“If my body supported me, I would have played even more”: Rafael Nadal spoke openly about retirement
Madrid – Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players, has spoken so openly for the first time after his retirement. 38-year-old Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles in his career – 14 of which came only in the French Open – said that he has said goodbye to tennis from the bottom of his heart, and he is completely satisfied with this decision.
“I don’t miss tennis at all”
During the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, when Nadal was honored with the Sporting Icon Award, he spoke to the media and said, “To be honest, I don’t miss tennis at all. Zero. I don’t miss tennis at all.”
Many people may be surprised to hear this, but Nadal immediately clarified that this is not because he was bored or tired of tennis.
“Tennis was my passion, and if it was possible, I would still be playing”
Nadal said, “I didn’t quit because I was tired or because I was fighting tennis. Not at all. I ended my career happily. If my body would have supported me, I would have continued, because I loved what I did.”
He also said that tennis has been an integral part of his life, and will always be. “Tennis was and will remain my passion. But there comes a time when you have to accept that your body is not cooperating. Then you have to close that chapter.”
Career was full of injuries, but never accepted defeat
Nadal’s career was full of injuries. But after every injury he made a comeback, until his body stopped cooperating completely.
“I kept delaying my decision because I wanted to be sure I was making the right decision. If I sat on my sofa and kept wondering if I could play more, it would have been more difficult,” he said.
“I have given everything I had, now there is nothing left”
Nadal displayed a calm and confident attitude towards his decision. “When I realised my body was not recovering to the level where I could enjoy being on the court, I decided to retire. That is why I don’t have the hassle of it.”
He also said that his decision was not out of compulsion, but was the result of a thought process full of understanding and suggestions. “That is why I do not miss tennis, because I have this peace that I gave my 100%. And when your body cannot give more, then that chapter should be closed.”
An emotional moment for the fans
Nadal’s retirement was an emotional moment for his fans. His fighting spirit, his dedication and his humble nature will always be remembered. Nadal has inspired the entire tennis world with his simplicity and passion.
Now even when he is away from the tennis court, his impact on the game will remain. The legacy he has left behind will always be remembered – a true warrior, who came back after every loss, put his heart into every match, and when it seemed he couldn’t do it anymore, he said goodbye with dignity.
Finally…
Rafael Nadal’s retirement was not just a player leaving the game, but the end of an era. But he says he is happy and he is at peace. “I know that whatever I did, I did it from my heart. And now I am moving towards a new journey, without any regret.”
Nadal’s words are an inspiration – no matter what phase of life you are in, when you give everything you have and then move forward peacefully, that is the real success.