Rafael Nadal: ‘I put effort so that it lasts as much as possible’

Along with many other records, Rafael Nadal is the tennis player with the most ATP victories outdoors. Nadal is at 972 wins, passing Roger Federer at Indian Wells to top the list. Rafa should become the first player with 1,000 ATP outdoor wins next season if he stays healthy, with Novak Djokovic the only rival in that quest for years to come. Nadal had a perfect start to the season and added 20 wins in as many meetings before the Indian Wells final. Rafa achieved the record after beating Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals. The veteran beat his compatriot to become the first player with 954 outdoor court wins, leaving Roger Federer at 953! Dealing with a knee injury and undergoing three surgeries, Roger has only won 14 matches since the start of 2020. Rafa took advantage of that and narrowed the deficit against his great rival despite struggling with injuries himself. The Spaniard missed the second part of 2021, but it was clear he would top Roger’s number sometime in 2022. No one could have expected it for Indian Wells, but the Spaniard embraced a 20-match winning streak and celebrated his 954th ATP win at fresh air. Not knowing what to expect from him after such a long hiatus, Nadal started the season in Melbourne, not playing at his best level but winning a small ATP 250 event. It was the first ATP title for Rafa since May of last year, giving him a boost heading into the Australian Open. Overcoming a couple of tough hurdles, the Spaniard reached the sixth final in Melbourne and faced Daniil Medvedev. Rafa trailed 6-2, 7-6, 3-2 and 40-0 before staging one of his most exciting comebacks in a 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4 and 7 victory -5 after five hours and 24 minutes. Nadal lifted the all-time record 21st Major crown and made his season memorable after just a couple of weeks.

Latest news on Rafa Nadal

Rafael Nadal has ruled out retiring any time soon, stating that he hasn’t reached “that point” yet. “I’m still a pro-athlete and I wish it lasts. I put effort so that it lasts as much as possible. Retirement starts the day you start as there’s one day less to reach it. But I’m not at that point, I work every day with the right energy to not be at that point yet. It will come though,” the 36-year-old said. Nadal said in a statement that he was very happy to be named the ITF World Champion and thanked his team and fans for their support. “I’m very happy to be named ITF World Champion for the fifth time,” he said. “When I first won the award in 2008, I would not have expected to still be playing at such a high level 14 years later. It was really special to win the Australian Open for a second time, and of course to win Roland Garros. I am really grateful for the support of my team and my fans around the world and, I am already looking forward to the 2023 season.”