Despite losing to Novak Djokovic in the second round at the Paris 2024 Olympics, fans cheered for Rafael Nadal. This is no surprise, as over 19 years of playing on Court Philippe Chatrier, Rafa has built a special bond with the Parisian crowds.
“I always feel like playing at home when I play here. It’s so special for me. I enjoyed the fans, and they gave me the advantage at the moment that things started to change a little bit, so I can’t thank enough all the people here who, you know, made me feel so special.”
“This, for me, is amazing to have and to have the feeling that I feel very, very well supported and loved. It’s the most important place of my career,” Rafa said.
Our champ doesn’t want to say he’s finished playing at Roland Garros or against Djokovic. He seemed frustrated when asked about retirement after the match.
“Every day? Every day you want me to retire, every day, guys. You know, I am trying to do my best every single day, you know? … I cannot live every single day with the feeling that it’s going to be or not going to be my last match,” Rafa said.
“I come here, I try my best, I play my best, and when I decide to stop playing or when I decide to keep going, I will let you know. I don’t know, I just try my best every single day trying to enjoy a thing that I have been enjoying for so much time.
“I have been suffering a lot of injuries the last two years, so if I feel that I am not competitive enough to keep going or physically I’m not enough ready to keep going, I will stop and I will let you know, you know?”
Source: CNN
Rafa will not retire until he knows he cannot contend in tennis any more. Rafa will find his game, belief, and confidence sooner or later. We believe in you, Rafa!
I am so happy with his comments! I don’t think he’s anywhere near a place of retirement! Tennis is not the same without him (as we know from going through 2023!)! I watch every Wawrinka match, every Monfils match, most Gaston matches, and yes every Djokovic match because THEY ARE CONTINUING THE FIGHT!! Those matches are soo great to watch for that reason alone! Rafa absolutely was in his head during R2. He was missing shots he works never miss if he wasn’t so worried about his game! As evidenced by his AMAZING wingers sprinkled throughout, he’s in there. He will find himself. He WILL play on!!
Vamos, Rafa!!
would never miss
winners (not wingers)
Typos!!!
Thank you Jill for Rafa and for me. Had this been a5 setter… That’s all Rafa.. Takes time to warm up to his style of game and not just keep sending drop shots Novak!!! So lame!!!
Take your time Rafa. I need you to still be there.. As long as you want to be!!!!!!
Vamos!! Always❤️
Paris 🩷 Rafa
Nothing but love for Rafa❤️❤️❤️
I want Rafa to retire when he is ready, but I also hope he is candid with himself. I don’t want him to stay too long at the dance either. It is clear that the fans’ love for him is overwhelming. I hope he can win his doubles match tomorrow. It may be tough.
Well Rafa has a point about the media. It’s like every time he’s doing anything, the media is suggesting “this is the last time Rafa will walk down this tunnel…. etc” . Why not just let him enjoy all of this and he will tell us when it’s really the end. In the meantime I’m just enjoying watching him play whenever and wherever I can!!!
Always the right attitude, Rafa! We are thrilled you are back on court, and enjoying
competing. You will call the shots-let’s keep moving forward-best of luck in your next
match👏👍💪🤛🎾🍀❤️
Win or lose we love ❤️ you all the same!
Glad he sticks to his gun when he speaks to the media, he and only he will make the determination as to when he will retire.
Leave him alone.
YES!!! PLEASE!!! HAVEN’T YOU THE PRESS ALREADY DESTROYED OUR POLITICAL FRIEND MR.BIDEN?
NO MORE HOUNDING RAFAEL NADAL!!! JUST FOR A STORY!!!!
Credit to Rafa for coming out and playing when he could have easily withdrawn. That’s courage and the heart of a fighter. He tried his best.
Well said Rafa! He’s a competitor who loves the sport and I’m glad he will carry on and retire whenever he feels the time is right.
Wishing Rafa and Carlos the very best in doubles going for gold.