Rafael Nadal admits he “lost his competitiveness” after retiring from professional tennis
Rafael Nadal retired from professional tennis after losing to Botic van de Zandschulp at the Davis Cup in Malaga.
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Rafael Nadal (via Instagram)
Rafael Nadal has been enjoying his time away from professional tennis since retiring last November. The former World No.1, who transformed the sport with his high level of performance and number of titles, revealed recently that he has lost his competitiveness since retirement.
Nadal has not picked up a racket since he retired from the sport. The Spaniard played his last professional match at the Davis Cup in Malaga in November 2024. He lost to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, before Team Spain went on to lose their quarter-final tie against the Netherlands.
The former World No.1 has since been with his family and expanding his business ventures, especially the Rafael Nadal Academy. However, Nadal didn’t end his career as he would have loved. He had suffered a severe injury at the 2023 Australian Open, which forced him to be away from the sport for over 11 months.
Though he made his comeback, he was never the same player and kept on dealing with injuries. While speaking about sports performance and health at the UAX Rafael Nadal University School in Madrid, he opened up about losing his competitiveness.
What matters to me is knowing that I’ve surpassed myself. Winning or losing are circumstances that one cannot control. I’ve lost competitiveness, and that annoys me. I go play golf, and I’m not as focused. I don’t understand playing without a goal. I’ve always considered myself a competitor, and fighting, I prefer that over winning easily. When you retire, your body takes a break, but I already feel more centred. Retirement hasn’t been bad for me; I’ve handled it well.
Rafael Nadal said
Nadal ended his career as one of the greatest players to ever graced the court. The 38-year-old last title came at the 2023 French Open, a title he won a record 14 times in his career and more than any player in the history of the sport.
Rafael Nadal says his uncle was key to having a proper future in tennis
Rafael Nadal wouldn’t have reached the zenith of tennis if not for the mentorship and coaching of his uncle Toni Nadal. Toni coached Rafa from his childhood and their relationship ended in 2017. Nadal recounted his relationship with Uncle Toni during his aforementioned speech, stating that family helped him become a great player.
My uncle Toni coached me since I was three years old, and then other key people joined in. I had proper education and preparation for the future. A family that always treated me like one of their own, without adding pressure. When these moments of pressure come, it’s the previous preparation that helps you tolerate what’s happening. It’s self-control, knowing how to manage emotions.
Rafael Nadal added
Toni Nadal guided Rafa to 16 major titles success from 2005 to 2017. He became the most successful coach in the history of tennis. He left the sport after his partnership with Felix Auger-Aliassime ended in 2024.
Rafael Nadal recounts chronic pain he suffered as a player
Rafael Nadal suffered a chronic pain called the Muller-Weiss syndrome on a daily basis while being a professional tennis player. In fact, he was told he would end his career at the age of 19 but he found a solution and kept on fighting despite the pain.
Several doctors told me that I would not play again, and I was 19 years old. In the end, the solution was found to divert the balance [of the foot] with an exaggerated 7-millimetre insole and a special shoe to fit it inside. It worked. He fixed his foot, but everything else was ruined. My body was destroyed.
Rafael Nadal said
Nadal would go on to win a total of 92 titles, 22 of which were Grand Slams. Also, he spent 209 weeks at the ATP No.1 and won 1,092 matches, despite a long loss of injuries.
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