Rafael Nadal says he ‘almost never’ plays tennis after retirement
· Yahoo Sports
Rafael Nadal has revealed that he “almost never” plays tennis since retiring, speaking as Netflix releases its four-part docuseries “Rafa”.
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The 40-year-old called time on his career in 2024 after 23 years on tour, having won 22 Grand Slam singles titles and a record 14 French Open crowns.
His latest comments are not those of someone who fell out of love with the game. Instead, they sound like a player who simply reached the limit of what his body could take.
Nadal says it was his body, not the sport, that forced him out
Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images for Netflix © 2024When asked how often he plays these days, Nadal gave Reuters a simple answer: “Almost never.”
It might seem surprising given how much his career was built on routine, repetition and relentless drive. But his explanation was clear.
“I was not tired about tennis in general; I was just tired about my body,” he said. “I really loved what I was doing.”
That distinction matters. Nadal did not retire because he had lost interest or grown weary of the tour.
He stepped away because of the physical demands, something that became more evident in his later years as his body continued to shape the end of his career.
His comments put his distance from the game into better context. He has put the racket down, but not because the sport lost its meaning.
Netflix series lands as Nadal moves on
The timing of Netflix’s four-part series “Rafa”, produced by Skydance Sports, feels fitting.
The series looks back on the highs, lows and behind-the-scenes moments of Nadal’s remarkable career.
Nadal said he had turned down similar projects before, but changed his mind after a conversation with David Ellison.
By then, his place in history was already secure. Nadal won 22 Grand Slam titles, including his unmatched run of 14 at Roland Garros.
That is why his words carry so much weight. Nadal is not hinting at a comeback or trying to maintain the image of a champion still grinding away in private.
Asked if he could follow Serena Williams back into competition, he replied: “I don’t think so, but it’s great that she’s coming back.”
There is no drama in that answer, just a retired athlete who sounds comfortable with where he is.
And while he rarely plays now, the Netflix series is a reminder of just how much his body gave to the sport.
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