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By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Picture credit score: Laureus World Sports activities Awards Fb
Rafael Nadal closed the curtain on his sensible profession at Davis Cup final November.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion continues to earn honors.
King of Clay Nadal was honored with the Sporting Icon award on the Laureus Sports activities Awards in Madrid on Monday.
It’s the fifth Laureus award for Nadal, who met the media in Madrid for a Q&A.
Nadal shared he doesn’t miss tennis—as a result of he feels fulfilled by what he achieved within the sport.
“I do not miss it, to be trustworthy, I miss it zero,” Nadal informed the media in Madrid. “Not as a result of I ended up drained or combating with tennis, in no way.
“I ended up completely happy and if I might I’d have continued enjoying, tennis has made me completely happy all my life.
“While you notice you can’t, you attempt to shut the stage, and I’ve closed it. It took me so long as it took as a result of I wanted time to be satisfied that the choice I used to be making was proper. What I’d have taken very badly is the thought of me being on the couch at residence considering that I may very well be there enjoying.”
After all, Nadal stays concerned within the sport day by day operating his Rafa Nadal Academy in his native Mallorca.
The 38-year-old Spanish famous person stated understanding his physique might not compete at an elite stage made parting much less painful.
“Once I noticed that my physique was not going to get well to the extent I wanted to proceed having fun with the way in which I must, I made the choice to cease,” Nadal stated. “I do not miss it as a result of I ended up with the peace of thoughts that my physique could not take it anymore.
“I comply with tennis, I do not watch numerous matches, however I watch those that curiosity me and I comply with the outcomes as a result of I am keen about sport.”
In a stirring salute, followers stood and chanted “Rafa! Rafa!” throughout Nadal’s remaining singles match at Davis Cup final November.
Parting could be poignant.
Feelings erupted all through as Botic Van de Zandschulp defeated Nadal 6-4, 6-4 in what was the ultimate singles match of his wonderful profession.
A loyal Davis Cup participant, who additionally gained Olympic gold medals in singles and doubles for Spain, Nadal was requested if he’d sometime wish to succeed buddy David Ferrer as Spanish captain.
“I do not know, this cannot be predicted. I am keen about sports activities, however it’s a must to mark your method ahead,” Nadal stated. “I’ve just lately completed a protracted street, and I’ve to organize for what’s coming.
“I’ve had a household and a staff which have ready what I appreciated for the long run, and I do not know what can occur with this type of factor.
“Clearly I is usually a candidate to be captain, however there need to be circumstances that I haven’t got right now. I am not saying no, in no way, however at all times having our sights set in a couple of years.”
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