Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal recently shared his thoughts on his impending retirement and his mindset regarding the race for the most Grand Slam titles, a record currently held by his long-time rival Novak Djokovic. Nadal, who previously announced that the Davis Cup would mark his final professional tournament, revealed in an interview with as.com that he is at peace with his decision to retire, although he would like to end his career with more Grand Slam titles by Djokovic, who holds 24.
Nadal, who has 22 Grand Slam titles, expressed that while surpassing Djokovic was once a goal, he is ultimately satisfied with the career he has had. After years of battling injuries, including a serious hip flexor injury at the 2023 Australian Open where he was defending champion, Nadal had to reassess his priorities.
“You get to the end of your career and to be honest, I’m not even happier than Federer that I have 22 (Grand Slam titles) and he has 20. And I don’t think I’d be any happier or happier if I was 25, one more than (Djokovic’s) 24. I say this from the heart,” Nadal said.
“Of course, without a doubt I’d like to be 25 because that’s the sport, trying to be the best. But when it’s over you appreciate everything that was, not whether it was little I think you appreciate that in the end you were able to give your best, to live, to make one of your childhood hobbies very important part of his life,” added Nadal.
Nadal made a brief return to competitive tennis earlier this year at an ATP event in Brisbane, Australia, but his limited appearances due to ongoing injury concerns ultimately influenced his decision to retire from the game. Despite the challenges of his later years, Nadal’s career remains remarkable, with his 22 Grand Slam titles cementing his status as one of the greatest players in tennis history.
The Big Three of tennis – Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic – have long been famous for their fierce rivalry on the court and mutual respect off it. With Federer retiring in 2022 with 20 Grand Slam titles, many expected the rivalry between Nadal and Djokovic to intensify. However, Nadal’s injuries have limited his involvement, allowing Djokovic to pull ahead and claim his 24th Grand Slam at the 2023 Australian Open.
As Nadal prepares for his final tournament, his legacy as a tennis icon spanning more than 23 years remains intact, despite not finishing with the most Grand Slam titles.
