The problem about saying it’s going to be my last season is that I can’t predict what’s going on 100% in the future,” Nadal said ahead of his doubles match with partner Marc Lopez. “That’s the thing. That’s why I say probably.”
Nadal, 37, has not played since suffering a hip flexor injury at last year’s Australian Open that ultimately required surgery in June. The All-time Grand Slam champion said he wants to wait to see how his body responds to this season before making a final decision on his career.
“It’s obvious it’s a high percentage that it’s going to be my last time playing in Australia,” he said. “But if I’m here next year, don’t tell me, ‘You said it’s going to be your last season,’ because I didn’t say it.
“You never know what’s going on, you know? I can’t predict how I’m going to be in the next six months. I can’t predict if my body will allow me to enjoy tennis as much as I enjoyed the past 20 years.”
Nadal was warmly welcomed by fans who held up Spanish flags and supportive messages at a packed Pat Rafter Arena. Nadal and Lopez lost 6-4 6-4 to Australians Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson, but the loudest cheers were reserved for Nadal’s trademark whipped shots and a powerful crosscourt backhand winner in the opening set.
