As Rafael Nadal prepares to retire after the upcoming Davis Cup Finals, he has opened up about his illustrious career and the rivalry that has defined modern tennis. In an extensive interview with AS, Nadal clarified that he has never been obsessed with surpassing Novak Djokovic’s tally of Grand Slam titles, despite the intense competition between them.
Nadal, who has claimed a remarkable 22 Grand Slam titles—14 of which were won at the French Open—acknowledged that injuries have robbed him of opportunities to add to that total. “In the end, it is obvious that I have missed out more than all my rivals, in terms of chances of winning Grand Slams,” he admitted. However, he expressed a profound sense of contentment, stating, “I have had a career that I would never have imagined and I am more than happy.”
The Spanish tennis legend emphasized that his desire to compete at the highest level has always been driven by personal ambition rather than an obsession with records. “You want to be the best when you are in competition because it is the nature of sport,” he said. “But that has never led me to have an obsession with it.”
When reflecting on his career, Nadal conveyed that achieving titles is important, but the overall experience is what truly matters. “When it’s over, you value what it’s been all together, not whether it’s been a little bit more,” he explained, highlighting the joys of turning his childhood passion into a successful career.
Despite his achievements, Nadal acknowledged that he has made mistakes along the way. “Of course, I would change things, obviously,” he said, recognizing that no one is perfect. “Those who say no, that they wouldn’t change anything, are deeply arrogant.”
Ultimately, Nadal’s reflections reveal a deep appreciation for the journey he has taken in tennis. With his retirement on the horizon, he looks back on a career filled with both triumphs and challenges, maintaining that every decision, whether right or wrong, has contributed to the legacy he leaves behind.
As Nadal prepares to bid farewell to the sport, his words resonate with fans and fellow athletes alike, reminding everyone of the importance of passion, gratitude, and the experiences that shape us—beyond just titles and accolades.
