Rafael Nadal explains how he, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic achieved incredible feats and enjoyed ‘long careers’
Rafael Nadal and his two rivals, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have lifted 66 Grand Slam titles between them.
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Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal (Images via X)
Rafael Nadal was awarded the title of best athlete in Spain by media outlet Mundo Deportivo. When asked during their interaction about his two biggest rivals, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, Nadal revisited the time when they kept each other on their toes and how this helped them enjoy legendary careers.
Nadal bade farewell to tennis in November at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals after Spain failed to beat the Netherlands. The Spaniard was struggling to play to his full potential after his comeback from the hip injury he suffered at the 2023 Australian Open.
He followed Federer’s suit as the Swiss maestro closed the most remarkable chapter of his life at the 2022 Laver Cup. Djokovic, on the other hand, is the only member of this legendary trio yet to retire.
It is fair to say that without one of us, without the other two, we would not have achieved the numbers that all three of us have achieved. In some ways, we pushed our limits in every sense of the word. Physically, it hurt us a lot, but on a tennis and mental level, it took us to a higher level of demand. That is also why we were able to have such a long career.
Rafael Nadal told reporters (via Mundo Deportivo)
Nadal led 24-16 against Federer but was 29-31 against Djokovic. The Serb edged Nadal as well as Federer in the head-to-head contests, with a 27-23 lead over the 43-year-old.
Rafael Nadal enjoys life after retirement
Rafael Nadal doesn’t miss tennis much because suffering from injuries in the last few years helped him move on after retirement. The Spaniard also explained why living his life without pushing himself again and again has given him peace of mind.
Now I’m able to live with very little pain and that’s very important for me. In the end, getting up and going down the stairs normally is a very important step forward for me in my daily life, being able to live with the peace of mind of not having much pain.
Rafael Nadal told reporters
Nadal also made his feelings known about his future. Although he did not mention one particular thing that he wants to do, he wants to discover what motivates him in his life post-retirement.
Though Nadal played his last match of his career at the 2024 Davis Cup, his last Men’s singles clash was at the Swedish Open. He had reached the final, his first and last of the 2024 season, but was defeated by Nuno Borges in straight sets.
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Gouri Das
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