Rafael Nadal feeds the conversation that could be WITHDRAWN admitting that “it could be his last French Open”, with the chronic injury of the foot of the Spanish legend that caused great problems despite the victory over Novak Djokovic to reach the semifinals.
- Rafael Nadal produced some of his best tennis to face Novak Djokovic in Paris
- He advanced to another semi-final of the French Open after a four-set victory
- The Spaniard admitted that his future is uncertain due to a persistent foot injury
- ‘I don’t know what will happen after this tournament,’ admitted the 35-year-old
De Will Griffee for Mailonline
Posted: 09:15, June 1, 2022 | Updated: 10:01, 1 June 2022
Rafael Nadal fears he may be forced to retire prematurely due to a foot injury, despite beating fierce rival Novak Djokovic to reach the semi-finals of the French Open.
The Spaniard beat Djokovic in four sets in the tournament he has dominated for years, but then acknowledged that it could even be his last appearance at Roland Garros.
Nadal has had a chronic foot problem since 2005. He was eventually diagnosed with Mueller-Weiss Syndrome and affects a bone in his foot that is part of the movement.
Rafael Nadal has admitted that this could be his last appearance at the French Open
The Spanish legend beat Novak Djokovic in four sets on Tuesday
Last year he was forced to sit for six months because of the problem and thinks that if no solution is found, retirement is a real possibility.
“I’m very clear that I don’t know what can happen (and it could be (his) last French Open),” he said Tuesday night.
‘You know what I have with my foot and if we don’t find solutions it will be difficult. We don’t have it at the moment, so give me a chance.
“I don’t know what will happen after this tournament. I’m very clear about that, I don’t have to hide anything at my age.
‘I have what I have on my feet and if we don’t find a solution it costs me. We have not yet found a solution. Playing the semifinals gives me a lot of energy and we’ll see how it goes down here (left foot).
Nadal has a chronic foot problem and there is currently no effective medical solution
‘I already told Rome that having my doctor here helps me do things. I’ll talk about it when the tournament is over. I do my best to try to play in the best conditions. “
Nadal, who has won 21 Grand Slams, one more than Roger Federer and Djokovic, has no illusions that this could be one of his last chances to draw two of his famous rivals.
He faced Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals and enjoyed the reaction of the crowd on the court, adding: “I know I didn’t win anything, it’s just the quarter-finals. All I’ve done is give me the option of being in the semifinals.
“It’s been a very pleasant night for me and the goal is to maintain the level of tennis I’ve had.
Nadal has won the French Open 13 times and is the best clay court player in history
“They probably know I won’t be here many more times. Feeling the support of the people at this place, which is the most special thing about my career, is amazing.”
Nadal will feel he can make it to the end after rejecting the first seed and aims for his 14th French Open title.
He concluded: “This track is special to me and has something unique. The day I needed it the most, I reached a level I apparently didn’t have.”