Rafael Nadal: “I don’t understand my life without having goals.”
My chat with the Spaniard in Jeddah last weekend📽️📰👇https://t.co/J37fRDetIX
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) December 26, 2024
Rafael Nadal revealed to The National in Jeddah this week that he feels at peace with himself after retiring. Nadal is now excited to enjoy life and spend time with his family and friends. He also underlined the need of setting life objectives at all stages of life.
The Spaniard’s intentions now include promoting tennis in Saudi Arabia as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation. In this job, which he assumed in January, he also intends to open a branch of his Rafa Nadal Academy in the country. As an ambassador, he recently attended the Next Gen ATP Finals at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Rafael Nadal played his final professional match at the Davis Cup last month, following a long struggle with ailments that forced him to retire. After losing against Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands, he bid farewell on home soil. During his retirement speech, he acknowledged that he was not tired of tennis, but his body was. Five weeks after the final match, Nadal stated that he is finally at “peace” with himself.
Rafael Nadal won a record 14 French Open titles during his career, cementing his domination on the surface and earning the nickname ‘The King of Clay’. With 22 Grand Slam victories, Nadal joins Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer as one of the all-time greats.
Rafael Nadal on accepting adversity.
Rafael Nadal has left an indelible mark on tennis history as one of the most formidable warriors and contenders. Perhaps Nadal’s most underappreciated skill was his ability to absorb misfortune and find methods to overcome it. He avoided having strong reactions to both victories and defeats.
Rafael Nadal stated that he accepted all challenges in his tennis career. Accepting his injuries and terrible situations allowed him to endure and recover with determination and desire. He passionately believes in accepting one’s current situation and working toward one’s future self.
At the end of the day, Rafael Nadal believes that certain circumstances are beyond one’s control. One can be sad or angry, yet life will go on. Nadal stated that life is all about striving to be happy and embracing what one has in every moment.
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