Rafael Nadal addresses Alexander Zverev retirement prediction ahead of Australian Open | Tennis | Sport

Rafael Nadal has dismissed Alexander Zverev’s suggestion that this year will be the last of his incredible career. Zverev made the prediction while looking at the 2023 tennis calendar, suggesting Nadal would walk away after the French Open.

Nadal, 36, has won an incredible 14 titles at Roland Garros and overcame several injury problems to reach the final and defeat Casper Ruud in June. He has previously admitted that he is now in the twilight of his career, leading to speculation about when he will actually call it a day.

Speaking to Eurosport about their 2023 predictions, World No.13 Zverev suggested Nadal could walk away after this year’s French Open. He said: “I don’t want it to happen, but I think he’s going to have a great tournament, possibly win it and say goodbye.”

But Nadal, who begins the defense of his Australian Open crown next week, insists he has no plans to retire any time soon – and even if he did, he wouldn’t share it with another player.

READ MORE: ‘Vulnerable’ Rafael Nadal prepares excuses ahead of Australian Open clash with Brit Jack Draper

The Spaniard has lost six of his last seven fights and admitted: “I need to rebuild all this momentum. I need to rebuild this confidence with wins. But it’s true that I’ve lost more than usual.

– In my experience, I can go here on Monday and lose without a doubt and it’s not the end of the world. It’s going to be a difficult moment for me of course, but I’m going to accept it. That result doesn’t matter.”

On facing Draper, he added: “The first round will be important against a very tough opponent. I know he’s playing well. He’s got a lot of positives and probably a great career ahead of him. I hope to be ready to fight from the first round and see what can happen.”