WATCH: 'I've given myself some time’ - Rafael Nadal tells media not to raise retirement question every time

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has requested the media not to ask him about his retirement plans and to let him enjoy what little time he has left. The Spaniard previously hinted that 2024 would be his final season, and since then his ears have not been free from questions surrounding his farewell match.

In a recent interview with El Hormiguero, the 38-year-old said that he has not yet made up his mind to retire. Mentioning the French Open as an option for his final tournament, Nadal said he is giving himself time by training and enjoying other things in life.

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"It's an option [to play again at Roland Garros], right now the goals are over and I'm giving myself time. I'm enjoying training and other things in life,” he said.

Nadal stated that he is giving himself some time and will announce his decision to retire when he is clear about it. The former World No. 1 also requested the media not to bring up his retirement in every press conference. 

"I understand that I'm retiring. It's been a long time, I've had a lot of physical problems and the question is normal. There comes a time when I can't live with [the idea of] retirement because otherwise you don't finish trying.

"I've given myself some time to enjoy tennis after a year and a half off the court and that's what I'm doing, enjoying the day-to-day. In the end, I'm giving myself time and making my decision when I'm clear about it. I try to do things as well as possible."

"I ask that they don't bring up my retirement in every press conference because otherwise, I end up believing that I'm going to retire,” he added.

Watch the video below: 

"I understand the questions about retirement. But at the end of the day, there comes a time when I can't live every day thinking about that. Give me some time. I'll make my decision when I have a clear head."



Rafael Nadal



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Nadal skips US Open 2024 citing concerns about his physical condition 

Nadal's career has been plagued by injuries in recent times, which have prevented him from competing in many major events. He suffered a hip injury at the 2023 Australian Open that sidelined him for a year. The Spanish superstar entered the French Open in May seeking his 17th title but fell to Alexander Zverev in straight sets in the first round. 

After skipping Wimbledon, Nadal returned to action at the Swedish Open in Bastad. He then partnered with Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics but failed to make it past the quarterfinals. Nadal was expected to participate in the ongoing US Open 2024, but he decided not to, and it is unclear when fans will be able to see him on court again.

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