Rafael Nadal reflects on career and life after retirement

Two years after retiring from professional tennis, Rafael Nadal has shared reflections on his career, his physical struggles, and his current life. In interviews with The Athletic and GQ, the 22-time Grand Slam champion discussed the immense physical toll of his professional years, noting that he lived with constant pain and that his body eventually reached its limit.

Nadal highlighted that injuries were a defining aspect of his career, beginning with foot issues at age 19. He noted that while injuries forced him to miss 20 Grand Slam tournaments, they also allowed him to appreciate his greatest achievements more deeply. He expressed that he retired at the right time because he no longer had anything more to offer at a competitive level.

Regarding his life post-tennis, Nadal stated that he feels as though he is living a different life and has almost forgotten his time as a professional player. He remains focused on his academy, his foundation, and his family, while maintaining his roots in Mallorca. His new photography book, ‘Rafa Nadal’ by Assouline, accompanies these reflections.