Whenever it comes to a close — and even if it already has — Rafael Nadal’s superlative tennis career will be admired for achievements such as 22 Grand Slam titles, currently tied for the most by a man, and a record 14 French Open championships. As it should be. Nadal’s playing days, though, also will be remembered for more than mere numbers. That bullwhip of a lefty forehand. Engaging rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Unprecedented dominance at Roland Garros, where a statue of him stands. Unfailing humility. Those muscle-bearing shirts and calf-covering capri pants of the early days. The still-present penchant for placing courtside bottles just so. And on it goes. Any complete conversation about Nadal also must include a reference to the body-bruising style and endless effort, in matches and practice sessions, that fueled more than 1,000 wins and surely contributed to all of the many injuries. He announced Thursday that he has not healed enough to enter the field in Paris, where play begins May 28, and can’t be absolutely sure when he might be able to return to the tour after being sidelined since January by a left hip flexor problem. Looking at the bigger picture, as aware as everyone else that the pertinent questions now revolve around his future in the sport, Nadal turned a tad philosophical.
This story is from the May 31, 2023 edition of Cricket Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 31, 2023 edition of Cricket Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sanju Samson: A Compelling Contender For India's T20 World Cup Squad
In the high-stakes arena of T20 cricket, where every run and every wicket can alter the course of a match, the quest for the ideal squad becomes paramount for Team India as they gear up for the T20 World Cup. Amidst the plethora of talented cricketers vying...
Is Virat Kohli Really One Of The Greatest In IPL History?
In the electrifying world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), few names shine as brightly as that of Virat Kohli. A colossus of contemporary cricket, Kohli's feats on the field have etched his name into the annals of the sport's history. Yet, amidst...
TIGER WOODS HAS NOT GIVEN UP HOPE OF ADDING ANOTHER MASTERS GREEN JACKET
Tiger Woods still thinks he can win another Masters. Recent evidence would suggest that might be a steeper climb than walking up to the 18th green at Augusta National. Never mind he is 48 and has had more surgeries than his 15 major titles...
KORDA WINS 4th STRAIGHT LPGA TOUR START, BEATING MAGUIRE IN T-MOBILE MATCH PLAY
Nelly Korda is on a roll not seen on the LPGA Tour in 16 years. She won four of the first seven holes, largely making the rest of the final in the T-Mobile Match Play a formality in beating Leona Maguire 4 and 3 at Shadow Creek...
SAUDI ARABIA WILL HOST THE WOMEN'S TENNIS WTA FINALS FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS
Saudi Arabia will host the WTA Finals as part of a three-year deal announced Thursday by the women's professional tennis tour that will increase the prize money for this November's...
NOVAK DJOKOVIC ECLIPSES ROGER FEDERER'S RECORD FOR OLDEST MAN RANKED NO. 1 IN TENNIS
Novak Djokovic has surpassed another tennis record once held by Roger Federer, becoming the oldest man to be ranked No. 1 in the ATP Tour's computerized rankings...
BATTERS WITH THE MOST SIXES IN T20 CRICKET
Mumbai Indians legend Rohit Sharma hammered a sparkling century in Match 29 of the Indian Premier League against the Chennai Super Kings. However, his knock of 105* from 63 balls wasn't enough, as the Super Kings won by 20 runs. CSK posted 206/4...
7 FIELDERS WITH THE MOST CATCHES IN IPL HISTORY
Virat Kohli entered the record books in the Indian Premier League. This time, it was for his fielding effort. Kohli, one of the best fielders in the game, is now the player with the most catches in the cash-rich league as a non-wicket-keeper or an outfielder...
FOUR BEST PERFORMING UNCAPPED PLAYERS SO FAR IN IPL 2024
Every year, the grand spectacle of the Indian Premier League (IPL) sets the stage for young talents to find their spotlight as they strive to prove their mettle amidst roaring crowds. Uncapped players...
NEW YEAR, SAME RCB: UNPACKING ROYAL CHALLENGERS BENGALURU'S STRUGGLES IN IPL 2024
As another year of the IPL dawns, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans again find themselves in a disheartening predicament: their beloved team languishing at the bottom of the points table. Despite the annual surge of excitement and hope during preseason...