Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal is in brilliant form this year. The 36-year-old has already won the Australian Open and the French Open this year. He was also in scintillating form in the Wimbledon Championships, as well. However, an unfortunate injury meant he had to miss his semi-final match against Nick Kyrgios. Owing to a brilliant run this year, the Spaniard has now reached the mark of 22 Grand Slam titles.

While his achievements are second to none in the men’s circuit, he has always stayed grounded and humble. The way he behaves, there’s no way one can say he is a celebrity.

Once in an interview, the ever-so-gracious Nadal was asked when he will start behaving like a celebrity. Here’s how he replied.

Rafael Nadal on having bodyguards

Back in 2011, Nadal entered the Australian Open after winning the last three Grand Slam titles. In an interview, when asked why he doesn’t behave like a celebrity, he said,

“You mean have bodyguards?”

When the interviewer said yes to it, the Spaniard replied that it will make things more difficult for him.

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“When you have bodyguards, everything is more difficult. That’s when people recognize you. When you go normal, it’s easier to go out without problems. People are respectful. O.K., maybe you sign autographs or do photos, but no problem,” he said.

Read more: ‘Really Hate Losing’- Rafael Nadal Wore His ‘Warrior-Like’ Attitude During His Budding Years in Tennis

Further, he added that he can not pretend to be someone he is not.

“I have to be myself. I cannot be someone I am not.”

Nadal starts practicing for the hard-court swing

After suffering an unfortunate abdominal muscle tear, Nadal had to skip his match against Nick Kyrgios. While it was sad that the legend could not go for a calendar Grand Slam this year, he will surely look forward to winning the US Open.

As the injury required 3-4 weeks of rest, the 36-year-old has recently hit the practice courts again. He will make a comeback to the tour in the Canadian Open.

Watch this story: Rafael Nadal’s biggest fan, Serena Williams, cheers for his success at Wimbledon Championships 2022

With the kind of form he is in, it will be interesting to see if he can win his 23rd Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows.