Nadal ended 2022 and started the season with a loss. Career over? Don’t ask me about it, it’s not on the agenda, pleasing the fans

Rafael Nadal started the new season on Saturday and ended 2022 at the same time. He fell short to Cameron Norrie in Australia, but he’s not worried about it. On the contrary. Rather, he is troubled by talk of his demise.

The record holder for the most Grand Slam titles won ended 2022 with the first match of the new season. He started it in Australia, specifically at the United Cup, where he is slowly preparing for the upcoming Australian Open.

At the traditional Grand Slam opener of the year, he will defend the title he won there a year ago. However, after a break of more than a month, he did not make his duel in Australia.

He was tested by the undefeated Cameron Norrie, who is currently 14th in the ATP world rankings. Twenty-seven-year-old Briton, for the first time in his career, won the scalp of a player from the top three, beating Nadal in three sets 3::6, 6::3 and 6::4.

Norrie needed two hours and 45 minutes to beat the world number two and holder of 22 Grand Slam titles. He had never won a set against Nadal before, now he beat him. “A great end to the year. It was crazy,” he let it be known.

And what did the legendary Spaniard have to say? He remains calm. He is aware that there is still plenty of time left until the Australian Open, just over two weeks away. So he has room to improve his form. Moreover, he is aware that while he has had a break, Norrie has been playing steadily.

Rather, another thing is bothering him. The constant talk about the end of his career. “I just lost. That’s all. But every time I come around the press, it seems like I have to quit,” he said with a smile.

“But it’s really not on the agenda. When that moment comes, I’ll let you know. Don’t ask me about the end of my career now. I’m here to play tennis,” Nadal added.

Source: ATP