Rafael Nadal shared how his relationship with tennis has changed since stepping away from competition. Though no longer immersed in the daily grind of the tour, he remains connected through his academy and occasional light sessions. “I played 45 minutes with Eala, they asked me to play and I was happy to do it. If I don’t have to run, that’s fine. Through the academy I’m still involved and I watch whatever I feel like. I don’t follow the day-to-day like before.”
Finding peace beyond the court
The transition from elite competition to retirement has brought Nadal a sense of calm, though not without emotional complexity. “I gained peace, in the sense that, in a way, you don’t feel that daily responsibility to perform. Sometimes performing under unsuitable conditions wears you down as a person, and you end up not being as happy as someone like me should be.”
The lasting thrill of competition
Despite the peace, Nadal acknowledged the difficulty of leaving behind the intensity of top-level sport. “The bad thing is, in the end, a stage that was exceptionally beautiful and exciting for me has ended. Something I was truly passionate about has gone: competing at the highest level. That adrenaline, it stays forever. I think you replace it with many other things in life that can be better in many ways, but what you find in sport is hard to find elsewhere.”
A legacy still unfolding
Nadal’s presence in tennis remains strong through his mentorship and influence at the Rafa Nadal Academy. While he may no longer chase titles, his insights and emotional connection to the game continue to resonate with fans and players alike. His reflections offer a rare glimpse into the personal journey of one of the sport’s greatest champions.