By Jose Oby 
Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, has boldly declared that he has no regrets or lingering attachment to professional tennis following his retirement — a statement that surprised fans and pundits alike.
Speaking in Madrid after receiving the Sporting Icon Award at the 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards, the 38-year-old icon revealed he has fully embraced life beyond the court.
“The truth is that I don’t miss tennis. Zero. I don’t miss it at all,” Nadal said, exuding calm resolve.
Nadal, who officially retired after his final appearance at the Davis Cup in Malaga last November, clarified that his decision wasn’t born out of bitterness or burnout.
“It’s not because I was tired of tennis or at odds with the sport. Quite the opposite. If my body had allowed it, I would have continued. I loved what I was doing. Tennis was my passion,” he added.
Plagued by injuries throughout his career, the former world No. 1 said he waited to make the final call on retirement until he was sure there was no path forward physically.
“What would have been unbearable was wondering if I quit too soon. But once I saw that my body couldn’t recover to the level required to keep competing and enjoying myself, the decision became clear,” Nadal explained.
The tennis great concluded by emphasizing the serenity that comes with knowing he gave everything to the sport:
“That’s why I don’t miss it — because I walked away with peace of mind, knowing I left it all on the court.”
Nadal, who owns an unparalleled 14 French Open titles among his Grand Slam haul, remains one of the sport’s most beloved figures — and now a Sporting Icon in more ways than one.