Coco Gauff’s coach doesn’t think that Rafael Nadal will ever again rediscover his best game but suggests that it is probably not the most important thing at this stage because the 38-year-old Spaniard just wants to stay healthy and “go out on his own terms.”
Even after Nadal basically missed the entire 2023 season due to a hip injury, his 2024 comeback started with him picking up an injury in his first tournament of the year in Brisbane. That led to Nadal not playing again until mid-April.
Since resuming action, Nadal has managed to stay healthy but has had mostly early exits and hasn’t been looking like a legitimate contender for titles.
But even though Nadal suffered his first-ever first-round defeat at Roland Garros, at least he was able to compete there and now he is also set to get to play his last Olympics in Paris.
Gilbert, who also worked with Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick in the past, was asked if he believes Nadal could get back to his top level.
“You know, he’s probably never going to reach his best level again, but I think more than anything, all athletes want to be able to go out on their own terms. They want to be and decide that you know what maybe it’s time for me to stop so he’s had so much you know you know injuries over the last…
