Rafael Nadal made a striking revelation at the Laureus World Sports Awards, where he was honored with the prestigious Sporting Icon Award. Speaking to reporters at the event, the Spanish tennis legend admitted that he does not miss playing the sport that defined his career for over two decades.
This is what he said:
“The truth is that I don’t miss tennis. Zero. I don’t miss it at all. But not because I finished tired of tennis or fighting against tennis, not at all.
“I finished my career happy and if I could have, I would have carried on, because I loved what I was doing. It was my passion and that’s been the case all my life. It’s just that when you realise that physically you can’t do it any more… you try to close that chapter. And I closed it.”
Talking about his injuries he added:
“I delayed making my final decision because I needed time to be sure it was the right one. What would have been hard was sitting on my sofa wondering if I should keep trying to play.
“When I saw that my body wasn’t going to recover to the level I needed to continue enjoying myself on court, then I made the decision to stop. That’s why I don’t miss it. Because I finished with the peace of mind of knowing that I’d given it my all, and that my body couldn’t give any more.”
His statement reflects a sense of contentment with his decision to retire, highlighting his readiness to embrace life beyond professional competition. After winning 22 Grand Slam titles and leaving an indelible mark on the sport, Nadal has found satisfaction in new pursuits, including personal projects, philanthropy, and spending time with his family.
Despite stepping away from the tour, his influence remains strong. His contributions to tennis continue to inspire young athletes, and his presence at major sporting events further solidifies his legacy. The award serves as recognition of his impact, not just as a champion but as a symbol of perseverance and humility.
As he moves forward, Nadal appears to be enjoying the freedom that retirement brings. His words indicate a deep appreciation for his career while embracing the next chapter with enthusiasm. His legacy will endure, shaping the future of tennis and sports as a whole.
