The 22-time Grand Slam champion spoke to reporters about his life and feelings after retiring at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in December last year.

Nadal data map

"I'm adjusting to a new chapter in my life." "The last few years of my career were difficult (because of injuries) and that's why I miss [professional tennis] less now. I've actually just retired three months ago, and it's not been a year yet, so I'm not sure how I'm feeling, but I'm doing well at the moment. ”

"I only have a little pain in my body now, but I don't put too much burden on my body anymore." "Now I feel less pain in my body, which is very important for me, and being able to go up and down the stairs normally and live without too much pain is a crucial progress." ”

Asked who is his biggest opponent among the other two over the past 20 years, Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have pushed tennis to new heights, Nadal replied: "It's really hard to choose, my career is very connected to these two people and we have been inspiring each other to be better athletes." It's true that we won the championship by beating each other, but I do say that neither of us would have been where we are if it weren't for the other two. ”

"In every aspect, the three of us are constantly pushing our limits, which can take a toll on us physically, but from a tennis and mental point of view, it takes us to a higher level, and that's why our careers have been very long-lasting, even challenging the careers of generations of players."

(Compiled by Faye Wong, Photo/Visual China)