Veteran Rafael Nadal has squashed retirement rumors after losing the season-opener against Cameron Norrie in the ongoing United Cup. The Brit won against the Spaniard by 6-4, 6-4 but the 22-time Grand Slam champion revealed he will continue to play.

Nadal revealed he will let the media know whenever he will take the call on his retirement but he is going to keep playing for the time being.

“I lost my match. That’s it, no? Every time I come to a press conference it seems that I have to retire. So you are very interested on my retirement. I mean, that, for the moment, isn’t the case,” a smiling Nadal told reporters.

“When the day arrives, I’m going to let you know, guys. Don’t keep going (on) with the retirement, because I’m here to keep playing tennis.”

In fact, Nadal had kicked off his 2022 season with a 20-0 record but had to face a defeat in the season opener. However, the 36-year-old will be looking to bounce back strong in the upcoming matches.

“I can do things better and I need to do it. He played his first match two days ago, that’s an advantage, especially if you win the match the way that he did,” Nadal added.

“And then I need to be a little bit faster physically, a little bit more solid, some fewer mistakes, and make better decisions at some points, playing a little bit longer.

“All credit to him that he did a lot of things very well. In my case, I think there’s a way to improve but I have time before the Australian Open starts in two weeks. Either way, we still focus on this competition.”

Nadal will next take on Australia’s Alex de Minaur in the Group stage of the United Cup in Sydney on 2nd January.