Andy
Roddick expressed that tennis has been fortunate to have
Rafael Nadal for so
many years.
The recent
press conference held by Rafael Nadal, announcing his withdrawal from the
French Open and his potential retirement in 2024, left no one indifferent.
Former world No. 1
Andy Roddick shared his thoughts on the press conference
during a discussion on TennisChannel.
“Yeah, not
unexpected based on the press conference yesterday, as Jim and I both mentioned
yesterday," the American said.
"You
don’t call a press conference this far before the event to tell people you are
participating in it. You wouldn’t know that until you’re closer," Roddick
added.
"You
call a press conference to say you’re probably not going to make it. So this is
obviously very disappointing."
The 2003 US
Open champion wondered when Rafael Nadal would make his return and whether he
would focus on the clay court season or try to compete on other surfaces:
“He intends
to play next year. And this is the place he likes," Roddick said.
"What
does that actually mean? Does this mean he is going to play only on hard court?
Does this mean he is going to play only on clay?,” former world No. 1 said.
“Does it
mean he wants to say goodbye to
Wimbledon or the US Open?” Roddick remarked.
"Or does it end at Roland Garros next year? These are all questions we
don’t know the answers to. But man, how lucky have we have had him for this
long."