Rafael Nadal has always been the talk of the town but his retirement news has brought in more attention than ever. The Spaniard revealed that the current season will in all probability be the final one of his illustrious career. Moreover, with his fitness issues still raging, Nadal also mentioned that he will participate in the French Open only if he feels physically capable of doing so. Much like the rest of us, Coco Gauff has been hit hard by the Spaniard’s retirement update.
During an interview ahead of the Italian Open, Gauff was asked to comment on Nadal’s legacy, given that he’ll potentially play the French Open for the final time in his career this year. While the American star was upset with Nadal’s retirement update, she finally realized that it was coming soon. “Yeah, honestly it’s very weird for me as a fan to come to terms with just because the majority of my life he’s been the Roland Garros winner. Yeah, I mean, I guess it’s now hitting.”
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Further, she went on to add, “I think I was in Madrid. It didn’t really hit that he was retiring yet. Now when I saw them do the little ceremony after, I was like this is real life, this is for real. I feel a little bit sad about it because he’s definitely one of my favorite players to watch. His mentality and intensity is something I admire. Honestly, he’s probably the only player that when I practice on the court next to him, I would literally zone out of my practice to watch him.”
Having missed most of last year due to a hip flexor injury, Nadal has been struggling with form in 2024 too. His Roland Garros attendance is still in question, although the King of Clay wants an Olympic medal is nothing else this year. The tennis community, needless to say, is sad to see him go.
Apart from his retirement talks, Nadal has also been in much news with his links to Saudi Arabian tennis. The kingdom’s Public Investment Fund has been venturing into the sport and has had a significant influence lately. Gauff’s coach, Brad Gilbert, also talked on this matter.
Gauff’s coach hopeful ‘some good will come’ with Saudi Arabia’s growing influence
Recently, Nadal was named the brand ambassador of the Saudi Arabian Tennis Federation. However, this decision by the Spaniard received a lot of flak online as fans have opposed Saudi’s influence in the sport. However, Brad Gilbert felt that things will improve with the Spaniard’s influence.
He said, “In the last five years the prize money has fallen off a cliff compared to Gauff. And obviously you know there’s an issue with Saudi Arabia you know but hopefully that some good will come from this and now that Rafael is ambassador for Saudi Arabian Tennis Federation.”
Meanwhile, both Gauff and Nadal will be seen in action at the Italian Open. It’ll be interesting to see how they fare at the tournament.