Garbine Muguruza appears to be impressed by Rafael Nadal’s ability to announce a farewell and then go out and compete in such circumstances as the newly-retired Spanish tennis player reveals she could never do that.
On Saturday, former world No. 1 Muguruza held a special press conference in Spain – which she called to announce that she was walking away from pro tennis at the age of 30.
This year, another Spanish tennis icon is set to retire and it’s Nadal. Unless there is a big change, 37-year-old Nadal will very likely conclude his astonishing tennis career after the season ends or at some point in 2024.
After retiring, Muguruza was asked about Nadal announcing in 2023 that the 2024 season would be his last.
“I’m not that type of person that could play knowing it’s my final match, I couldn’t play tennis, I’d be crying! It must be so hard when you’re a living legend like Rafa. It’s harder when you’re that big,” Muguruza told The Telegraph.
Garbine Muguruza © Getty Images Sport – Cameron Spencer
Muguruza could never do a farewell like Nadal
On Thursday, Nadal likely started his final Madrid Open campaign. In his Madrid first-round match, Nadal started with a very convincing 6-1 6-0 win over 16-year-old teenager Darwin Blanch.
Later in his press conference, Nadal was asked about his retirement plans and if something could change there. Answering the question, Nadal – who is set to turn 38 in June – admitted he would love to continue playing but highlighted that his body just isn’t allowing him.
Rafael Nadal © Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
“I would love to play a little bit longer and give him [Rafa Jr.] a memory of myself playing tennis. That’s what will be the ideal thing for me and for my wife and family. But I can’t, probably I will not be able to make that happen,” Nadal said after his opening win in Madrid.
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