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'No plans': Rafa Nadal's massive career call after Australian Open

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·2-min read
Rafael Nadal (pictured) looking frustrated during his Australian Open match.
Rafael Nadal (pictured) has admitted he doesn't have any plans on retiring from tennis anytime soon, as he long as he keeps enjoying the game. (Getty Images)

World No.2 Rafa Nadal has opened up on his future in tennis after his stunning quarter-final loss at the Australian Open.

Nadal, 34, withdrew from the Rotterdam Open, following his five-set Australian Open loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas, citing a back issue that has plagued him at the start of the 2021 season.

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The 20-time Grand Slam champion is certainly taking part in less ATP Tour tournaments and focusing on Grand Slams and 1,000 events.

Despite, admitting he can't remember playing 'without pain', Nadal fans can be reassured he isn't planning on retiring anytime soon.

"I do not have [plans to retire]," Nadal told Brazilian magazine Veja.

"As long as I am healthy and able to compete, I intend to enjoy my life in tennis and always give 100%. That's how I see the sport."

Nadal sits level with Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slam titles and will be looking to become the all-time leader with another French Open title.

But Novak Djokovic will be looking to stunt this record as he just claimed his 18th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

Nadal's tough admission on injuries

The Spaniard also opened up on his career struggles with injury.

Nadal has spent time away from tour with numerous knee and wrist injuries over the years, which many tennis experts put down to his rigorous style of play.

And the Spaniard said he can't remember a time in his career where he wasn't feeling the affects of an injury.

"Honestly, I don't remember ever playing without pain," he told the publication.

Rafael Nadal looks dejected during his Men’s Singles Quarterfinals match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day 10 of the 2021 Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal looks dejected during his Men’s Singles Quarterfinals match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day 10 of the 2021 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 17, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)

"In the past few years, I have been experiencing pain more often, and you need to learn to live with it, as long as it doesn't stop you from playing."

Nadal, most recently, pulled out of the Acapulco event in Mexico, where he is defending champion, due to the tournament not having the funds to afford his appearance fee.

But the Spaniard will most likely focus his efforts towards clay and the build up to the French Open.

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