Rafael Nadal appeared on Spanish talk show “El Hormiguero” on Monday. When asked about skipping the US Open, Rafa said: “I planned this season until the Olympics, I tried to do my best and now it’s a matter of analyzing how I feel. I thought it was too difficult to play the US Open in a best-of-five set format. I had made my decision, but I preferred to wait to communicate it.”
He also addressed the comparisons between himself and Carlos Alcaraz, stating: “I don’t think the comparison hurts Alcaraz. He is good enough. He will follow his own path and it is a nice coincidence that, after my career, someone like Carlos appears. It is difficult in the same country to have two players among the best in history.”
On his retirement, Rafa said: “I’ll take my time to make the decision. When I’ve made up my mind, I’ll say it. My goals for the year are over and I haven’t achieved what I would have liked. I train every day and enjoy other things in life.”
Rafa also commented on the recent doping case of Jannik Sinner, a hot topic in the world of tennis: “I believe in the good faith of people. I know Sinner and I don’t think he wanted to dope. I believe in justice and in institutions that make decisions. I don’t think that because he is number one he hasn’t been sanctioned.”
He mentioned the good relationship he has with his rival Roger Federer and shared that it is very important for him to stay in the Olympic Village – even though the accommodation is not the best – because “you can sacrifice once every four years.”
Our champion also noted that he no longer plays video games, although he used to play FIFA when he was younger, and joked that since becoming a father, he doesn’t win as many tennis matches.
