Rafael Nadal Reflects on Retirement: No Regrets, No Longing for Tennis

Five months after hanging up his racquet, Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, has expressed a surprising sentiment regarding his departure from professional tennis: he does not miss the sport at all. Speaking at the Laureus World Sports Awards held in Madrid, he stated, “The truth is I don’t miss it. In fact, I miss it zero.”

Retirement Announcement

Nadal’s decision to retire was made public last October, culminating in his final match during the Davis Cup on November 19, 2024. At 38 years old, he concludes a remarkable 23-year career filled with numerous accolades.

A Legendary Career

Over his impressive career, Nadal achieved a career record of 1080 wins and 228 losses, collecting 92 ATP Tour titles, including a historic 14 French Open championships which showcases his unparalleled skill on clay courts. He also boasts two Olympic gold medals among his extensive list of achievements.

Part of Tennis’ Big Three

Alongside fellow legends Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who retired in 2022, Nadal formed part of the Big Three in men’s tennis. Both Nadal and Federer have cited injuries as a pivotal reason for their retirement. Nadal remained competitive even in recent years, notably winning titles at the Australian and French Opens in 2022.

Looking Ahead

While he has stated that he does not long for the sport now that he is retired, Nadal mentioned that if he were physically capable of performing at a high level, he would still be on the court. As he reflects on his career, he emphasizes the joy he found in tennis, stating, “If it had been possible, I would still be playing because I loved what I did.”

Ultimately, he feels that he made the correct choice at the right time, affirming that closing that chapter was essential. “When you realize you can’t do it anymore, you try to close that chapter. And I closed it,” he concluded.