“For me now [it] looks difficult to make a transition to grass, then having the Olympics again on clay,” said Nadal.
“I cannot confirm anything. I need to talk with the team and analyse facts. But I don’t think it’s going to be smart after all the things that happened to my body to make a big transition to a completely different surface and then come back immediately to clay.”
Rafael Nadal’s dignity in defeat is what I will treasure the most / The Times
For what Nadal offered us over the course of his rousing career are lessons of — dare I say it? — civilisational significance. I am not talking about how to hit a backhand, or his ground-shot accuracy, or cardiovascular range. And I am not talking about the serial victories, many of which have characterised the tributes that have been written in the Spaniard’s honour since his defeat by an impressive Alexander Zverev on Monday, which may prove to be his last outing at the competition he made his own.
No I am talking about the mortar of what we call character. Here’s a man who fought to win but who showed dignity in defeat; who sought to deny his opponents that which they most desired but who grasped that competition, at its best and most stirring, coexists with respect for one’s adversaries and the rules. It is why I’ll remember that sinuous forehand and indomitable will; I’ll remember his conquests at Roland Garros and beyond, but the more vivid memory will always remain the humanity and decency that made him such a beloved icon. I am not sure we’ll quite see his like again.
Behind the lens: The magic of Rafael Nadal, red clay and Roland Garros / tennis.com
Since making his debut at Roland Garros in 2005, Rafael Nadal has played 116 matches. On 112 occasions, the Mallorcan has come through on the winning end.
Countless fist-pumps, leg-kicks, forehands, match-point celebrations, jubilant falls to the ground, triumphant arm-raises, tears of joy and trophy bites have long been preserved by the running shutters of photographers capturing his every emotion. For the best in the business, Rafa, red clay and Roland Garros is unlike any combination of elements to work with when telling a story from behind the lens.
VIDEO: For 14 years, Rafa Nadal and Richard Mille have been one and the same family, built on trust, solidarity, and the pursuit of excellence.
