Page 16 - aruba-today-20220607

A16 sports
Tuesday 7 June 2022
Analysis: Whatever Nadal’s future holds, his legacy’s secure

By HOWARD FENDRICH the lead in the men’s major
AP Tennis Writer trophy count. Don’t forget
PARIS (AP) — Rafael Nad- the Olympic medals and
al’s status for Wimbledon the time spent at No. 1 in
is in doubt because of a the rankings, either.
chronic problem with his But it’s not just all of the
left foot — as is his future in numbers. There’s also this:
tennis. What’s secure, no Nadal never seems to take
matter what happens now, a point off, never seems
is his legacy. to let an on-court situation
Nadal got through the daunt him, never gives in or
French Open, he explained gives up.
after a dominating 6-3, 6-3, “He stepped up, and he
6-0 victory over Casper showed that when he
Ruud in Sunday’s final needs to, he plays great,”
earned a 14th champion- said Ruud, who appeared
ship at Roland Garros and to be every bit as over-
22nd Grand Slam title over- whelmed by the situation
all, thanks to the help of a and setting as by his oppo-
series of numbing injections nent.
in his foot. “He’s a player I have
That, he says, was a one- watched on TV for the last
time deal. 16, 17 years. So to be there
“I don’t want to put my- Spain’s Rafael Nadal bites the trophy after winning the final match against Norway’s Casper Ruud myself and face him, it’s a
self in that position again,” in three sets, 6-3, 6-3, 6-0, at the French Open tennis tournament in Roland Garros stadium in Paris, bit of a challenge, as well,
France, Sunday, June 5, 2022.
Nadal said after becom- Associated Press but a very enjoyable one,”
ing, at age 36, the oldest Ruud said after his debut in
champion in the history of 20.) England Club, where the happiness (in) life. So things a Grand Slam final at age
a clay-court tournament “It’s not about being the grass-court Slam he has are going to keep going 23. “Yeah, of course, I wish
that was first held in 1925. best of the history. It’s not won twice begins three that way,” he said. “If I am I could make the match
“Can happen once. But about the records. It’s weeks from Monday, he’ll still able to be happy play- closer and all these things,
no, it’s not a philosophy of about: I like what I do. I like only do so if his body per- ing tennis with the things but at the end of the day,
life that I want to follow.” to play tennis. And I like the mits. that I have, I’m going to I can hopefully one day tell
And he allowed a little in- competition,” Nadal said. Nadal, who brought a doc- keep going. If I am not my grandkids that I played
sight into what does make “What drives me to keep tor with him to Paris, is going able, I’m going to do other Rafa on Chatrier in the fi-
him tick. going is the passion for the to spend the next week try- stuff.” nal, and they will probably
It’s not, he said, as he’s said game, to live moments that ing new treatments, hoping Either way, Nadal’s place say, ‘Wow, did you?’”
before, an all-consuming stay inside me forever,” he to find a way to ease the in the history of tennis — Whatever might come next
desire to finish with more added, “and play in front pain in his foot. and, indeed, the history of for Nadal, he needs to fig-
major trophies than the of the best crowds in the If that doesn’t work, he will sports — is solidified. ure out what’s best for him,
other members of the so- world and the best stadi- need to contemplate hav- Because of all of the way his foot, his happiness.
called Big Three of men’s ums.” ing surgery. he has lorded over the If he decides there’s no fix
tennis, Roger Federer and So while he wants to be “Of course, my tennis ca- French Open and red clay, for the pain that wouldn’t
Novak Djokovic. (Nadal able to keep going, and reer has been a priority dur- yes. And, sure, because of come at too great a cost,
currently stands two ahead would appreciate the ing all of my life, but never the career Grand Slam he he’ll move on. His imprint
of his rivals, who both are at chance to play at the All has been a priority over my owns and, for now at least, on the sport will remain.q

Romeo Crennel retires after almost 40

years as NFL coach

tirement Monday, ending ball performance last sea- winning 13 division titles, six
a 39-year NFL coaching son. conference crowns and
career highlighted by five “Football has been my winning two Super Bowls
Super Bowl titles. entire life and it’s been a with the Giants and three
Crennel, spent the past dream come true to coach with the Patriots.
eight seasons with the for 50 years,” Crennel said “Romeo poured every-
Houston Texans. He was in a statement. “I’ll miss thing he had into his play-
the team’s defensive co- everything about coach- ers and led his teams with
ordinator from 2014-16 and ing and teaching, but the hard work, diligence and
assistant head coach from thing I’ll miss the most is be- integrity. He has impacted
2017-19. In 2020 he was the ing around the guys every and influenced so many
associate head coach be- day. My goal was to put players, coaches and staff
fore becoming the interim every player and coach members over the last five
Houston Texans coach Romeo Crennel talks during the first half head coach following in the best position to suc- decades and we’re hon-
of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Dec. coach Bill O’Brien firing af- ceed and I consider every ored he spent the last eight
27, 2020, in Houston.
Associated Press ter just four games. guy I coached or worked seasons with us. Our organi-
Crennel, who will turn 75 on with a part of my family.” zation is better because of
By KRISTIE RIEKEN HOUSTON (AP) — Romeo June 18, worked as Hous- Crennel reached the play- Romeo Crennel in so many
AP Sports Writer Crennel announced his re- ton’s senior adviser for foot- offs 17 times in his career, ways.”q