Andy Roddick fears Rafael Nadal could also be heading towards Roger Federer’s retirement destiny because the Spaniard’s 2024 farewell in all probability couldn’t have gone any worse to date. 

Earlier than and after launching his post-hip surgical procedure comeback, Nadal saved repeating that staying wholesome and being aggressive had been his two priorities and he wasn’t wishing something apart from that. Initially, Nadal’s comeback obtained off to an impressive begin as the previous world No. 1 claimed two straight-set wins in Brisbane earlier than he was struck by unhealthy luck once more and sustained a tear in his hip throughout a quarterfinal loss to Jordan Thompson. 

The preliminary prognosis was that Nadal can be able to play once more in a few weeks and return to motion in Doha in mid-February. However three and a half months after the harm, Nadal continues to be sidelined – and after lacking this week’s Monte Carlo Masters – the hope is that the 37-year-old can not less than return in Barcelona subsequent week.

All of that is sort of resembling Federer in 2022, who was aiming to return round Wimbledon – give final one shot to tennis – and exit on his phrases. However Federer’s knee wasn’t progressing as anticipated and the Swiss in the end ended up retiring by enjoying one doubles match with Nadal on the Laver Cup. 

All in all, Federer did not get the farewell he hoped for, and since Nadal has already missed a few of the largest tournaments at first of 2024, he may additionally find yourself retiring with out having an opportunity to play in some tournaments for the final time.

“Roger retired at Laver Cup, he in all probability wouldn’t say this out loud, however Roger needed to retire at Wimbledon or US Open. He needed to play these. He needed to do this, he needed to say ‘goodbye’, it occurred in three days versus three months. It appears like we’re getting nearer to that being actuality for Rafa,” Roddick mentioned on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast.

“I’ve this hope behind my thoughts that he’s gonna get wholesome and he doesn’t have to be wholesome for 52 weeks, he must be wholesome for 2 months. Like, simply burn it, go all of it, take all the painkillers that you want to take, and let’s do yet another.”

Roddick thinks Nadal could also be seeking to say his closing goodbye on the French Open

When Nadal revealed his plans to retire in 2024, he did not say something concerning for the way lengthy he was planning on enjoying this yr. However naturally, many began speculating if Nadal’s purpose was to return at first of the 2024 season – get himself in a correct health and match type when the time comes for the clay season – and ultimately play the final match of his profession at his beloved French Open. 

In Roddick’s thoughts, Nadal doubtlessly seeking to retire at Roland Garros would make a lot sense contemplating that it is the place the place the 37-year-old Spaniard is a document 14-time champion and an absolute icon.

“Clearly, you need that goodbye at Roland Garros; it could suck if he cannot get that. I obtained to assume, like, if he is working towards however not serving properly, I nonetheless obtained to assume he will throw that on the market in Roland Garros,” Roddick mentioned.

“I imply, if he can stroll on the market and not less than play even when it isn’t nice, like, I get that Monte Carlo, if I am unable to play 100%, I am not enjoying. I suppose I get it in Madrid. I get it in Rome. I do not assume that line of thought holds water; he desires to say goodbye on the place that he is gained 14 instances.”

Roddick says Nadal does not want a French Open win to have an important farewell 

If Nadal got here to the French Open for his closing match, many would root for the Spaniard to win the match for the fifteenth time and exit in probably the most memorable manner. 

Whereas Nadal profitable the French Open in his final match look can be an important story, Roddick thinks that there are another methods which may additionally make the Spaniard’s Roland Garros farewell being a memorable one. 

“I at all times sort of thought we had been going to have some model of that, perhaps not profitable however think about him profitable third spherical at Roland Garros, a troublesome four-setter, the place falls aside like… I need that for him,” Roddick mentioned.

In the meantime, Nadal sounded devastated earlier this week when saying his Monte Carlo withdrawal. In his message, Nadal blamed his physique for “not permitting” him to play in Monte Carlo and he described today as “troublesome moments.”

However after withdrawing from Monte Carlo, Nadal went to Barcelona, the place he has been working towards on their courts for the final couple of days. 

Barcelona begins on Monday and the principle focus is on if Nadal might be able to play.