Despite all the setbacks, Rafael Nadal will finish the season inside the top-2. Thus, Rafa will become the oldest player to achieve that since the start of the ATP ranking in 1973! Nadal has been playing on the Tour for two decades, and he remains hungry to compete and prove himself against the rivals from the top.
Rafa became a father for the first time in October and still wants to combine his personal and professional life, rejecting the retirement calls and hoping to play for a few more years. Nadal embraced the South American swing after ending the official season, playing six matches in different countries and enjoying every minute of it.
The Spaniard claimed four ATP titles in 2022, making a perfect start and delivering his first Australian Open crown since 2009. Nadal conquered Acapulco in February before fracturing his rib in Indian Wells. He reached the final but lost to Taylor Fritz in his straight sets for first defeat in 2022.
The veteran skipped his favorite events in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and lost crucial points in the year-end no. 1 battle. Rafa returned to action in May and failed to impress in Madrid and Rome. He experienced early losses and gathered dark clouds over his Roland Garros chances.
With a foot injury bothering him again, Nadal needed injections to endure all the efforts in Paris. The king of clay defeated Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud for his 14th Roland Garros title, extending his incredible legacy.
Hoping for more at Wimbledon, Rafa advanced into the last four despite a seven-millimeter abdominal tear. The Spaniard prevailed over Taylor Fritz in the quarter-final in a five-setter and withdraw ahead of the Nick Kyrgios clash.
Rafael Nadal is eager to extend his career as long his body allows him.
Nadal needed months to recover, experiencing an early US Open loss to Frances Tiafoe and staying away from the court for two months. Rafa returned at the Paris Masters, seeking form and momentum but falling in the second round to Tommy Paul from a set and a break up.
Eager to get more matches by the end of the year, the Spaniard entered his 11th ATP Finals and fell to Taylor Fritz and Felix Auger-Aliassime. With no rhythm or encounters in his legs, Rafa lost the crucial points and embraced four consecutive losses for the first time since 2009!
The legend ended his losing streak in the last match, beating Casper Ruud 7-5, 7-5 to deliver his first victory as a father and wrap up the season with positive signs. “I still like to train and compete. The love of the people pushes me to continue. I will play until the body says enough, and it’s not happening right now,” Rafael Nadal said.