“You made me reimagine my game,” said Roger Federer. His words paid tribute to his longtime rival Rafael Nadal, who retired during the 2024 Davis Cup tournament. After three months, the Spanish legend attended the Grand Gala of Mundo Deportivo and received a tribute, “The Greatest Spanish Athlete” award from the Spanish media for his career milestones. To most, he’s the undisputed KING athlete of Spain!

For Nadal, imagining himself as a former player must have been hard given his astonishing 92 ATP singles titles, including 22 Grand Slams and 36 ATP 1000 trophies. So, how is he coping with his life without tennis?

In an honest confession to the media at the event, the King of Clay court said, “Well, perfect. On a personal level, I am happy and on the other hand, I am trying to adapt to what is a new facet of my life that, for the moment, I am coping very well. At the moment I do not miss the day to day, I am fine as I am.” Speaking of his state, Nadal discussed his last years on tour, struggling with form because of injuries.

The former ATP no. 1 suffered an abdominal tear right before 2022 Wimbledon and withdrew in his semifinal match against Nick Kyrgios, missing the chance to achieve a career Grand Slam that year. Nadal also injured his hip’s iliopsoas muscle in 2023 and underwent surgery. Although he took rehabilitation, his form went downwards.

“In the end, the last few years were difficult, that also helps me not to miss it so much. I retired three months ago, I cannot say it with total clarity but at the moment I am fine,” he reflected.

Nadal’s words might echo his attempt to rediscover his life post-retirement, but the legend won’t be separated from sports. Instead, his confession highlighted an intriguing detail: playing sports he loved in his childhood but couldn’t pursue because of a full-time tennis commitment.

We all know his love for Real Madrid soccer club!

Rafael Nadal revealed his plans post-retirement

In a clip for Kia, Nadal confessed he had to sacrifice his admiration for golf or football because of tennis. Hence, he wished to try those after retirement. “When I was a kid, I played almost every sport. Of course, during my tennis career, I had to stop. I really believe that after my career I’m going to come back, recover all these years that I was not able to do all the things that I love to do. That in some way makes me feel free and happy,” he said.

Nadal’s confession brought back an old memory, one where he discussed one of his life’s biggest lessons. In a discussion with the Players Tribune, the Spaniard narrated his childhood story of going fishing and then losing his match the next day. This incident taught him about choosing his priorities.

“Don’t cry now. There is no point. If you want to fish, you can fish. No problem. But you will lose. If you want to win? If you want to win, then you have to do what you have to do first,” Nadal’s uncle, Toni, said, who had the most profound impact on the Spaniard’s career.

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This lesson changed his vision and helped him choose the sport “transforming from something that was just for fun – a child’s game – to a real goal to do for a living.” Now, with an epic career milestone in his resume, Nadal aimed to pursue his other interests. A perfect post-retirement thinking, isn’t it?

Rafael Nadal’s career might have ended, but he remains an inspiration, especially for top players like Carlos Alcaraz. The youngster learned the game’s finer points from the Spanish legend’s academy. He might not lace his sneakers anymore, but the tennis fraternity will remember his aggressive playing style and indomitable spirit.

Yes, there’s nobody like Rafa!