“Should be begging the guy to play another decade”
Mark Petchey has expressed his disappointment that Rafael Nadal is constantly being asked retirement-related questions by the media during his press conferences. The Briton believes Nadal is one of the biggest attractions in tennis and he should be encouraged to play as long as possible.
The Mallorcan himself recently said after his loss to Cameron Norrie that he was exhausted from constantly answering retirement-related questions at press conferences.
“Every time I come to a press conference it looks like I have to retire, so you guys are very, very interested in my retirement. I mean that’s not the case right now,” said the Spaniard during his press conference.
Mark Petchey sided with Nadal’s comments while responding to a Twitter post featuring a video clip of the latter’s response above. The former world No. 80 feels it’s ridiculous to keep pushing the Spaniard into retirement given how invaluable he is to tennis.
“Why is someone asking him that question? I don’t understand. He is one of the few players who sells large amounts of tickets, puts columns in the newspapers and watches the game. He should begging the guy to play another decade,” said Mark Petchey. @TennisTV Why is anyone asking him that? I don’t understand. He’s one of the few players selling large amounts of tickets , putting columns in the papers and watching the game with balls. Should be begging the guy to play another decade. @TennisTV Why is someone asking him that? I don’t understand. He’s l ‘one of the few players to sell large amounts of tickets, put columns in the newspapers and watch the game with balls. Should be begging the guy to play another decade.
The Brit further said that Nadal’s efforts to want to remain a top player even at the age of 36 should be appreciated.
“It’s like people want a nice track to get their final words on this legendary career. Just appreciate that he still wants to rock us and it all involves trying to stay one of the best,” he said. added Petchey.
A fan, however, responded to one of Petchey’s tweets. They pointed out that the retirement-related questions posed to the Mallorcan were ‘valid’ given he looked in a bad mood during his loss to Norrie.
“The dude lost to Cam Norrie, he looks old and tired. That’s a valid question,” a fan told the Briton.
Petchey dismissed that notion, pointing out how the 22-time Major champion left no stone unturned in his pre-season training. He believes this is a testament to his commitment to the sport.
“He went through pre-season to prepare to play. Personally, look more at people’s actions in life. Always tells you more,” Petchey replied. @Whitnee_JJ @TennisTV He went through pre-season to prepare to play. Personally, look more at people’s actions in life. Always telling you more @Whitnee_JJ @TennisTV He went through pre-season to prepare to play. Personally, look more at people’s actions in life. Always telling you more “Don’t continue with retirement because I’m here to continue playing tennis” – Rafael Nadal during his post-match press conference after losing to Cameron Norrie Rafael Nadal in action at the United Cup 2023
Rafael Nadal further addressed the topic of retirement in his post-match press conference after losing to Cameron Norrie. He pleaded with the media to avoid the topic, stressing that he would be the first to let them know of his possible retirement.
“When that day comes, I’ll let you guys know. Don’t continue with retirement because I’m here to continue playing tennis,” the Spaniard said.
The 36-year-old further stated that he would quit the day he finds it difficult to play the sport.
“No. I mean, when the day comes that comes out on the court and says, it’s getting hard, it’s the day to say goodbye. I don’t want and I don’t need to keep playing without any right,” Nadal added.
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