It is no secret that Rafael Nadal is playing his farewell tournaments this year. However, amid all the speculations around his retirement, Alizé Lim, a former WTA player, offered a unique perspective when she saw Nadal’s genuine vulnerability while addressing his achievements throughout his career. Comparing his honesty with other players, Lim explained how his “authentic” reply shocked her during an interview.

Alize Lim, who herself has remained inactive for some time in the tennis arena, spoke about how she was taken aback by his response to winning multiple Grand Slams. Rafael Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slams during his illustrious career, previously admitted that after winning his first Grand Slam, he thought that it would be his last. Nadal won his first Grand Slam at the 2005 French Open at just 19 years old. And since then, he has bagged back-to-back titles to his name. Even he won his 22nd Grand Slam title at the French Open itself. However, after winning his first Grand Slam, he was “amazed” but thought that he could relax after that victory.

And referring to that, Lim said, “He said to me every single Slam that I won, and I thought, Okay, this is the last one, that’s it. And there is no way that winning those slams would make him be less nervous the time after. Because every time it’s back to zero.”

Lim further recalled, “What was shocking to me with Rafa is that it was so authentic. He said it to me like it the first time he thought about it. And you could tell it was so true. He was not lying.” Lim’s analysis of the conversation highlights how even with his enormous successes, he still has doubts and resets, just like every other player does. Lim, who herself played tennis earlier, has moved away from the sport. But when it comes to drawing inspiration from professional athletes, she considers Rafael Nadal to be her top choice.

She revealed how Nadal’s response makes him relatable and an inspiring figure, even amid his glorious achievements. “So I thought that was super inspiring. And it makes you feel like you’re talking to someone normal. But definitely it’s not,” she added.

Nadal has suffered from various injuries throughout his career. But he has never shied away from expressing his vulnerability to his fans. And Lim, who has previously interviewed various top players, explained how this nature of Nadal has made him different from others. However, according to Rafael Nadal, the secret to his success lies elsewhere.

Rafael Nadal reveals how he set his goals for the future as a kid

Rafael Nadal has hinted at his retirement after the season of 2024. However, looking back at his young self, he confessed the secret behind his enormous success on court. “When I was a kid, I never said to myself, ‘I want to win a Grand Slam. I want to be the best’. I was thinking about the tournament of the next week,” he said in an interview.

However, when he first won his Grand Slam, Rafael Nadal not only made his dream come true but also created history. In his attempt to win the French Open, he became the second male player to do so in the history of tennis.

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But his huge achievements did not interfere with his sense of humility and modesty. Alizeh Lim’s reflections on Rafael Nadal’s impressive balance in maintaining self-confidence further emphasized the psychology and mindset of one of the greatest icons of tennis.