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Andrea Petkovic believes that players like Rafael Nadal are champions because of their ability to push their physical limits. In a recent interview with Eurosport, Petkovic spoke in particular about Nadal's foot injury, for which he had to inject painkillers till it felt numb.
The German added, on a lighter note, that it was probably Rafael Nadal's ability to endure extreme pain that made him a 22-time Grand Slam winner while she hasn't won one.
"That's why he might have 22 Grand Slam titles and I have zero. But I still have a nerve in my foot that I can feel and that works," Petkovic joked.
The German bid goodbye to her fans at this year's US Open. In a career spanning 16 years, she won seven WTA Tour singles titles and one doubles title, as well as nine ITF singles and three ITF doubles titles.
No stranger to injuries herself, Petkovic was written off early in her career due to her back, ankle and knee injuries, before she rebounded back in 2014.
The 34-year-old decided to retire earlier this year as she believed she could no longer keep up professionally with the best in the world. Petkovic confessed that she could not train without taking painkillers and hence decided not to continue. She also said that in any competitive sport, players have to be ready to test their body's limits, often at the cost of their health.
"As a professional athlete, you have to go beyond limits. Professional sport is not healthy. It has nothing to do with health. It's extreme competitive sport," she said.
Rafael Nadal to be back in action at the 2022 Laver Cup
Rafael Nadal fans seem to be counting days to the 2022 Laver Cup, where the former champion will be seen in action for the first time since his fourth-round exit at the US Open.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion will be joined by Roger Federer, Andy Murray, and Novak Djokovic to play in Team Europe. The defending champions, led by Bjorn Borg, will play the tournament from September 23 to September 25 in London.
This will also mark the last tournament to be played by Federer before his retirement. Last week Nadal wished the Swiss a lifetime of happiness with his wife and kids, before ending his message with the line "I'll see you in London".
Also Checkout:- Nadal French Open Titles
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
