Rafael Nadal 'maybe the most important professional tennis player of all time' admits Mats Wilander after short return to action
ATP
Mats
Wilander praised Rafael Nadal, stating that he might be the most significant
professional tennis player of all time. The former world No. 1 expressed regret
over Nadal's withdrawal from the 2024 Australian Open and hopes that he can
conclude his career on his own terms rather than being forced out by a new
injury.
The
37-year-old Nadal made a comeback after a year away from the courts, securing
victories against Dominic Thiem and Jason Kluber at the Brisbane International.
However, he faced a defeat against the local player Jordan Thompson,
squandering a match point. Despite showing good form after the extended hiatus
from competition, the 22-times Grand Slam champion announced that he suffered a
minor tear and won't be able to compete in Melbourne.
Retirements of other legends
In
response, the Swedish Wilander expressed his desire for Nadal to finish his
career on the court, stating, "We want him to be able to say farewell, of
course. I'm not really sure what that farewell is supposed to look like,"
the 7-times Grand Slam champion said.
Wilander
also recalled recent farewells from other legends like Federer and Serena
Williams, saying, "Obviously, we had maybe one of the greatest farewells
ever with Roger Federer at the Laver Cup in the O2 Arena. It wasn't unexpected
that he was eventually going to say farewell, but it wasn't a very serious day
of tennis," he added.
“He got to
play doubles with Rafa Nadal, he lost against the American team and it was just
a happy day, even though Federer lost. It was on his terms in a way. Yes, he
was injured, but he just got older,” he said. “We had the farewell of Serena
Williams a couple of years ago at the US Open, which was amazing. She filled
the stadium she beat Annett [Kontaveit] in."
"Maybe the most important professional tennis player of all time," Wilander praised Nadal
“Maybe we
won't get the same farewell. For me, all I really want to see from Rafa Nadal
is that he says farewell when he wants to say farewell, not when he's forced to
say farewell, and I think at the moment the injury world is not being very
kind.”
“I think it
would be nice to see him healthy, maybe come to the French Open, play one more
time, maybe win a couple of matches and lose to somebody that he deserves to,”
Wilander continued.
“Lose to a
younger player, or maybe a colossus, maybe Novak Djokovic. But we're hoping for
miracles, and the miracles might not happen,” Wilander added.
“To see him
play one more time in Brisbane was brilliant, to see the passion, to see him
sweating like nobody else. I think that's the memory that I will have with
Rafa, not the press message which says that, ‘Unfortunately, I have to pull out
of the Australian Open’.
“I'm not
looking at that. I'm looking at the last image of Nadal with him sweating,
missing match points in Brisbane against Jordan Thompson. That's my memory. He's
one of the greatest players of all time, and maybe the most important
professional tennis player of all time,” Mats Wilander concluded.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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