Rafael Nadal is Tired of the Retirement Questions

Rafael Nadal expressed his frustration with the speculation about his retirement.

Rafael Nadal faced Novak Djokovic in the Olympics. / Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier today, Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in the second round of the Paris Olympics' men's singles tennis tournament. It was the 60th and maybe final meeting between the two rivals.

However, Nadal is tired of talking about when his career will end. Speaking with the Spanish news outlet Marca, Nadal gave a lengthy explanation on why he does not want to discuss the end of his career.

When asked if his loss in the Olympics was a farewell to Paris, Nadal said, "I can't think about that all day… When the Olympics are over, I will make the decision… If I no longer want to play, I will let you know, and that's it."

Nadal continued, "I can't think about that all day. I come here, and you ask me the same thing every day and at the same time… in the end, it is very difficult to recover an optimal level if I think about whether I retire or not."

Still not finished with the topic, Nadal said, "I come from two very difficult years with many physical problems that have not allowed me to have continuity. That is why I have given myself extra time to see if I was able to recover many things but if you always ask me about withdrawal it is impossible because you are always with the noise behind your ear that doesn't let you develop what you need to make the real decision."

Rafa Nadal was asked if his loss at Olympics was a farewell to Paris, ‘I can’t think about that all day… When the Olympics are over, I will make the decision… if I know longer want to play, I will let you know & that’s it’

“I can't think about that all day. I come here and you… pic.twitter.com/JCG3PVm1tf

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 29, 2024

Nadal added, "I try to look forward, and when the Olympics are over, I will make the decisions… You have to take it based on the desire and feelings you have, although for many, it makes little sense…

"I have been suffering for two years; I have had hip surgery, I have been recovering for a long time, and now I am feeling better physically. Obviously, if I feel that I am not competitive, I am going to make the decision to leave, but I have played really little. It's not easy to recover from hip surgery."

Nadal concluded, "I try to do what I can to try to enjoy myself and to give myself the option to be competitive. If I no longer want to play, I will let you know and that's it, but I will live day by day to choose what I have to do when I know it."

Nadal is expected to play in the US Open in August. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport and beyond.

Further Reading: Rafael Nadal voiced his displeasure with the Olympics' scheduling.