​Alexander Zverev has said that Rafael Nadal will retire if he wins Roland Garros 2023, and the Iberian was asked at a press conference if the German’s claim was true.

Rafael NadalPhoto: Ella Ling / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Rafael Nadal denies that he will end his career after Roland Garros-2023

Despite losing his final matches before the start of the Australian Open and turning 37 this summer, Rafa said Zverev’s statement was just a personal opinion and he was not considering retirement just yet.

“I don’t know what will happen in 6 months. I have a very good relationship with Zverev, but not so much that I share such a decision with him.

The reality is I’m here to play tennis, I hope to have a great 2023 and compete for the tournaments I play. I’ve had injury problems throughout my career and I don’t know when I’ll retire. But I don’t think about that now.

Week after week, over the past few years, you’ve asked me when I’m going to retire, and I’ve always said the same thing: I don’t know.” Rafael Nadalat a press conference ahead of the 2023 Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal, tough road to Australian Open 2023 – Novak Djokovic, big favorite

Reigning Melbourne Grand Slam champion Nadal said he expected a tough first-round match and admitted Novak Djokovic is the favorite to win this year’s trophy.

“I’ll probably have one of the toughest first rounds (he will face Britain’s Jack Draper, ATP No. 40).

Djokovic achieved very good results at the end of last year and started this season with victories. The Australian Open is a tournament that has always been successful for him. This year I think he is a big favorite.

Of course, if Djokovic wins the tournament, I will congratulate him, he will achieve something historic. All the same, my life will not change at all” – Rafael Nadal.