Nadal on receiving the Laureus Award honestly about retirement: tennis i don’t miss

Rafael Nadalone of the biggest icons of world tennis, when he received the prestigious Laureus Award for a sports icon in Madrid, he surprised with sincere statements about life after his career. Although he was visibly moved at a solemn tribute, the 38-year-old Spaniard told the media that he did not miss tennis playing and regrets the retirement decision he made last year when he realized that his body simply could no longer have top effort.

At the 25th Laureus Sports Awards, held at the Madrid Palace of Cibeles, he was one of the highlights of the Nadalu Award. He became only the second athlete in history and the first tennis player to receive a special award Laureus Sporting Icon Award.

After playing a moving video with the highlights of his career and praise of the Oscar Morgan Freeman Nadal stepped on stage. « I didn’t get ready for this amazing moment, » he said in a thank you speech, adding: « I thank the Laures Academy … and the world of tennis for all that he gave me in these unforgettable years. »

Later, in an interview with journalists, he made a statement that surprised many. “The truth is that I don’t miss tennis. Nothing. I don’t miss him at all, « his words, according to a Polish news agency Papsummarized the French newspaper Only Parisien.

Retirement because of the body, not tired

The winner of the 22 grand slam tournaments, including the record 14 titles in the Paris sand, explained that the reason for the end of his career was not a tired or lack of passion for sports. « No, I ended my career happy and if I could, I would have continued, because I loved what I was doing, it was my passion, and so it was my life, » emphasized the « sand king. » The decision was due to the knowledge of physical restrictions: « It is easy when you find that you can physically no longer can … try to close this chapter and I succeeded. »

He explained that the decision to end career in 2024 was thoughtful. « I thought about the final decision for a long time, because it took time to make sure it was right … When I saw that my body would not recover and return to the level I need to continue to enjoy playing on the field, I decided to end my career. »

He won a record 14 titles in the Paris sand. Photo: Yves Herman/Reuters

Nevertheless, it remains related to tennis. He confirmed that he was still « monitoring tennis » and regularly checking the results, « as always. » The sports council will continue to be worshiped – the organizers of this year’s France Open in Paris (Roland Garros) have already announced that Nadal will show a special honor at the end of the first day of the tournament.