Passion, power and never giving up: Nadal’s enduring qualities are a lesson for everyone | Tumaini Carayol

Spaniard transformed the sport and, together with his great rivals, took it to new heights before injuries took their toll

In the days before the French Open began this year, Rafael Nadal’s outlook on his future seemed to have shifted. The first months of 2024 had been some of the toughest in his career as he tried to return to the court after a series of injuries had culminated in a significant hip surgery last year. When, after an initial false start, he finally returned on the clay in Barcelona, Nadal repeatedly asserted that he was still struggling physically and his primary motivation for competing was simply to say goodbye to his home crowd. He lost in the second round.

By Roland Garros, though, just a few weeks later, that pessimism had given way to a striking amount of hope. Nadal finally felt like he was capable of performing at a high level. After so many months away, he also seemed to be revelling in simply being a professional tennis player, from the daily training sessions to travelling with his family. Asked to confirm whether this year would mark his final appearance at his French Open, Nadal drew laughter with his non-committal response: “Let’s explore,” said Nadal, laughing. “I don’t want to create a big confusion, but I’m enjoying what I am doing. Sorry.”

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