Nadal "There is a high possibility of retirement, but not 100%" He will face Alexander Zverev in the first round on the 27th

‘Tennis legend’ Rafael Nadal (Spain) has opened up the possibility of a player extension.

At the official press conference before the ‘2024 French Open Tennis Tournament’ held in Paris, France on the 25th (local time), Nadal was asked, ‘Is this year’s French Open the last tournament?’ “It is true that it is highly likely, but I cannot say that it is 100% true.” “He answered.

Nadal, born in 1986 and 38 years old, had previously predicted retirement in 2024. Accordingly, the prevailing prediction was that this French Open would be Nadal's retirement match.

However, Nadal said on this day, “I am grateful to be able to stand at Roland Garros again at least once more,” and “This may or may not be the last,” opening up the possibility of extending his career as a player.

Nadal, who won the French Open 14 times and was ranked No. 1 in the world, rarely played in games last season due to injury.

Nadal, who has played in only 11 games since January last year due to abdominal and hip injuries, is currently ranked 276th in the world.

Nadal has been champion in major tournaments 22 times, but he was defeated by world number 8 Hubert Hurkacs (Poland) in the second round of the Men's Professional Tennis (ATP) Tour BNL Italia International (Masters 1000 Rome Open) on the 17th. At that time, immediately after the match, Nadal even said that he was not even sure whether he would be able to play in the French Open.It is presumed that the reason Nadal hinted at the possibility of overturning his retirement was due to the recent positive improvement in his body and health. He said, “Compared to 3-4 weeks ago, I feel physically better, and I feel I am improving in many ways.” He added, “I feel competitive as I train,” adding, “It gives me hope that I can compete with anyone.” Nadal will face world number 4 Alexander Zverev (Germany) in the first round of the French Open on the 27th. “It will be a difficult first match,” Nadal said, “but I want to give myself a chance to play competitively. “I don’t want to hide,” he said with determination.  고스톱사이트