Rafael Nadal has made limited public appearances since entering retirement last November. The 22-time Grand Slam champion said farewell to professional tennis at the Davis Cup Finals, after spending the better part of two years battling injuries. And the physical woes continued after he ended his career, as he “couldn’t walk for a month”, according to Andy Roddick.
The former No. 1 is now enjoying his status as a retired player – he picked up the Laureus Sporting Icon Award on Monday and is set to be honoured with a ceremony at the French Open next month. But he initially wasn’t ready to embrace the retirement tributes and has opened up on his decision to “isolate himself emotionally”.
Nadal will return to the most successful site of his career, Stade Roland Garros, in a few weeks. But this time, he won’t be playing and will instead receive a ceremony on the main Philippe-Chatrier court on day one of the tournament.
It’s the first time French Open organisers have been able to honour their 14-time champion. Last year, tournament director Amelie Mauresmo had everything ready for a Nadal tribute but had to cancel plans when the man himself said he didn’t want anything.
Nadal entered the main draw in 2024, losing his opening match to fourth seed Alexander Zverev. At the time, the Spaniard had yet to settle on any retirement plans, and he has now explained why it was so uncomfortable to discuss ceremonies before he made up his mind.
“Now it’s different. Back then, I hadn’t made my decision yet,” the 22-time Major winner told the Telegraph.
“It [was] a difficult time emotionally, trying to manage everything you feel, while also trying to give back to the fans all the love and support they give you.
“But at the same time, you have to find a way to isolate yourself emotionally, so you’re not carried away by the moment. I wanted to be absolutely sure that, when I retired, it was the right move.
“I would have hated being at home today thinking I should be out there playing tennis. And today, I’m completely at peace with it. I know I gave everything I had until the very end.”
While Nadal may be at peace with his retirement, he still feels the effects of his years on the tour. The Spaniard struggled with injuries throughout his career, most notably in his foot.
And, according to fellow retired champion Roddick, he “couldn’t really walk for about a month” after saying goodbye at the Davis Cup Finals.
Now, Nadal has no desire to get back on a match court anytime soon. The 38-year-old says he has yet to find the “personal motivation” to play, though he knows he could in the future.
But he hasn’t shied away from tennis completely. Nadal appeared at the Next Gen ATP Finals in December as part of his role as the Saudi Tennis Ambassador.
As well as his planned French Open presentation, Nadal also remains involved in his Mallorcan tennis academy, and is set to open new training centres around the world.