There are fears tennis legend Rafael Nadal may not take to the court again after the Spanish star shared alarming new details about his body and health.
The 37-year-old’s world ranking has plummeted to 237 with his last grand slam win more than a year ago.
He has been forcedto pull out of major tennis tournaments as he battles serious feet and hip injuries.
But the biggest concern came in a heartbreaking interview where the 22-time grand slam winner revealed he struggles to “go down the stairs” and that his foot injury “does not let me live in peace”.
“It is difficult for me to even go down the stairs, and that happens sometimes,” Nadal told Movistar.
While Nadal is hoping to be back next year, Djokovic looks certain to hold on to his records.
Nadal said Djokovic has been blessed by superior fitness.
“I have been one of the most inactive players on the circuit for many years,” Nadal said. “I’ve missed four-and-a-half years of grand slams,” he said.
“That’s what the sport is all about. Djokovic is more successful because he has had a level of fitness and physique that has allowed him to play more than me.
“Yes, you can live frustrated with 22 grand slams, [but] Novak lives it in a more intense way.
