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According to Rafael Nadal, in any case, the goal of the last years of his career is not to win as many trophies as possible, but to be remembered as an example to follow. A model of athlete and man for generations to come.
“Numerous tournaments have actually contacted me to enter the draw (to participate) - says Nadal -, but things are different than in the past. To play I have to be prepared both physically and mentally; neither have unlimited batteries.
When you are young you have a lot of energy, but now I have to make decisions that sometimes I don't like and skip the tournaments that I want to play. In the future I do not want to be remembered as a tennis player with numerous titles but as the one who set a good example for boys and girls; he is my only target.
If there is something that I would like to be able to say that I did well, it is that I have transmitted positive things on and off the field, which leaves me very satisfied ”. Rafael Nadal was forced to end his 2021 season early after his chronic foot injury reappeared during the hard-court tour of North America.
The Spaniard's last professional match was at the ATP 500 event in Washington, when he was defeated by Lloyd Harris in the third round. "I've been better, but I'm fine. My foot hurts a bit," Nadal said. "It is a slightly complicated time on a personal and professional level.
Honestly, with the hope of improving and facing a process that is going to be difficult and painful at some point, but that I have to go through to return in a position to fight for what I want. I am determined to do it."
Nadal was spotted hanging out with his friends
Recently, Rafael Nadal was spotted hanging out with his friends.
In the picture, he can be seen sitting at a table along with a couple of friends, sipping on beer. He has been making the most of his time away from the Tour. Normally, with a packed schedule that he has, it’s difficult to make time for these activities with all the moving around.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner has been on the sidelines since his stint in Washington. He has been dealing with a foot injury since the French Open earlier this season. Nonetheless, he has been recovering slowly but steadily.
While he gave a glimpse of what he’s up to, he posted a picture with the caption, “Last summer days with friends… always nice to be surrounded by them, chat about nothing and everything. Just some fun times with my partners… 😉”.