Rafael Nadal insists calendar Grand Slam ‘crazy’ to consider despite French Open success
With Wimbledon and the US Open to come, Rafael Nadal could win all four majors of the year after winning the French and Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal says it is “crazy” for people to even consider him completing the calendar Grand Slam after triumphing at the Australian Open and French Open.
The Spaniard returned from his long battle with a foot injury to claim the first major of the year in Melbourne, moving clear of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic for the most grand slam titles in men’s history.
Nadal added a record-extending 22nd major to his collection as he lifted a 14th French Open title on Sunday with a straight-sets victory over Casper Ruud.
The 36-year-old was given a couple of injections before every match and will undergo radio frequency injections in a bid to ensure he can go in search of a third major title of the year at the All England Club.
Nadal aiming for Wimbledon
Nadal remains unsure whether he would undergo a major operation to prolong his career, but hopes to be able to be in London when Wimbledon starts on June 27.
Success on the grass courts of Wimbledon would be a third major of the year before the US Open starts at the end of August, but Nadal insists he cannot look that far ahead on his quest for all four grand slams.
“It’s crazy to think about completing the Grand Slam after Australia and Roland Garros,” he said.
“I don’t even consider it. More than winning the Grand Slam, I would sign up just to be able to play all four tournaments.
“It’s crazy. To win all four, it seems crazy to me because it is something that nobody has done since Rod Laver.
“The one who came closest was Novak last year. It’s crazy to think about it.”
Playing through pain
While Nadal remains in contention for the calendar Slam, he continues to battle through a foot injury that has plagued him throughout his career.
But the prospect of retirement does not concern Nadal, who is prepared for life after tennis given the amount of times he has thought injury would curtail his playing days.
“I imagine just as I have experienced it many times in my career that I have had to be out of competition for months due to injuries,” he added.
“I have always been happy outside of tennis. It is not something that makes me lose sleep or have any fear of my life after tennis.
“I have and have always had many things that make me happy beyond tennis.”