In an extensive interview, Nadal discusses his injuries, regrets, and the nature of competition with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Rafael Nadal has firmly stated that he has never been obsessed with surpassing Novak Djokovic in their storied rivalry for Grand Slam titles. As the Spanish tennis legend approaches retirement after the upcoming Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, he took time to reflect on his illustrious career, which has seen him secure an impressive 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 at the French Open.

In an insightful interview with AS, Nadal addressed questions about whether he regretted missing out on potential tournament wins due to the injuries that plagued the latter part of his career. “In the end, it is obvious that I have missed out more than all my rivals, in terms of chances of winning Grand Slams, but the reality is that this has happened to me,” he acknowledged. Despite this, Nadal expressed a contentment that transcends the numbers on his trophy shelf.

“I am never one to think ‘if I had done it’ or ‘if I hadn’t had’ (those injuries). It has been like this and, with it, I have had a career that I would never have imagined, and I am more than happy.”

Recently, he had a conversation with fellow tennis great Roger Federer and rising star Carlos Alcaraz, reflecting on their shared experiences and ambitions. Nadal conveyed the intrinsic motivation that drives athletes: “You want to be the best when you are in competition because it is the nature of sport. I have wanted to be the best or at least I have wanted to try to be the best.”

However, he was quick to clarify that this ambition has never crossed into obsession. “My desire has always been a personal challenge, of wanting to be the best due to my own motivation and improvement,” he explained. Nadal believes in maintaining a “good and big ambition, but at the same time healthy.”

As he nears the end of his career, Nadal reflected on how he feels about the Grand Slam counts—his 22 titles compared to Federer’s 20. “Honestly, I’m not even the slightest bit more satisfied than Federer for having 22 and he 20. And I don’t think I’d be any more satisfied or happy if I were 25, one more than (Djokovic’s) 24. I say this from the heart.”

While Nadal naturally harbours the desire to win—”Of course I’d like to be 25, without a doubt, because that’s what sport is about, trying to be the best”—he emphasised that the value of his career lies not solely in the number of titles. “When it’s over, you value what it’s been all together, not whether it’s been a little bit more.”

He expressed gratitude for the journey he has taken in tennis. “I think you value that in the end, you’ve managed to give your best, live, and make one of your childhood hobbies a very important part of your life. And, on top of that, successfully. I feel very lucky, beyond the injuries.”

Nadal’s reflections offer a poignant insight into the mindset of one of the sport’s all-time greats, revealing a balance between ambition and appreciation. As he prepares to bid farewell to professional tennis, his legacy will undoubtedly be shaped not just by the titles won but by the joy and passion he brought to the game.