“I’m Not Superstitious”: Rafael Nadal Reflects on His In-Match Rituals

Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has said that he is not superstitious but has a ritual which helps him focus on his game. 

To a question on whether there is any superstition involved in his ritual of taking two sips of water from two bottles and not trampling on court lines, during an interview, Nadal said, “No. I’m not superstitious; otherwise I would change the ritual with each defeat.”

“I’m not even a slave to routine: my life changes constantly, always around; and racing is very different from training. What you call tics are a way of putting my head in order, for me who are normally very messy,” Nadal said.

“They are the way to concentrate and silence the voices within. In order not to listen to the voice that tells me that I will lose, nor that, even more dangerous, that tells me that I will win.”

Tied with fierce rival and off-court mate Roger Federer at 20 Grand Slam titles, Nadal isn’t about to slow down anytime soon. Though his career has been hit by injury setbacks, often extending months, they haven’t robbed him of his skills and drive to add more feathers to his cap. 

“Have my fears and anxieties”- Rafael Nadal

Currently sitting second in the ATP men’s rankings, Nadal opened up one a range of other topics, from his incredible run at the French Open, on whether he fears losing on the court to whether he is afraid of the dark and dogs, in a recent interview.

Asked if he ever thought he would set a record of winning 13 straight finals at Roland Garros, a feat that not even the biggest names in the game had ever come close to attaining, Nadal, humble as ever, said, “If I could achieve the feat, so can some someone else. Like every other person out there, I, too, have my fears and anxieties.”

Read More: “Tennis Eternity”: Dominic Thiem reveals why Rafael Nadal dominates at French Open

Asked if he fears losing, Nadal said, “No, never. However, the thought of losing does cross my mind. The thought stays with me no matter who I am playing. It actually helps me stay focused and motivated.”

Asked if there’s any truth to rumors that he is afraid of darkness and dogs, Nadal said, “That’s nonsense. I am only afraid of disease. Also, I’m almost always anxious about the people I love.”

On COVID-19

To a question on whether he is afraid of COVID-19, Nadal said, “Not really. My physicist tells me I am still too young to catch it. But if I do get infected, I could be a risk for people around me. I am worried for my parents, my family.” 

“We are going through one of the most challenging times in our living memory. Hence, this is the time to fight and stand up for things that are a lot more important than a tennis match. We must build trust in each other.”

Asked how people should deal with the Covid crisis, Nadal said, “I think what’s important is that we show respect for ourselves, our loved ones and others. We should be rational and responsible in what we do. If the virus can kill you, so can hunger.

“The pandemic dealt a severe blow to the global economy. We must find a balance between health and work. Staying safe is important, but so are freedom and dignity.”

(All quotes have been translated using Google Translate)

Nadal will next feature in the Nitto ATP Finals, alongside 17-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and some of the other top names in men’s tennis, at London’s O2 Arena.