Top
Rafael Nadal French Open 2022

Rafael Nadal claims he ‘is not afraid of life after tennis’ amid injury woes


Rafael Nadal has opened up about his future following a record-breaking title win in Paris as he admitted that he “is not afraid of life after tennis.”

The world number four stormed to a record-extending 14th French Open title as he defeated Norway’s Casper Ruud in straight sets in the final at Roland Garros.

Nadal came into the tournament battling a chronic foot problem that forced him to limp out of the Rome Masters, which makes his win in Paris even more remarkable.

Despite his injury fears, the 36-year-old rose to the occasion at Roland Garros, beating top 10 players Felix Auger-Aliassime, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and finalist Ruud consecutively to win a men’s record-extending 22nd Major.

Throughout the tournament retirement rumours continued to persist however Nadal announced following the match that he was “going to keep fighting”.

Yet, speaking exclusively to Spanish outlet Marca, Rafael Nadal said that he “always has been happy outside of tennis” and when the day comes to stop he will be fine with it.

“I imagine it the same as the many times in my career that I have had to be out of competition for months due to injuries,” Nadal said.

“I have always been happy outside of tennis, it is not something that makes me lose sleep or have any fear.

“I have said it many times: I am not afraid of my life after tennis. I have and have always had many things that make me happy beyond tennis.”

The ATP veteran continued as he discussed his chronic foot injury and if there was pain following the Slam final.

“The truth is that physically I am very well. I have been very well for two weeks. When I have played long matches, at the level of soreness, surprisingly due to the lack of training prior to this tournament, the following mornings I have woken up well. At this point in my career and at my age, I haven’t had much soreness.”

🎾 Join >> Receive $700/£600 of tennis gear from the Tennishead CLUB

🎾 Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

🎾 Read >> World’s best tennis magazine

🎾 Watch >> How to enjoy ATP/WTA/Slam tennis on TV

🎾 Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner