Nadal: "I have lived with pain my entire sports career"
The Spanish player reflects on his physical and emotional sensations after two years away from professional tennis, leaving impressive headlines with his thoughts.
Rafael Nadal continues to have much to say and stands as an inspiring example for society. His sports career ended two years ago, but his legacy remains eternal and it is always worthwhile to understand his feelings and how he perceives his professional journey some time after hanging up his racket.
Interviews like the one he gave to TheAthletic remind us of how fortunate we were to witness one of the most impressive sports careers of all time, as well as to understand what lies behind that tennis player who thrilled millions of people around the globe. Rafael Nadal is much more than what we have seen over decades on a tennis court, and his new version after retirement has much to offer as well.
Here are the highlights of Rafael Nadal's words in TheAthletic
How he remembers his tennis career and what he feels looking back
"I retired only two years ago, but it already feels like another life since I was playing tennis. I almost forget that I was a tennis player. Life goes on. All those happy moments, the difficult moments, the moments of adrenaline...".
"I feel very fortunate for all I have been able to experience thanks to tennis. I have always felt great support from my family and my team. Reviewing all these photographs reminds me of the moments I lived and the people who were by my side".
"I went through all those difficulties over the years, while achieving success and living extraordinary experiences, but I also went through sad and tough moments. Nonetheless, I have always maintained the same spirit and continued surrounded by the same team".
"My family has always been by my side. I have kept the same friends since I was a child and I have never moved away from the place where I was born, Mallorca. So, in a way, I have lived many things emotionally and sportingly, but my personal life has never changed too much".
The ordeal of injuries
"All the time, I always kept in mind that I could be living my last year on the circuit. I wouldn't say I was afraid, but I knew that possibility existed".
"The only positive thing I've gained from all the injuries is that I could enjoy and appreciate the great moments even more. But I lived my entire tennis career in pain. In my day-to-day life, I suffered too much".
“I retired only two years ago, but it’s already like another life that I was playing tennis.” Spoke to Rafael Nadal about the luxe new coffee table book charting his career. The titles, the fashion choices, the injuries. And what comes next: https://t.co/JAUzlCrDbw
— Charlie Eccleshare (@CDEccleshare) October 23, 2026
"Probably, because of all that, when I had an opportunity I gave it my all. I loved playing tennis. But I don't miss it too much, because I decided to retire at the right time. I had nothing more to give".
"My body was worn out, to be honest. I was playing with too many limitations, so that allowed me to end my career in peace. There are many things more important than tennis or sports. But the adrenaline and that special feeling that sport gives you is something hard to find outside of it. I had a lot of difficulties walking for a month".
His role as a sports fashion icon alongside Federer
"When I see myself in the capri pants and some of those outfits, I think: 'Wow... what horror, right?' (smiles). But, at the same time, back then it was something special and, in a way, I also built my own identity with all that, being a bit different".
"I have always liked to play with colors and I have had a special connection with sportswear and with designs full of energy and color. At the beginning of my career, I could take many more risks than later on".
"Roger dressed in a somewhat more classic way. I was wearing capri pants, tank tops, and bandanas. I was a bit younger than him, and Roger had a more elegant playing style".
Nadal's life after tennis
"I am working on my other projects and being a father to my children. I am also working in the academy, in the foundation, and in all those things. I work a lot more and travel much more than I expected when I retired, and I say that in a good way".
It is touching to see how Rafael Nadal is increasingly opening up about the physical suffering he has had to experience over the years to stay at the elite of world tennis. This is something that elevates his image and conveys powerful messages to young people, applicable in any aspect of life.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Nadal: "He vivido con dolor toda mi carrera deportiva"