Tennis news - Rafa Nadal sympathises with Andy Murray over injury 'agony'

Updated 12/01/2019 at 10:19 GMT

Rafa Nadal has spoken of his sympathy for Andy Murray having to cut his career short due to injury, after he announced his plans to retire on Friday.

Spain's Rafael Nadal (L) shakes hands with Britain's Andy Murray after a men's singles group stage match on day four of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament in London on November 18, 2015. Nadal won 6-4, 6-1.

Image credit: Getty Images

Speaking to Eurosport Spain, Nadal said: “It's very tough. 10 years ago we would not think retiring at 31 was a short career, but today players are extending their careers.”

Recalling his own experience of injury, the Spaniard said: “It is always complicated and sure that Andy has been dealing with this for a long time.

"When you have problems that you feel are not improving or cannot find a solution for, it becomes frustrating.

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After so many years competing at the top level, to then feel you have a limitation that does not let you do what you want to do, it is a daily agony that makes you want to give up for your physical and mental health.

“I think Andy has been suffering for a long time and I simply wish him the best in these last months of competition and hopefully he can take them in the best possible way,” he added “I wish him the best for the future.”

The 32-year-old said he was excited to start a new season after his last was cut short by injury, but admitted getting started was not always easy after a break.

“You always need to have a little patience and the right attitude to accept the things that are happening. But in general until today, I had a good week of training and I still have a day to go.”

Nadal spoke of his evolving game, and in particular his serve and said it was necessary to switch things up in order to extend his career.

He said: “I've always been trying new things so this is nothing new in my career.

Maybe in the serve I have made more changes, but these are things that keep you alive and with enthusiasm for doing things that help you to keep improving.

“I have been improving the service during all these years, but I’m at an advanced age in my career, so I need to add something else, or at least try.

“We’ll see what happens, because I’ve not yet competed using this new serve. This is an investment and you have to assume that when you make an investment there may be better and worse moments.”

Nadal kicks off his campaign in Melbourne on Monday in his opening match against Australian, James Duckworth.

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