What happened to Rafael Nadal? Is Rafael Nadal retiring before Wimbledon 2021?

World . 3 Rafael Nal has shocked world with his anuncement that he will t be taking part in any of majors this summer. Spaniard has pulled out of Wimbledon Championships as well as Tokyo Olympics, hinting that he may choose to eir take a hiatus from grass season or play smaller tournaments to keep himself fit. His extensive statement on Twitter has raised many questions about 'what happened to Rafael Nal' and led to speculation on lines of 'Is Rafael Nal retiring?' Here's what we kw so far.

What happened to Rafael Nal? Is Rafael Nal retiring?

While tennis legend and 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nal has decided to sit out grass season this year, re is indication that he is even close to retiring from sport.  Spaniard has h a demanding clay-court season, having played four back to back tournaments on surface to prepare for French Open. His best runs this year have come at Barcelona Open and Rome Masters, both of which he won in three sets. However, se two tournaments were alternated by surprisingly early defeats at Monte Carlo Masters and Mrid Open, where Nal only mand to get to quarter-finals. 

While he hasn't been his usual dominating self, 'King of Clay' is still many years from retirement, as evidenced by his two titles this year. While memories of his unexpected French Open semifinal loss to vak Djokovic will take some time to settle down, it is surely t eugh of a reason to make him consider retirement. Like Federer, who turns 40 this year, Nal's Twitter post is more of a sign that 35-year old is starting to become pickier about where he plays and will take on just those events where he believes he has better prospects and those that will be fun for him to compete in.

Nal injury news: Why is Rafael Nal t playing Wimbledon 2021?

Going by his statement, answer to 'why is Rafael Nal t playing Wimbledon 2021?' has to do with him t feeling 100%, physically and perhaps mentally capable. While he has t complained publically of any injuries or such through clay season, Nal did start his year with a spate of issues that forced him to pull out of ATP Cup and shorted his run at Australian Open. Besides this, many people have also expressed concerns about biosafety protocols at Tokyo 2021 Olympics and fact that Wimbledon 2021 will be seeing nearly 100% capacity during its final matches.

When will Nal return?

As he has t officially anunced any date or tournament for his return, it would be difficult to predict just how long Nal will stay out of loop. He could choose to play ATP 250 Mallorca Open, taking place right in his backyard this June if he wishes, but is likely to skip that and continue his rehabilitation. most likely answer to question 'when will Nal return?' is that 20-time Grand Slam champion will come back on tour at US Open and Masters' events preceding it. 

Im Credits: Roland Garros Twitter