Sam Groth believes the 14th Roland-Garros title could inspire Rafael Nadal for the rest of the season amid rumors of a gradual retirement surrounding the Spaniard.
Nadal aims to extend his lead at the top of the men’s Grand Slam singles title list in the final on Sunday night when he faces No. 8 seed Caspar Rudd. A win would see him record the 22nd Grand Slam singles title of his colorful career.
The Spaniard turned 36 this week and has struggled with leg problems for the best part of the last 12 months before returning to claim a miraculous Australian Open title earlier this year.
Read more: Haney and Cambosos’ fathers quarrel
Read more: The dubious call thrills the Great to win the thrilling Pies
As happened: Haney’s unanimous decision won against Cambosos Jr.
However, after beating No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals last week, Nadal sparked rumors at the end of the tournament that he could pull the plug on his career.
Nadal has apparently watered down rumors of his retirement, telling Eurosport that he plans to stay at Roland-Garros next season, and Growth has also refused to return.
“We know his leg is not good, the bone is actually breaking there from all sides, so there is not much option for him in surgery,” he told Nine’s. Sports Sunday.
“At 36, coming back from an extended break is going to be very, very difficult. I think if he wins, we’ll see him at Wimbledon. You can’t win the first two majors of the year and continue at Wimbledon and then the US Open. .
“He’s definitely still close to being the best player in the world at the Grand Slam level. Will we see him again at Roland-Garros?
Incredibly, the clash between Nadal and Ruud will be the first of their respective careers.
Rudd has lost to Joe-Wilfred Tsonga, Emil Rousseau, Lorenzo Sonego, Hubert Hurcaz, Holger Rune and Marin Cilic in the final.
Nadal’s run has seen him overcome a little too much starpower. Spanish stars Jordan Thompson, Corinthian Moutet, boutique Van de Jandschalp, Felix Agar-Aliasim, Djokovic and Alexander Zaverev.
Watch Roland-Garros at 9Gem and 9 Now Or every match, ad-free, live and on demand, with the court on 4K, on Stan Sport
Nadal’s longevity is so amazing that Ruud defeated Mariano Puerta in 2005 to claim his first Grand Slam title at the Roland-Garros.
The men’s singles final will begin at 11pm AEST on Sunday, with match coverage starting at 10:30 pm on 9Gem.
To get a daily dose of the best breaking news and exclusive content from the Wide World of Sports, click here to subscribe to our newsletter!
