Chronicle Nadal teaches a lesson against Ruud and wins his fourteenth title in Paris and twenty-second major
Opinion Nadal is a psychopath, a blessed psychopath
Report Rafa Nadal, a 36-year-old immortal among the greatest in history
"I don't know what will happen in the future, but I will continue to fight," proclaimed
Rafa Nadal
embracing the Roland Garros trophy and thus saying goodbye to the Paris public.
Despite the fact that some media played this Sunday with a possible withdrawal announcement just after lifting his fourteenth title, the champion denied that maxim -as his team had already done hours before- and left his future open.
It was the same argument that he had used in different press conferences in the previous weeks: maybe one day, soon, even this year, he will get tired of enduring the pain in his left foot and hang up the racket, but that day is not marked yet in the calendar.
"It's very difficult to describe the feelings I have right now. I don't think I can continue here, at 36 years old, even being competitive. This gives me a lot of energy to continue", he commented after congratulating the defeated Norwegian
Casper Ruud
, and to thank his team and his family.
"Thank you very much for everything you do for me, all this would not be possible without you, especially I could not overcome hard times, such as injuries. If it were not for you I would have retired a long time ago", he launched before the eyes of his coaches ,
Carlos Moyá
,
Francisco Roig
and
Marc López
, from his partner,
Mery Perelló
, or from his sister
Maribel
.
The clay court king was excited, but less so than usual.
Among Nadal's celebrations at Roland Garros, comparable by many, that of his fourteenth title was one of the most serene, possibly due to his superiority in the final.
After the last hit, a backhand with the court open, the Spaniard smiled at his box, dropped his racket and covered his face.
There was no wallowing on the clay this time, nor tears.
He quickly went to change into a dry t-shirt and jacket, and then wait for the awards ceremony to start.
She was approached by
Amelie Mauresmo
, director of Roland Garros since this year, she was watching the summary of her matches offered by the video scoreboards, she applauded
Billie Jean King
, honored in Paris, and it was her turn.
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