Rafael Nadal received the Leyenda 2025 Award at a gala organized by the Spanish newspaper AS and in that context, he offered a deep, introspective, multi-title interview. Just over a year after his retirement, the most successful Iberian tennis player in the history of Roland Garros He left insightful definitions about his present, his connection to the sport and especially his view of the main characters of the circuit Carlos Alcaraz And Jannik Sinnerthe two big contenders today.
The conversation took place in a suite at the Palace Hotel in Madrid, the scene of the tribute that introduced him, but the conversation soon transcended the formal event. “I’m currently trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.“, confessed Nadal, who at 39 years old is experiencing a life further removed from the strict routines of peak performance, but is still linked to tennis through his academy, where he trains young talents and occasionally takes part in sparring events. However, he made it clear that he does not live in the past.”The stage is well sealed; I don’t think I’m a tennis player“, he explained.
The most interesting focus of the interview was the analysis of the present of men’s tennis. “When I watch tennis, which wasn’t the case often, just a few matches that I wanted, I enjoy it as a spectator, although as a tennis player I inevitably analyze a little. It’s impossible not to do that,” he comments. “Just like when I played: sometimes I liked my rivals’ tennis, sometimes less.” I saw some games, some I didn’t like, some I liked… Like everything: there is a time for everything.”
When asked about his compatriot Alcaraz and the Italian sinner, Nadal avoided direct comparisons with his own style, but drew very clear profiles of both: “Carlos is more of a coincidence: makes more mistakes, makes more spectacular points, sometimes it doesn’t have such a defined pattern. This makes it unpredictable and entertaining for the viewer.. Jannik, on the other hand, is more methodical, more focused and has a clear patternand it gradually adds things. That’s why it’s so solid.
In this analysis, Nadal also questioned a certain perception towards Alcaraz. “Sometimes it seems that Carlos is more inconsistent, but if you look at the results he has had an incredibly consistent year in all the major tournaments. That’s why I have to laugh when I hear that it’s scattered: the results say the opposite.“, he explained.
Regarding his own present, Nadal admitted that he feels neither nostalgia nor the need to compete. Although he played for fun with players from his academy, he assured that his physique and head are no longer prepared for a return. “I’ve never been one of those people who thought, “If I could…” The stage is closed, buddy“, he said with a laugh to his former coach and current friend Marc López. In any case, he didn’t rule out the possibility of getting back into the racket as an exception, as long as the project makes sense and is fun, such as a possible exhibition with a Swiss friend. Roger Federer.
Away from the racetrack, Nadal dedicates his mornings to work meetings and usually reserves his afternoons for his family. The tennis player’s strict routine gave way to a life “rather coincidental“, as he defines himself. In this new phase, the former world number one is exploring the business world, is involved in education and tourism projects and has maintained a connection to sport since his training.
The conversation also featured memorable passages about his career, with references to the strategies he used against his great rivals. Before Federer, he explained that he insisted that the high backhand led to mental exhaustion: “Many times he would see the shot go the other way, but he knew repeating it the other way would tire him.“. Against Novak DjokovicHowever, the procedure varied depending on the surface. He admitted that in recent years he had found it difficult to maintain the physical intensity to endure long rallies with the Serb, especially on hard surfaces.
About a possible role as captain of Davis Cup or des Laver CupNadal was cautious. “It is very premature to think about it. I respect life and adaptation processes. Now it doesn’t apply“He indicated. Although he does not rule it out in the future, at the moment he is not ready to travel continuously again, a condition that comes with the position of coach or captain.
He also spoke personally about his role as a father of two children. He described himself as a “normal” father with no special expectations and expressed his desire to raise them with values and consistency. “I’m having a great time with the three-year-old. I’m trying to be one of those people who recognizes when kids are doing things right or wrong, without thinking that they’re doing everything right just because they’re yours.”
Finally, Nadal was asked about political questions in unusual territory. Without intending to get actively involved, he called for more calm in the public debate. “It would be good to return to rationality, not insulting each other and thinking about the common good” he claimed. And he concluded wryly: “When they call you a legend… you start to be very fucked.”
Rafael Nadal once again leaves behind a lesson in maturity, balance and common sense. He no longer seeks titles, but remains an influential voice in the sport that made him one of the greatest of all time. While Alcaraz and Sinner usher in a new era, the Mallorcan offers a clear and constructive look at the present and future of tennis.
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