In his first match back on court of the new season, Nadal lost his first match in the men's doubles at the Brisbane tennis tournament. Speaking after the game, Nadal said he was only saying that 2024 is probably the last year, but not certainly.
When announcing his retirement from the French Open in May 2023, Nadal's remarks were interpreted by many as his retirement for the 2024 season. At the time, he said: "My goal is to stop and give myself a chance to enjoy next year, which will probably be my last year on the Pro Tour." 」
That's my idea, but I can't say 100% of the way it is, though, because you never know what's going to happen. Nadal said at the time: But my thoughts, my motivation is to try to enjoy it next year, to try to say goodbye to all the important tournaments in my tennis career, to try to enjoy all this. 」
These words were interpreted by the outside world as Nadal's farewell journey in 2024, and this year will be the last time he will participate in all tournaments in his career. But on the 31st, he stressed that he only said probably, and also said that it was not 100% certain.
The problem with saying this is going to be my last 1 season is that I can't ** 100% what will happen in the future. Nadal said before the men's doubles match: That's it, that's why I said probably. 」
Nadal said: "Obviously this is a very good chance that this will be my last time in Australia. But if I come here again next year, don't tell me that it's going to be your last season. Because I didn't say that. 」
You never know what's going to happen next, and I can't ** myself what the next 6 months will be. I can't help but be able to ** my body will allow me to enjoy tennis as much as I have for the past 20 years. Nadal said.
However, Nadal admits that during the period of his recuperation, of course, he thought about retiring, and I went through a lot of difficult things, and I didn't miss the game because my body was not ready to play during this period. I miss being healthy and it doesn't hurt when I wake up in the morning. But at some point I decided to keep going, and without thinking too much about it, I started training every day. 」