Rafael Nadal, known for his mental resilience, recently shared a candid letter to The Players Tribune, revealing moments of emotional struggle throughout his illustrious career. The legendary Spaniard discussed the nerves and anxiety he felt before every match, despite being a 22-time Grand Slam champion.
“For 30 years, the image I projected to the world was not always the image I felt inside,” Nadal confessed. “Honestly, I was nervous before every match I played: that never leaves you.” Even with his success, Nadal often went to bed feeling uncertain, wondering if he might lose, and woke up with similar doubts.
Nadal also spoke about the difficulty of managing emotions, admitting there was a period in his career when he struggled to control his mental state. Despite being accustomed to physical pain, there were times when anxiety and difficulty breathing hindered his performance on court. “There were moments on the court when I had difficulty controlling my breathing and I couldn’t play at my best,” he revealed.
However, Nadal emphasized that these emotional challenges are a part of being human. “We are human beings, not superheroes,” he said. Despite these struggles, Nadal never reached a point where anxiety completely overwhelmed him.
The Spaniard also reflected on his desire to take a break from tennis during his mental struggles. “There were months when I thought about taking a complete break from tennis to cleanse my mind,” he admitted. Ultimately, Nadal worked through these difficulties, returning stronger and more focused on his game.
His journey is a testament to perseverance, and Nadal expressed pride in never giving up. “I always gave my best,” he concluded, acknowledging the battles within that shaped his legendary career.