No matter the future, Nadal’s legacy secure

PARIS — Rafael Nadal’s status for Wimbledon is in doubt because of a chronic problem with his left foot — as is his future in tennis. What’s secure, no matter what happens now, is his legacy.

Nadal got through the French Open, he explained after a dominating 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 victory over Casper Ruud for his 14th championship at Roland Garros and 22nd Grand Slam title overall, thanks to the help of a series of numbing injections in his foot.

That, he says, was a onetime deal.

“I don’t want to put myself in that position again,” Nadal said after becoming, at age 36, the oldest champion in the history of a claycourt tournament that was first held in 1925. “Can happen once. But no, it’s not a philosophy of life that I want to follow.”

And he allowed a little insight into what does make him tick.

It’s not an all-consuming desire to finish with more major trophies than the other members of the socalled Big Three of men’s tennis, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. (Nadal currently stands two ahead of his rivals, who both are at 20.)

“It’s not about being the best of the history. It’s not about the records. It’s about: I like what I do. I like to play tennis. And I like the competition,” Nadal said.

“What drives me to keep going is the passion for the game, to live moments that stay inside me forever and play in front of the best crowds in the world and the best stadiums.”

So while he wants to be able to keep going, and would appreciate the chance to play at the All England Club, where the grass-court Slam he has won twice begins in three weeks, he’ll only do so if his body permits.

“Of course, my tennis career has been a priority during all of my life, but never has been a priority over my happiness [in] life. So things are going to keep going that way,” he said.

“If I am still able to be happy playing tennis with the things that I have, I’m going to keep going. If I am not able, I’m going to do other stuff.”

Either way, Nadal’s place in the history of tennis — and, indeed, the history of sports — is solidified.

Because of all of the way he has lorded over the French Open and red clay, yes.

And, sure, because of the career Grand Slam he owns and, for now at least, the lead in the men’s major trophy count. Don’t forget the Olympic medals and the time spent at No. 1 in the rankings, either.

Whatever might come next for Nadal, he needs to figure out what’s best for him, his foot, his happiness.

If he decides there’s no fix for the pain that wouldn’t come at too great a cost, he’ll move on. His imprint on the sport will remain.