Tennis News Today: Rafael Nadal makes his feelings known about injuries hampering his Grand Slam count; Dominic Thiem receives grand retirement tribute
Rafael Nadal expressed his feelings about his injury record and Grand Slam count as the Spaniard edges towards retirement. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic has decided on his participation at the Paris Masters 2024.
In other news, Dominic Thiem received a grand farewell from tennis greats, as the Austrian is set to retire after the Vienna Open. Also, Serena Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian hit back at the critics after a grand start to the reality show 'The Offseason'.
On that note, here are today's top tennis news.
Rafael Nadal opened up about his injury record and how it affected his Grand Slam count
Rafael Nadal is set to retire after the Davis Cup final in Malaga. The Spanish star will end his career with 22 Grand Slam titles, the second-highest ever in the Open Era, behind Novak Djokovic.
In an interview with the Spanish outlet Diario AS, Nadal expressed his feelings about his Grand Slam count. The Spaniard is set to end at number 2 with 22 Majors, two behind Djokovic at 24 and two more than Roger Federer at 20.
Nadal missed more Grand Slams than his rivals due to injuries but the Spaniard is still grateful for the career that he had. He further added that he is completely satisfied with his 22 Grand Slam titles and does not feel that he needs to win more.
"Maybe, but… In the end it is obvious that I have missed out more than all my rivals, in terms of chances of winning Grand Slams, but the reality is that this has happened to me. I am never one to think 'if I had done it' or 'if I hadn't had' (those injuries). It has been like this and, with it, I have had a career that I would never have imagined and I am more than happy. And I don't think I'd be any more satisfied or happy if I were 25, one more than (Djokovic's) 24. I say this from the heart." Nadal said.
Read more: Rafael Nadal speaks 'from the heart' about his 2nd place in Grand Slam race sandwiched between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic opts out of the Paris Masters after his Six Kings Slam outing
Novak Djokovic has decided to skip the Paris Masters 2024. The Serbian star was the defending champion at the event, having won the final against Grigor Dimitrov in 2023.
Djokovic has already claimed that he would choose the tournaments he wants to compete in to look after his body. The 37-year-old last competed at the Six Kings Slam on the weekend, where he faced Jannik Sinner and Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic could be next in action at the ATP Finals in Turin, however, the Serbian star is yet to qualify for the event.
Read more: Novak Djokovic makes major Paris Masters decision days after playing with Rafael Nadal in Six King Slams
Dominic Thiem receives an emotional farewell before his retirement after the Vienna Open
The former and current tennis stars were in attendance to bid Dominic Thiem farewell before the start of the Vienna Open. Boris Becker, Frances Tiafoe and Matteo Berrettini were all in attendance at the Wiener Stadthalle to celebrate Thiem's career.
During the event, Becker, Tiafoe and Berrettini were seen giving Thiem a guard of honor as a respect to his career. The 31-year-old acknowledged the tennis stars and thanked the crowd as he made his way into the stadium.
Thiem is set to compete at the Vienna Open, which will be the last tournament of his career. The Austrian will hang up his racquet after playing in his home tournament.
Read more: WATCH: Dominic Thiem given rousing farewell by Boris Becker, Matteo Berrettini, Frances Tiafoe, and others before Austrian's retirement at home event
Alexis Ohanian shuts down his critics as the new reality show 'The Offseason' starts off with a bang
Serena Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian hit back at his critics after his newly launched reality show 'The Offseason' gathered more than 3 million views on the opening episode. Ohanian has co-created the series which revolves around 11 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) players training together during their off-season in Miami.
The series, which involves star players like Kellie Hubly, Taylor Smith and Michelle Alozie has been an instant success among the fans. Since the premier of the first episode a few days ago, 'The Offseason' has already racked up over 3.2 million views in a short period of time.
Alexis Ohanian took to Twitter to respond to critics who doubted whether a reality series about women athletes would spark an interest among people.
Read more: Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian claps back at naysayers after co-created NWSL Reality show 'The Offseason' kicks off with over 3 million views