Rafael Nadal, a tennis star, has made a name for himself in the modern world and received wide recognition both as an individual and as an athlete. But sometimes, the same gift of fame might occasionally leave the athlete or any other famous person feeling a little dissatisfied. In a similar vein, the 36-year-old tennis pro recently discussed his experience dealing with a minor problem because of his popularity.

The 36-year-old tennis player is one of the most renowned personalities in the tennis arena. He is considered one of the best athletes in the sporting world. Along with tennis legend Roger Federer, the Spaniard has significantly elevated the sport.

Rafael Nadal details his struggles with being popular 

Nadal is currently out of the tennis circuit because of an injury he suffered during the Australian Open. And as he is concerned about his comeback, he made a revelation regarding his tennis popularity. After being out of the limelight for quite some time, the former world number one did an amazing summer cover photo shoot for Condé Nast Traveler magazine. After that, in an interview with the same magazine, he talked about his traveling life. He also spoke about how sometimes being popular has its own advantages. Along with that, shared a tale of how he suffered a little in an unknown city.

He said, “It’s complicated. My life involves many hours of training and, also, when you are a well-known person, it is not always easy to do what you want when you want. I remember that once I was in Rome, I wanted to visit the Vatican and I couldn’t get in. You can imagine that I feel like living this kind of thing like anyone else… but I can’t always.”

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He also talked about how there have been times when he has visited places. But was not able to enjoy them to the fullest and was quite uncomfortable with all the fans surrounding him. In addition, highlighted the fact that sometimes freedom comes with a price to pay. However, a few years ago, there was a time when the Spaniard was not quite aware of his own popularity.

A compliment Nadal once received shocked him

Last year, an old video of the former world number one went viral on Twitter. The video displayed the fact that the 36-year-old was plainly unaware of his fame in the outside world. In the video, the young Nadal engaged in a lighthearted discussion with a male ABC News correspondent. That interview, however, took a slight turn when the Spaniard was questioned about being a “s** symbol.”

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The compliment shocked the young Spaniard, but he denied knowing anything about the tag or symbol. And further took a sarcastic take on the journalist regarding whether the journalist likes him or what. The former tennis world champion was praised for his toned body figure, as he was known for his physique throughout his early tennis career.