“From the outside looking in, I think it was the right time” – Henman on Nadal retirement

Former world No 4 and leading tennis analyst Tim Henman believes that Rafael Nadal’s decision to play his last match at the Davis Cup in Spain was a good way to retire from the sport.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion played singles for Spain in the Davis Cup, going down to Tallon Griekspoor as the Spanish team were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Netherlands.

“Look, I think when you talk about retirement for any player, it’s really not straightforward to plan it,” Henman told Eurosport in an interview. “And with the injuries and all the different challenges that Rafa had and with the schedule, I think to be representing your country in Davis Cup in your home country is very special. So I think it was a good send-off.”

I think to be representing your country in Davis Cup in your home country is very special. So I think it was a good send-off.

“And I hope Rafa felt comfortable with that. He’s just been an absolute icon of our sport. But for the Spanish people to get to see him one last time at home, I think was very, very special.”

Henman said that from an outsider’s perspective, it felt like it was the right time for Nadal to hang up his racket.

“From the outside looking in, I think it was the right time,” Henman said. “He’s given so much to the sport. The sport takes so much out of him physically and mentally. And I just don’t know whether his body could take it any longer.

“So I think it was a good time to step down and give Rafa the time to reflect on just the incredible achievements that he’s had in this sport.”

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