Becker believes end is coming sooner rather than later for Nadal: "That's why we should celebrate him as long as we have him"

Boris Becker described the Nadal scenes in Melbourne as 'heartbreaking' and he genuinely believes that his tennis future in seriously in doubt.

Counting out Nadal would be foolish but former player Boris Becker feels like the end is coming sooner rather than later for Nadal. Nadal's final three exits from grand slams have come after injuries and it's starting to become a trend. Whether that is just bad luck or a sign that his body can't handle the taxing nature of the events remains to be seen but it was heartbreaking to see.

Becker said:

"These are heartbreaking pictures of Mrs Nadal, who knows her husband better than anyone else and knows that Rafa is not faking anything here. He is perhaps the best fighter, the best competitor tennis has ever had. If he has to go down on his knees at the end and then takes a long goodbye to his audience in Melbourne, then those are clear signs for me.”

He added:

“We talked for a long time about the change of generations - we're watching it live right now. Roger Federer is no longer playing and there are a lot of question marks behind Nadal now. I think he will want to play Paris again. But I don't know if he will take on Australia again. That's why we should celebrate him as long as we have him."

Becker also praised Nadal's attitude after the match:

"He never looks for an excuse. He didn't want to get off the court. He is an idol for all young players who always have arguments why they lost today, but don't look in the mirror. Because it's always because of yourself. I wish him a quick recovery and that he is fit again soon, because I want to see him play tennis”.