Barbara Schett relieved to see Rafael Nadal confirm desire to play on - 'He wants to finish his career on his terms'

Barbara Schett has spoken of her relief that Rafael Nadal did not announce his retirement on Thursday, and felt that the Spanish great would not have wanted to have his career ended by injury. Nadal has not played competitive tennis since pulling out of the Australian Open at the start of the year. Ad Despite his best efforts, the 36-year-old has not been able to return to the level required to compete and announced on Thursday that he would not defend his French Open title.

Roland-GarrosExclusive: Corretja 'feels empty' after Nadal withdraws from French Open2 HOURS AGO There had been speculation that Nadal would call time on his career, so it came as a relief to his supporters that he confirmed he would look to play on in 2024. Eurosport’s Schett admitted to fears that Nadal would announce his retirement, so was pleased to see him confirm he wants to continue his career. “I was a little bit nervous,” Schett told Eurosport.

“I was sure he was going to pull out of the French Open, then I was thinking 'what if he retired as well today?’ He didn't, so I was very happy. “It was not realistic for him to play this year. If he wants to compete, he wants to compete at 100% — which he clearly wasn’t.” Rafael Nadal's French Open triumphs remembered as he withdraw from this year's tournament With Rafael Nadal out, who are top contenders for French Open glory? Schett feels it would have been tough for Nadal to concede he could not fight for a title he was won on 14 occasions.