Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, has revealed a surprising twist in his retirement saga: he hasn’t touched a tennis racket in nearly five months and feels he’s lost the fierce competitiveness that defined his career.
Speaking at the UAX Rafa Nadal University School in Madrid, the Spanish icon opened up about life after hanging up his sneakers at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, where he bowed out with a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Botic Van de Zandschulp.
“I’ve lost competitiveness, and that annoys me,” Nadal confessed during a talk on sports performance and health. “I go play golf, and I’m not as focused. I don’t understand playing without a goal.” The 38-year-old, known for his relentless drive, admitted that while his body enjoys the break, his mind is still adjusting. “Retirement hasn’t been bad for me; I’ve handled it well,” he added, hinting at a smoother transition than expected.
Nadal’s reflections also touched on his grueling battle with Müller-Weiss syndrome, a chronic foot condition that nearly ended his career at 19. “Doctors told me I wouldn’t play again,” he recalled. A custom insole and sheer willpower kept him swinging, though he quipped, “My body was destroyed.”
The resilience paid off, with unforgettable victories like the 2008 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer and his epic 2022 Australian Open comeback against Daniil Medvedev.
As Nadal navigates this uncharted chapter, he credits his family and uncle Toni, who coached him from age three, for instilling the self-control that carried him through pressure-packed moments. Fans may miss his ferocity on the court, but Nadal seems ready to ace retirement—racket or not. (Tennis365)