Alex Corretja surprised by Rafael Nadal’s decision

A few days ago the news came that Rafael Nadal will not participate in the 2024 edition of the Laver cupThe prestigious event founded by Roger Federer and his manager will take place in less than a week in Berlin and the Spanish legend was one of the main attractions, if not the main attraction. Fans and insiders know that Rafa’s career is almost over and were ready to admire his performance in an event that is highly appreciated by players.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has fond memories of the Laver Cup, where he played a legendary doubles match with Federer and paid a beautiful tribute to his eternal rival on the occasion of his two-year retirement. Roger and Rafa’s tears went around the world and the O2 Arena in London turned into an exciting and unforgettable adventure.

Nadal is expected to ‘Six Kings Slam‘ next month, an event that will be held in Saudi Arabia and that will offer a lot of prize money. At this point, it is not out of the question that Rafa’s season is already over. Alternatively, the former world number 1 could be called up by David Ferrer for the Davis Cup final in November in Malaga.

Alex Corretja on Rafa

Rafa’s decision not to compete in the Laver Cup has worried many of his fans. The Laver Cup is an exhibition match where the Spanish ace can only play doubles if he is not ready for singles. Alex Corretjaformer world number 2 and two-time Roland Garros finalist, talks about Rafael Nadal. The 22-time Slam champion, as is well known, has also withdrawn from the Laver Cup, a team competition that will be played in Berlin from 20 to 22 September this year.

The Spanish tennis player explained that there are no physical problems, but he said that he does not feel substantially competitive to contribute to the European team. This decision of Nadal absolutely surprised compatriot Corretja, who thought that this could be the right opportunity to see Nadal back on the court after the Olympic tournament in which he lost in the second round in the singles to Novak Djokovic and could not win a medal in the doubles with his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz.

Corretja, who is currently a commentator for Eurosport, spoke about Nadal’s lost place in the competition between tennis players from Europe and the rest of the world and said that he was very surprised. “When I knew that he would not play – Corretja explained – it sounded a bit ‘alarming: if he is not ready to participate in the Laver Cup, when will he? Honestly, I was struck by his decision because I thought the Laver Cup was a more relaxed competition, in quotes, even though teams always want to win once they get there. But you can play singles or doubles, it could be more suitable for any type of commitment. So when I heard he wasn’t going to play, I said, if he’s not ready to play in the Laver Cup, when will he be? Hopefully he will recover or, when he feels fit again, he can get back to where he wants to be.”

Retirement may be near

The 14-time French Open champion seems to be in the final phase of his career and many are convinced that he will announce his retirement soon. The former world number 1 has not performed well this year and seemed far from his expected level. During a recent interview with RTS, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic paid tribute to Rafa: “Nadal was unbeatable in Paris for a long time and only lost a few times at Phillipe Chatrier. Every time you step on that court with him, he is the favorite. Even at the Olympics he had injury problems, I was in better shape, but still, you know he is the highest mountain to climb. He is the best, maybe the only reason why I don’t have more Roland Garros titles. Every victory against him there is worth double.”

Nadal wants to retire on his own terms and is in no hurry to make a final decision about his future. The Spanish champion had said that 2024 would be his last year, but in recent months he has suggested that it could go ahead next year. Garbine Muguruza recently gave a hint about Rafa’s future: “His body and mind show that it is time to retire. It’s time to enjoy with your child. I have seen how happy he is when he is with his son. Why is he still on the field?”