of his physical style, he had a much longer career than we had expected. He’s had a problem with his foot for years. And, dude, if I lived in Mallorca and had his lifestyle and boat, I believe I would hang it up.”