Tim Henman has praised Rafael Nadal as “an icon” of tennis, emphasizing that the timing of his retirement was appropriate, given the physical toll the sport has taken on him. Following a serious hip injury, Nadal announced in May 2023 his intention to retire in 2024, though there was initial hope he might reconsider. As he launched his comeback at 38, Nadal left the door open for playing beyond 2024, but acknowledged it was unlikely.
Nadal’s return was marred by a hip issue during his first tournament after surgery, followed by an abdominal injury, making it increasingly clear that his competitive days were numbered. Ultimately, he was able to participate in the French Open, the Paris Olympics, and concluded his career at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. In a fitting farewell, the 22-time Grand Slam champion played one last singles match, representing Spain in front of a sold-out crowd.
Henman, a former six-time Grand Slam semifinalist, shared his thoughts on Nadal’s retirement with Eurosport. “When you talk about retirement for any player, it’s really not straightforward to plan it. With the injuries and challenges Rafa faced, representing his country in the Davis Cup at home is very special. I think it was a good send-off, and I hope Rafa felt comfortable with that. He’s been an absolute icon of our sport, and for the Spanish fans to see him one last time at home was very special.”
Henman added, “From the outside looking in, I think it was the right time. He has given so much to the sport, which takes a significant physical and mental toll. I just don’t know if his body could take it any longer, so stepping down now allows him to reflect on his incredible achievements.”
In his final season, Nadal posted a 12-8 record on the ATP Tour. While he reached the final in Bastad, where he secured a couple of hard-fought victories before losing to Nuno Borges, he struggled to find success overall, appearing to lose a step as injuries took their toll. In Malaga, Nadal candidly admitted to reporters that he felt “limited” in his abilities, making it impossible for him to train or compete as he once did.
“I simply feel that I cannot carry out my activity normally and without limitations on a continuous basis,” he stated. “I no longer have windows that allow me to train or compete at 100%. I have all the injuries that have not gone away and are also limiting me.”
After suffering a hip injury during the 2023 Australian Open, Nadal initially believed he would return to play by March. However, surgery became necessary when his recovery did not progress as hoped. Despite a brief return to the tour, ongoing injuries forced him to confront the reality of retirement. Ultimately, he found peace in his decision, acknowledging that he had given everything he could to the sport.
“At the end, I achieved the most important thing for me, because this day arrived, and I am at peace that I gave all that I had,” Nadal reflected. “I started playing at three and worked passionately and determinedly to be as good as possible.”
While Nadal did not make deep runs at the French Open or the Paris Olympics, he expressed satisfaction in having competed in both tournaments during his final year. “I’m going to leave this professional tour with the calm and personal satisfaction that I gave my best in almost every single moment,” he concluded.
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