Laureus World Sport Awards honors Rafael Nadal as a sporting icon

Spanish legend Rafael Nadal reflects on his retirement, saying he feels no regrets after closing a historic tennis career.

Rafa Nadal accepts the Laureus Sporting Icon award on stage during the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 at Galería de Cristal in Madrid, Spain, on April 21, 2025. Photo by Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, revealed on Monday that he doesn't "miss tennis" following his retirement, marking a serene end to a storied career that saw him claim 22 Grand Slam titles. The 38-year-old Spaniard shared his thoughts while receiving the prestigious Sporting Icon award at the Laureus World Sport Awards held in Madrid, where the tennis legend was celebrated not only for his achievements but for the grace with which he left the sport.

Speaking candidly to reporters, Nadal said, "The truth is that I don't miss tennis. Zero. I don't miss it at all." His comments were not laced with bitterness or regret, but rather with clarity and acceptance—a reflection of an athlete who walked away on his own terms, even if his body ultimately made the final call.

Nadal reflects on closing a lifelong chapter

Nadal's retirement came after his final match in the Davis Cup in Malaga last November. Although fans around the world hoped he would return for a final run, particularly at Roland Garros, where he holds an unmatched 14 titles, the physical toll proved insurmountable.

"It’s not because I finished tired of tennis or fighting against tennis, not at all," Nadal said. "I finished my career happy. If I could have, I would have carried on, because I loved what I was doing."

His decision to retire was not abrupt but deliberate. Known for his fighting spirit on court, Nadal revealed that he delayed the final call to ensure he had fully processed the reality of his situation.

"What would have been hard was sitting on my sofa wondering if I should keep trying to play," he admitted. "But when I saw that my body wasn't going to recover to the level I needed to continue enjoying myself on court, then I made the decision to stop."

That decision, he said, brought him peace. "That's why I don't miss it," Nadal added. "Because I finished with the peace of mind of knowing that I'd given it my all, and that my body couldn't give any more."

A career defined by passion and perseverance

For over two decades, Rafael Nadal defined resilience in professional tennis. From his early dominance on clay to his many comebacks from injuries, he consistently displayed the mental fortitude that turned him into a global icon. His farewell marks the end of an era, but his presence continues to resonate across the sport.

Despite his retirement, Nadal remains active in the tennis world, albeit in a different capacity. In Madrid, he celebrated achievements not just of his own but of others, honoring the spirit of sport. He also continues to support tennis through his academy in Mallorca, where he mentors the next generation of players.

Throughout his career, Nadal amassed 22 Grand Slam titles, second only to Novak Djokovic. His battles with Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray captivated audiences and elevated the sport's global profile. Nadal’s 14 French Open titles remain a record unlikely to be matched in the near future.

The physical price of greatness

Nadal’s career was as much a testament to endurance as it was to talent. He endured persistent injuries, particularly to his knees and wrists, often playing through pain in pursuit of excellence. Even as his physical condition worsened in recent years, Nadal defied odds by returning to top-level competition multiple times.

However, the wear and tear eventually outweighed his willpower. His final season was plagued by hip and abdominal issues, which limited his appearances on the ATP Tour. Fans clung to hope for a final farewell at Roland Garros in 2025, but Nadal remained realistic.

"I tried everything," he said. "I fought every time to come back. But there comes a moment when the body tells you, ‘That’s enough.’ And I respected that."

A graceful exit from a brutal sport

The tone of Nadal’s retirement stands in contrast to many athletes who struggle with letting go. In his case, the transition seems smooth, emotionally and mentally. He doesn’t rule out participating in tennis in other roles but is firm about not returning to professional competition.

"It was my passion and that's been the case all my life," he said. "But when you realize that physically you can't do it anymore... you try to close that chapter. And I closed it."

His decision to retire with dignity and without regrets is emblematic of how he played the game—with honesty, humility, and determination. While he no longer competes, Nadal’s legacy lives on, both through his accomplishments and through the impact he continues to make in the world of sport.

What lies ahead for Rafael Nadal

Although Rafael Nadal says he doesn't miss tennis, he remains active off the court. His work through the Rafa Nadal Foundation continues, focusing on education and sports as tools for development among underprivileged youth. He also maintains involvement with the Rafa Nadal Academy, helping to shape future tennis stars.

Nadal has hinted at a desire to spend more time with family and enjoy a slower pace of life. After years of travel, training, and recovery, he now embraces normalcy. As he transitions into this new phase, fans remain grateful for the memories he provided—and the grace with which he departed the sport.

His remarks at the Laureus Awards affirm that he has made peace with his decision, leaving behind a career that inspired millions while setting an example for what it means to exit on one’s own terms.

"I gave everything I had," he said. "And that’s why I walk away with a smile."