Nadal Retirement: Peace with 22 Grand Slams

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Rafael Nadal expressed peace with his retirement as he reflects on ending his career with 22 Grand Slam titles, despite Novak Djokovic surpassing him with 24 championships. Nadal, who considers the Davis Cup his final professional tournament, shared that he is satisfied with his achievements, even if he would have liked to finish with more titles than Djokovic. His career has been marked by injuries, leading him to reassess his priorities.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal recently shared his thoughts on his retirement and the race for the most Grand Slam titles, currently held by long-time rival Novak Djokovic. Nadal is at peace with his decision to retire with 22 Grand Slam titles, despite Djokovic holding 24. He announced that the Davis Cup will be his last professional tournament.

Nadal, who has faced numerous injuries in recent years, has reassessed his career goals and priorities. He stated, “You get to the end of your career and, honestly, I’m not even the slightest bit more satisfied than Federer for having 22 (Grand Slam titles) and he 20.”

When asked if he would have liked to surpass Djokovic’s 24 titles, Nadal replied, “Of course, I’d like to be 25, without a doubt, because that’s what sport is about. However, when it’s over, you value what it’s been all together, not whether it’s been a little bit more.”

Earlier this year, Nadal made a brief return to competitive tennis at an ATP event in Brisbane, Australia. However, his limited appearances due to ongoing injuries ultimately influenced his decision to step away from the sport.

The “Big Three” of tennis—Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic—have long been celebrated for their fierce rivalry on the court and mutual respect off it. While Federer retired in 2022 with 20 Grand Slam titles, Nadal’s injuries limited his participation, allowing Djokovic to pull ahead and claim his 24th Grand Slam at the 2023 Australian Open.

As Nadal prepares for his final tournament, his legacy as a tennis icon, spanning over 23 years, remains remarkable, even without ending with the most Grand Slam titles.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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