Everyone knows Rafael Nadal’s legacy stands unmatched. Twenty-two Grand Slam singles titles. Fourteen at the French Open. Four at the US Open. Two at Wimbledon and two in Australia. For more than two decades, he ruled every surface, earning his crown as the “King of Clay” and a place among the “Big Three.” When he announced his retirement in 2024 and bid farewell at Roland Garros this year, it felt like tennis itself paused to say goodbye. A year later, one question lingers: how does the Spaniard feel now?

In an interview with Cadena SER published on December 8, Rafa was asked, “What do you think about the fact that we continue to consider you the best Spanish athlete of all time?” The 39-year-old kept it simple.

“You set the criteria, but I am always very grateful to you…” Rafael Nadal said. “It is a great honor and a great satisfaction to be recognized for this. I have always strived to give my best without thinking about these things. I have been fortunate to have many things in my favor: an environment, a family, and then I think a good work ethic and good talent, that’s the truth.”

Nadal’s bond with fans has always gone deeper than trophies or rankings. It’s about who he is. Across two unforgettable decades, he not only collected titles that cemented his place among tennis greats, but also turned “Rafa” into something more than a name. It became a symbol of grit, fight, and heart. His career wasn’t just a record of victories, but a story of resilience that touched millions of fans around the world.

Crowds didn’t just cheer his scores. They felt him. They were drawn to his fire, that “play every point like it’s your last” intensity, and his calm humility. The small rituals. The respect at the net. The way he always paused to thank the crowd after every match, win or lose. That blend of relentless drive and deep grace made him beloved everywhere from Melbourne to Monte-Carlo.

Nowhere was that connection stronger than in Paris. When Nadal received his emotional farewell at Roland Garros, the whole stadium stood as one. It wasn’t just applause. It was gratitude. A collective thank you to the man who had become an adopted son of the clay. Tennis itself whispered merci to its most loyal warrior.

Beyond applause and silverware, Nadal’s impact runs far deeper. His academy in Mallorca keeps his spirit alive, shaping young players with the same discipline and respect that defined his own journey. His legacy isn’t just written on court. It lives through every handshake, every comeback, every gesture of sportsmanship that continues to teach what true greatness looks like.

That legacy glowed again this year at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, where Nadal received the Laureus Sporting Icon Award. Accepting the honor, he spoke with calm reflection. “I don’t miss tennis at all,” he said. “I accepted with serenity that my body no longer responded as before.”

He’s remained grateful to his family, fans, and even former rivals. Surely it’s not easy to leave behind the sport that gave him so much. But would Rafa return to the court? Well, quite.

Rafael Nadal speaks up on coming back to tennis

On November 24, Nadal sat down with Jorge Valdano on Movistar+’s Universo Valdano and opened up about returning. From a new perspective outside the lines, he looked back at everything he had lived on the court. The 22-time major champion admitted he reached the finish line completely drained.

“I played 45 minutes with Eala, they asked me to play, and I was delighted. If I don’t have to run, fine,” Rafael Nadal said with a grin. He explained that he stays connected through his academy but doesn’t follow tennis daily anymore. “Through the academy I’m still involved and I see what I want to see. I don’t follow the day-to-day as before. Now I watch the games or moments I want to see.” He made it sound easy, a man at peace with the distance he’s created from the grind.

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Yet even as he enjoys this calmer rhythm, Nadal confessed that the rush of competition is impossible to replicate. The adrenaline, he admitted, is “irreplaceable.” For all that life continues to offer, nothing compares to what athletes feel when everything’s on the line. “What is found in sport is difficult to find elsewhere,” he said.

In the end, Rafa reflected without a trace of regret. “I don’t have any bad memories of that period,” he said. For now, though, he’s happy keeping his racket on the shelf.