Rafael Nadal Reveals What He and Roger Federer Found ‘Uncomfortable’ During Playing Days

Former World No.1s Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer retired at the 2022 Laver Cup and the 2024 Davis Cup, respectively.

Rafael Nadal Reveals What He and Roger Federer Found ‘Uncomfortable’ During Playing Days

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer (Image via X/TNT Sports)

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Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are no longer part of the tour. The latter became the first member of the Big 3 to call time on his career at the 2022 Laver Cup, while the Spaniard followed suit at the 2024 Davis Cup after Spain’s 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.

Nadal recently sat for an interview with Valdano Universe during which, among other things, he talked about the changes in tennis. He agreed that tennis has become faster. About the use of technology, the 22-time Grand Slam champion said both he and Federer found it uncomfortable, because instead of information, they wanted to rely more on intuition.

The world evolves, and it’s obvious that the way the game is played now is a bit different than when I arrived. Players hit harder and serve with more power. As for technology, I didn’t grow up with those tools, and it’s not that I don’t believe in them, because information is power.

Rafael Nadal said

Nadal last reached a final at the Swedish Open, where Nuno Borges denied him the win. In his career’s last match, the 39-year-old suffered a straight-set defeat at the hands of Botic van de Zandschulp in the Davis Cup.

I wanted to have information, even if it was limited. Although I still believe in intuition and personal feelings in each important moment. It’s not about playing like a robot. For example, he has a 70% chance of hitting that shot. Everyone has their own way of approaching it, but that’s how I saw it. I spoke with Federer, and he was also uncomfortable with having too much information; he preferred to play by feel, just like me. I don’t think we used this information systematically.

Rafael Nadal added

Nadal also gave his take on how champions are made. He thinks that with passion and determination, everything becomes less complicated.

Nadal and Federer reunited this year at Roland Garros as the former was honored with a retirement ceremony. A plaque with the 14-time French Open champion’s footprint will forever be etched at Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Rafael Nadal in his practice session with Alexandra Eala

On Wednesday (November 19), Rafael Nadal picked up racket for the first time since his retirement last year. At the Rafa Nadal Academy, the King of Clay had a practice session with none other than Alexandra Eala, the Filipino, who scripted history this year thanks to her run at the Miami Open, where she made her tour-level debut.

Rafael Nadal and Alexandra Eala
Rafael Nadal was spotted hitting with Alexandra Eala (via Rafael Nadal/X)

En route to her semifinal defeat to eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula, the 20-year-old knocked out six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals. Nadal later posted a picture with the 20-year-old, and during his interview with Valdano Universe, he talked about the practice session and his involvement in the development of his academy players.

I played 45 minutes with Eala; they asked me to play, and I was happy to do so. If I don’t have to run, that’s fine. Through the academy, I remain involved and watch what I feel like watching. I don’t follow day-to-day as before.

Rafael Nadal said

Eala rose from No.143 to become a top 50 player. This year, she played two finals, losing the Eastbourne International to Maya Joint and winning the Abierto Zapopan by defeating Panna Udvardy.

She also played the main draw matches of the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Eala was last seen in action at the Hong Kong Open, where her run ended in the fourth round with a three-set defeat at the hands of reigning Canadian Open champion Victoria Mboko. She ended the season with a 40-26 win-loss record.

Also read: Jack Draper Pumped to Return to Action in the Exhibition Tournament After Months on the Sidelines