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Rafael Nadal Says He "Drained All Options" as He Embraces Retirement

His remarks arrive as a changing men’s game is led by the AlcarazSinner rivalry with no clear third rival.

Overview

  • In a Movistar interview, Nadal said he was at peace with stopping after realizing his body could no longer meet his standards, describing his tank as empty.
  • He confirmed he remains connected to the sport through his Rafa Nadal Academy and recently hit for 45 minutes with Alexandra Eala, though he no longer follows the tour daily.
  • Reflecting on the Big Three, Nadal said constant mutual pressure left no margin to skip events and that their respectful rivalries showed younger players how to compete without hostility.
  • Recent analysis identifies Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as the leading duo of the new era, with several contenders discussed but no established third pillar.
  • Concerns about an unforgiving calendar persist, with reports noting player fatigue and Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the Shanghai Masters as calls grow to ease scheduling strain.