“You can never stop pushing yourself. You always need to improve. To always push the limits and improve,” said Rafael Nadal on his life journey in the Players’ Tribune. Being headstrong only gave him the push in the right direction over the years. And now, even after retirement, Rafa wants to take on challenges. Albeit on an unfamiliar surface this time. Regarded as one of the greatest to grace the sport, Rafa – a 22-time Grand Slam winner – has shifted his focus to Padel (an alternate and condensed version of tennis), and it has sparked a wholesome reaction from his arch-rival Novak Djokovic‘s ex-coach.

Ever since hanging up his racket, Nadal has confessed to not playing tennis and enjoying his post-retirement life. However, the former World No. 1 stunned fans by picking up Padel tennis a day ago. On Tuesday, March 4, Rafa engaged in a fun session with former coach Carlos Moya and others at his Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca. The Spaniard later took to Instagram to share a bunch of photos from this session and expressed his delight about playing the sport.

“I had so much fun today! 😃 Who do you think won the match?” he captioned the post. Impressed with how Rafa has maintained a healthy form even in retirement, the German legend Boris Becker instantly acknowledged his social media update and lauded the Spaniard by saying, “Rafa still looking fit !” For those unaware, Becker – who coached Djokovic to six of his 24 Slam crowns from 2014 to 2016 – heaped praises on the Spanish icon’s legacy previously as well after he called time on competitive tennis.

“One of the most iconic sportsman ever, sadly left the game of tennis. You gave us unbelievable moments on the court that will be remembered forever. A deep sense of gratitude from me and anybody that loves the game,” Becker wrote in a heartwarming Instagram post. The ‘King of Clay’ suffered an injury-marred couple of years leading to the 2024 season. Despite returning at the Brisbane International, Nadal faced trouble reigniting his best form after sustaining another injury setback and was, by large, still a shadow of his former self.

Fast-forward to October, the Spaniard announced that he would play the final tournament of his career at the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, an event he triumphed five times. He succumbed to Botic van de Zandschulp in his last match and, despite efforts from his countryman Carlos Alcaraz to keep their title bid alive, Spain lost the rubber to Team Netherlands.

A bittersweet conclusion to his tennis legacy, but regardless, Nadal holds no regrets. The Spanish generational talent seems to be enjoying his life beyond the sport.

Rafael Nadal opens up about adjusting to the ‘new stage of his life’

On February 4, Rafael Nadal stole the spotlight at the 77th Mundo Deportivo Grand Gala at the Palau de Congressos in Barcelona. The 14-time French Open winner accepted the trophy for his decades-long achievements in the sport and later thanked Mundo Deportivo for the award and their undying support throughout his career.

Later, during a conversation with a Spanish publication, Rafa opened up about his post-retirement life and revealed that he not having a hard time coping with a life beyond the court. “I’m fine, perfect, doing a different kind of work, but trying to organise what my life is right now and what my life will be in the future. All changes take time, but personally I’m very well. I’m getting used to a new stage of my life.”

He continued, “The last years of my career were difficult, and that helps me not to miss it so much. I only retired three months ago, not a year ago, so I can’t be completely clear, but at the moment, I’m well.” Thankfully, Nadal has kept himself busy all these months.

The 38-year-old recently made notable strides with his tennis academy expansion after selling a substantial share of his tennis centre holdings in Mallorca. Having announced expanding to Marbella next, Rafa is focusing on bringing world-class coaching spots for budding athletes. But will he ever return to the court tennis, maybe for a riveting exhibition showcase? What do you think?