Rafael Nadal ended his illustrious career in the Davis Cup Final, which took place in his hometown of Malaga in November 2024. He lost to Botic van der Zandschulp in his final official match.
Sharing with The National about life after more than a month of hanging up his racket, the Spanish legend said: "I'm ready. The important thing is that I'm 100% ready. The past year has been really difficult because I couldn't practice and compete regularly at the level I was used to. I tried my best until the last day to achieve success. I always believe that I did everything I could to feel satisfied with myself."
Nadal recalled a long-ago conversation with his father, Sebastian: "He asked me what I wanted to do after I stopped playing tennis, asked me if I wanted to relax and enjoy life? My answer was no, I couldn't imagine what my life would be like without a goal. Of course I wanted to enjoy time with my family and friends because I worked a lot since I was a child."
"But I understand that in this life it is important to have motivation, to have goals, so I always prepare for my future. I am very happy with this new chapter in my life. It is still too early to share more because I have only stopped playing tennis for a month, but I feel at peace. Right now I am arranging my future."
The 38-year-old retired after winning 22 Grand Slam titles and almost every major and minor trophy in his career. The only championship not in Nadal's collection is the ATP Finals.
This is also what made him regret when he decided to hang up his racket.
"I was a bit unlucky at the end of the season, I wasn't in the best shape, I was often injured. I faced very difficult opponents. But I can't complain. I had my own chances, but I couldn't take advantage of them. I accept that," Nadal confided.
