Rafael Nadal told to retire immediately as concerns raised over Spaniard | Tennis | Sport

Rafael Nadal has been urged to hang up his racket with immediate effect following a disappointing Olympics campaign.

Nadal most recently turned out at the Olympics in Paris, with the 22-time Grand Slam winner forming a formidable doubles partnership with Carlos Alcaraz.

Dubbed ‘Nadalcaraz’, the Spanish duo were unable to leave their mark on the tournament, losing in the quarter-final to American pair and eventual silver medalists Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram.

Nadal had also featured in the singles event at Roland-Garros, but was knocked out by Novak Djokovic in the competition’s second round.

And, according to Express Sport readers, the Olympics should be Nadal’s last-ever outing as a tennis professional, with the legend of the game having been told to retire.

A whopping 74 per cent of readers who were asked whether now is the right time for Nadal to call it a day said yes, despite him keeping his cards close to his chest following the Games in Paris.

A snappy Nadal responded to a question about whether he’s set to retire soon by saying: “You want me to retire every day guys, you ask me for that.

“I am trying to do my best. I cannot live every single day with the feeling that it’s going to be or not going to be my last match.”

The end for Nadal does feel nigh though, not least because the 38-year-old was recently forced to pull out of the US Open.

Taking to social media to announce his withdrawal, Nadal said: “Hi all, writing today to let you guys know that I have decided not to compete at this year’s US Open a place where I have amazing memories.

“I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100% this time.

“Thanks to all my US Fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time. Best of luck to all for the always amazing US Open!

My next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin.”

Nadal has at least committed himself to one more tournament, as he goes in search of a first Laver Cup triumph since 2019.

Nadal will be joined on Team Europe by compatriot Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev (Germany), Daniil Medvedev (Russia), Casper Ruud (Norway) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece).

The 2024 edition gets underway in Berlin on September 20th.