Nadal 'doesn't miss tennis' after retirement
Spain's Rafael Nadal hits a return against Austria's Dominic Thiem during their men's singles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 2, 2024. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)
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Rafael Nadal said on Sunday he "doesn't miss tennis
much" after retiring from the sport last year as a 22-time Grand Slam
champion.
Roland Garros held an emotional tribute to the 14-time
French Open winner's career on the opening day of the tournament, six months
after Nadal played his final match.
"I don't miss tennis much, because I feel that I gave
it all that I had," Nadal told reporters.
"I arrived today with the peace that I can't be on
court. My body don't allow me to be on court. So that's all. I am in peace.
"I did all that I could to have the best career
possible, and now I am enjoying this new phase of my life, that I am sure is
going to be less exciting than the tennis career, because the adrenaline that
sports gives to you, I think it's impossible to find in other things in life.
The 38-year-old said he has not played at all since ending
his illustrious career last November, instead focusing on his tennis academy,
charitable foundation and business interests.
"I didn't touch a racquet yet after my retirement. So
it's (six) months without being on a tennis court," he added.
"But I will. I will be back at some point, because at
some point I will prepare myself to play an exhibition or something like
this."
Nadal said he even briefly lost his famous competitive edge
after retiring, including on the golf course.
"I don't know why. But I was playing golf or anything
else, and I didn't care if I lose, if I win, if I play well, if I play bad. It
was a strange feeling for me, and not funny.
"I didn't like to experience that, being honest,
because I understand the sport in another way. But that's past. I am
competitive again."


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