"It is tough to describe the feelings that I have now. It is something that I had never imagined, to be at 36 years old competing again, playing once again in another final, this means a lot to me. It is a lot of energy to keep going.

 I want to say thank you, everyone." With these words, after playing the Spanish anthem and raising the Roland Garros trophy to the sky of Paris, the champion closed the rumours about his future and denied an imminent withdrawal. Nadal hangs on and will seek his third Grand Slam of the season at Wimbledon.

The Spanish tennis player beat Casper Ruud in the grand final after defeating the Norwegian tennis player 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in Paris. The Spaniard thus achieved his 22nd Grand Slam, his 14th on clay at Philippe Chatrier, to increase his distance from Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, with 20 trophies each. Without the excitement of the quarterfinals, where he played a historic match against Novak Djokovic, or the semifinals, where Nadal competed not only against Ruud but also against his delicate physique . . 24 days ago, Rafa Nadal was lame after not being able to finish his match at the Masters 1,000 in Rome and faced Roland Garros with many doubts. "I am not injured. I live with an injury," he explained at the Foro Italico.

During the tournament itself, Rafa Nadal opened the door to retirement or, at the very least, to an indefinite break after Roland Garros. The Spanish tennis player has been through a couple of complicated months due to his chronic injury to his left foot, which has caused him to go through an ordeal. This physical problem is not new for the Spaniard since he has suffered from it since he was 19 years old and learned to live with it.

But, for some time now, he is beginning to be seen with difficulties, even walking without pain. "I know my situation, and I accept it, but I also know that each match could be my last at Roland Garros. In fact, against Djokovic, it could be my last match here. I've been through a complicated process with my foot, and I don't know what will happen." with my career . For this reason, what I try to do is enjoy and continue life's dream of playing tennis and reaching the last rounds of Roland Garros", he revealed in the preview of the quarterfinals. The unknowns were maximum... but Nadal won and continued.

After the semifinal, Nadal himself also referred to his physical problems and left a shocking phrase. After winning, the Spanish hero wanted to thank all those who supported him during his career. "I have to thank my team, family, and everyone there. Everything that has happened this year is extraordinary. Thanks to everyone for everything you have done this year and throughout these years, especially for what We have gone through injuries, family, and team. Without you by my side, I would have retired much earlier. I want to continue to thank everyone who has made this day possible. Roland Garros is the best tournament in the world. You make me feel at home, and I can only thank you".