Rafael Nadal recalls ‘real life’ heroes in his childhood rather than ‘sports idols’
Rafael Nadal was associated with many Spanish athletes growing up, including his most recent coach Carlos Moya.
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Rafael Nadal (Image via X)
A sports athlete typically looks up to others in their own field. For instance, Roger Federer admired Pete Sampras and Stefan Edberg, both tennis legends. However, Rafael Nadal‘s case was different.
In a remarkable interview filled with groundbreaking revelations, Nadal shared that his childhood heroes were people from “real life” rather than “sports stars.” The Spaniard ended his tennis career in November after Spain’s loss in the Davis Cup quarterfinals against the Netherlands.
I was not a kid who really had sports idols. I suppose it has to do with my Mallorcan character. My heroes were people I knew in real life. But when I was 12 years old, I got to play with Carlos Moyà for the first time. A fellow Spaniard, also from Mallorca. The French Open champion and the first Spanish player to be #1. I was so nervous just to hit some balls with him.
Rafael Nadal said on The Player’s Tribune
Nadal has been fortunate to be influenced by many Spanish athletes throughout his journey as a tennis player. Since childhood, he was inspired by his uncle, Miguel Angel Nadal, a professional footballer who played for Barcelona. Similarly, his uncle, Toni Nadal, had the greatest impact on his career until their professional partnership ended in 2017.
It was an unforgettable experience, a window to another world. Tennis was transforming from something that was just for fun – a child’s game – to a real goal to do for a living. It got me dreaming a bit more. One day, maybe I can play at Roland-Garros.
Rafael Nadal added
An often overlooked but significant relationship has been between Nadal and Carlos Moya. The two competed against each other early in Nadal’s career. Later, the 38-year-old brought Moya on as his full-time coach after parting ways with Toni Nadal.
Rafael Nadal’s 2024 season in review
Rafael Nadal returned from hip surgery at the Brisbane International in 2024. He reached the quarterfinals of the event. However, this was his only tournament outside of clay before his retirement at the Davis Cup.
Nadal skipped the Australian Open and the Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami. He returned to competition at the Barcelona Open but lost in the Round of 32 to Alex de Minaur.
His best performance came at the Madrid Open, where he won three matches to reach the Round of 16. After a difficult clay-court season, he entered Roland Garros for the last time as a 14-time champion. Unfortunately, he lost in the opening round to Alexander Zverev, marking only his fourth loss at the event.
Nadal skipped Wimbledon and prepared for the Paris Olympics by playing the Swedish Open. There, he reached an ATP final for the first time since Roland Garros in 2022 but lost to Nuno Borges. At the Paris Olympics, he exited in the second round of the singles event and the quarterfinals of the doubles. His final event was the Davis Cup quarterfinals, where he represented Spain against the Netherlands, losing his last official match to Botic Van De Zandschulp.
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