By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Photo credit: Laureus World Sports Awards Facebook
Rafael Nadal has gracefully concluded his illustrious career, with his final bow coming at the Davis Cup last November.
The incredible 22-time Grand Slam champion continues to accumulate accolades even after his retirement.
The King of Clay was recently bestowed the prestigious Sporting Icon award at the Laureus Sports Awards ceremony held in Madrid on Monday.
This marks Nadal’s fifth Laureus award, a moment that led to a heartfelt Q&A session with the media in Madrid.
In a touching revelation, Nadal expressed that he does not miss the sport, feeling a profound sense of fulfillment from his journey in tennis.
“Honestly, I don’t miss it at all. It’s not that I ended up exhausted or disillusioned with tennis,” Nadal shared. “I concluded my career with happiness and pride. If it were possible, I would have loved to continue. Tennis has brought joy to my life for so long.”
“Acknowledging that I couldn’t play anymore was part of closing this chapter, a decision that took time to feel certain about. What would have been difficult for me is the idea of being at home, on the couch, thinking I could still compete.”
Despite his retirement from the court, Nadal remains deeply involved in the sport by managing his Rafa Nadal Academy in his native Mallorca.
The 38-year-old tennis icon stated that the realization of his body’s limitations made the farewell less heart-wrenching.
“Recognizing that my body could no longer recover to the competitive level I needed allowed me to find peace in my decision to retire,” Nadal explained. “I don’t miss the competition, as I have come to terms with my body’s limitations.”
Though his competitive days are behind him, Nadal still keeps a close watch on the sport he loves—following results and selectively watching matches that pique his interest.
During his final singles bout at the Davis Cup last November, an outpouring of appreciation filled the arena as fans rallied with chants of “Rafa! Rafa!”
Parting ways can indeed be an emotional journey.
As he faced his last opponent, Botic Van de Zandschulp, who won the match 6-4, 6-4, emotions ran high, marking the end of Nadal’s phenomenal career.
Your committed Davis Cup player, who also clinched Olympic gold medals in both singles and doubles for Spain, was questioned about his potential future as a captain, succeeding his close friend David Ferrer.
“It’s hard to predict what lies ahead. I’m passionate about sports, but I must carve out my own path,” Nadal commented. “Having just wrapped up a lengthy career, I must now prepare for what’s next.”
“I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive family and team who have been preparing me for my future endeavors, but I cannot definitively say what might happen in that regard. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of taking on a captaincy role in the future, but it would require the right circumstances, which I currently do not have.”
