‘A Goal That Hasn’t Been Met’ – Rafael Nadal’s Spiritual Way of Handling Success and Failure On-Court

Every time one thinks that it is the end of Rafael Nadal, he makes a strong comeback on the court, giving a glimpse of his much-left potential. Turning pro in 2001, Rafael Nadal has been one of the most dominant players in the past two decades. The Spaniard has had a career full of injuries. However, unlike other players, he has always refused to give up. The result? Making a comeback after being out of the tour for 6 months, 35-year-old Nadal recently won his 21st Grand Slam title, leaving behind his counterparts Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

The Australian Open wasn’t the only title of the year for Rafa. He also won the Melbourne Open and the Acapulco Open. Furthermore, he also came out as a runner-up in Indian Wells. Seeing Nadal climb the ladder of success even at this stage of his career, a question that arises is, how has he managed to do it? The man answers it himself.

Rafael Nadal reveals his way to keep going ahead

In his two-decade-long career, Nadal has achieved the highest heights in his career. However, on several occasions, he has also failed to achieve an objective that he might have wanted for a long time. However, what comes to light is his way of treating that non-achievement of the goal.

Opening up about his ideology towards not being able to achieve a certain goal, Nadal said, “I never consider it a failure if you try to reach an objective but then don’t make it for some reason or another. It’s not a failure. It is just a goal that hasn’t been met. From there you move on and focus on achieving the next one.”

Translated using Google Translate

Nadal has tasted that point of success which only a few players have in the history of the sport. However, needless to say, even the top players taste failure at a number of points in their careers. Nadal is no different. The current World No. 4 has also tasted the bitter taste of failure on a number of occasions in his gracious career. However, the way he handles his failure is his mantra of still being one of the top players of the game. According to the former World No. 1, his way of treating success and failure is the main reason behind him still playing tennis.

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“For me, one of the main reasons I’m still playing tennis today is that I’ve treated success and failure in a similar way. Nothing is ever as fantastic or as disastrous as it seems. There are good and bad moments. You try and find the right emotional balance between them and continue on.”

Nadal eyeing his 4th YTD title in Madrid

Being out from the tour for 2 months after suffering a rib injury, Nadal has made a comeback at the ATP Masters 1000 Mutua Madrid Open. Entering the tournament as the 3rd seed, he received a first-round bye. He kicked off his campaign from the second round beating Miomir Kecmanovic. Yesterday, he escaped a huge scare by defeating David Goffin in an anyone’s game.

Winning the third round, he is now in the quarterfinals ready to face his fellow countryman, Carlos Alcaraz.

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Presuming he wins the match; he will next play the winner of Novak Djokovic and Hubert Hurkacz in the semifinals.