Nadal: ‘Two months ago I didn’t know if I would play tennis again’

Rafael Nadal, who almost ended his career months ago after another injury and the operation on his left leg, is in the semi-finals of the Grand Slam at the age of 35!

The legendary Spaniard, after a terrible duel with Denis Sapovalov, managed to break the tough resistance of his talented opponent and qualified for the semi-finals of the Australian Open for the seventh time in his career.

Speaking to Jimmy Courier at Rod Laver Arena shortly thereafter, he couldn’t hide his delight.

“I don’t know how I managed to turn it around. It ruined me. I was lucky at the beginning of the fifth set. I played great at the beginning of the game. It’s difficult to face Dennis, he’s talented, aggressive and he’s serving great. I had my chances in the beginning.” Third set and then I got a bit tired and he pushed me. It’s incredible for me to be in the semifinals again.” said Nadal first.

About his stomach problem in the 4th set he said: “My stomach started to feel bad. I asked if there was anything they could do. We went in and did some tests to see if I was ok. I took some pills to try and improve the problem 5th set.”

From this year, the Australian Open will harmonize with the rest of the Grand Slam by scheduling both men’s semifinals on Fridays, with the result that Nadal has two days to rest and prepare.

“It’s important that I have two days off. I’m not 21 anymore. After this game it’s great to have two days. It was a great test. I hope to be ready for the semifinals. It’s great for me to be able to play another match at Rod Laver Arena. underlined.

Finally, Nadal referred to the very difficult time he went through in the previous period with the leg injury and the coronavirus: “The truth is that two months ago I didn’t know if I could play tennis again. I’m here, it’s a gift of life for me to be here and have fun.”

Source: Tennis24