‘I don’t miss Tennis,’ admits Rafael Nadal after retirement

Rafael Nadal, the Spanish tennis legend with 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 French Open crowns, has admitted that he doesn’t miss tennis after his retirement in November 2024.

Speaking candidly at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards, Nadal reflected on his career and what lies ahead.

At 38, Nadal’s retirement followed a distinguished yet injury-plagued career. The decision came after his final match at the Davis Cup, which marked the conclusion of an era for the tennis icon.

When asked about his feelings toward the sport post-retirement, Nadal revealed, “The truth is that I don’t miss tennis. Zero. I don’t miss it at all.”

However, he clarified that this wasn’t due to a dislike for the game. “I finished my career happy, and if I could have, I would have carried on because I loved what I was doing.”

Despite his passion for the game, Nadal faced repeated physical challenges throughout his career. “When you realize that physically you can’t do it anymore, you try to close that chapter. And I’ve closed it,” he said, expressing contentment with his decision to retire.

Although Nadal is looking ahead to life beyond the court, he did not entirely rule out a return to tennis in a different capacity. He hinted at a future role as a leader within the sport, potentially as the captain of Spain’s Davis Cup team.

“I’m passionate about the sport, but you have to chart your own course,” he explained.

“There’s no immediate plan,” Nadal continued. “I recently completed a long journey, and now I need to prepare for what’s next. My family and team have helped me look ahead to the future, but I don’t know what will happen.”

Nadal added that, while he could consider the captaincy in the future, the right circumstances have yet to align.

“Of course, I could be a candidate for captaincy, but the right circumstances don’t currently exist. I’m not saying no — not at all — but I’m looking more towards a few years down the line.”

As Nadal transitions into the next chapter of his life, his fans and the tennis world await what new roles the legendary Spaniard might take on.