New Delhi: Twenty-two-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal recently reflected on his retirement, which followed a Davis Cup tie in Malaga last November. Speaking in Madrid on Monday, where he was honoured with the prestigious Sporting Icon award at the Laureus World Sports Awards, the Spanish legend revealed he hasn’t found himself missing life on the professional tour.
“The truth is that I don’t miss tennis. Zero. I don’t miss it at all,” the ‘King of Clay’ candidly told reporters. He clarified that this wasn’t because he finished his career feeling tired of the sport or the constant battle it demanded. “I finished my career happy,” Nadal stated. “And if I could have, I would have carried on, because I loved what I was doing. It was my passion, and that’s been the case all my life. It’s just that when you realise that physically you can’t do it any more… you try to close that chapter. And I closed it.”
Rafa Nadal wins the 2025 Laureus Sporting Icon Award.
His career has been nothing if not iconic.
Fully deserved. 🥹
🇪🇸👑
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 21, 2025
The 38-year-old endured numerous injuries throughout his illustrious career but continued competing as long as possible. He admitted to delaying his final decision, explaining, “I delayed making my final decision because I needed time to be sure it was the right one. What would have been hard was sitting on my sofa, wondering if I should keep trying to play.”
Nadal to be honoured at Roland Garros
In recognition of his extraordinary achievements, particularly at the French Open, Rafael Nadal will be honoured at this year’s tournament. He has won an astonishing 14 titles on the clay courts of Paris, an unparalleled feat. The special ceremony is scheduled to take place on the opening day of the tournament, May 26th, on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the very court where he has lifted his historic trophies over nearly two decades.
Rafael Nadal says he doesn’t miss tennis after retiring in last November, happy with his decision as his body could no longer handle the physical demands. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
