As we make our way toward the 2024 season—which begins Friday, December 29 with the United Cup—our writers and editors tackle the most important questions of the new year.

First question, as Rafa prepares to see goodbye to the game: Will we remember Rafael Nadal’s last dance fondly?

STEPHANIE LIVAUDAIS: So much of Nadal’s career has been marked by “what might have been”—regarding injuries and his physical condition, thanks in part to a congenital birth defect in his foot, and a highly physical playing style that overpowered opponents.

That question is even more gutting now, especially considering how strong the Spaniard looked during the first half of 2022. Back then, the idea of retirement still loomed, but it seemed so far away when Nadal was lifting his second Australian Open trophy and a then-record 22nd Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.

Now, tennis fans are just hoping that Nadal can say goodbye to the game on his own terms, after he spent most of 2023 out with an injury and recovering from surgery.

He will have two shots at Roland Garros glory: First at the Grand Slam tournament, and then during the Olympic Games in Paris. If this is indeed Rafa’s final season, he will likely be judged based on his performances at these two events, which will take place on his beloved terre battue and where has set himself apart the most over the course of his career.

But it seems almost cruel to hold him to this standard now, when the 37-year-old recently revealed that he’s not even sure if he will make it to a full farewell season, or if he’ll have to pull the plug halfway through.

While we’ll remember Nadal himself fondly, it will likely be a bittersweet and, at times, painful-to-watch last dance for one of the game’s greats.