How do you want people to remember you? Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have achieved many extraordinary feats in their careers. At one point in their careers, they were the highest major title holders, but then Novak Djokovic came and broke all the records. This is a perfect example of how ‘Records are meant to be broken!’ So numbers can’t be the parameter for people to remember these tennis greats. But what will it be then?

On Wednesday, Rafael Nadal delivered an inspiring speech at the graduation of the Rafael Nadal Academy by Movistar. He touched upon being remembered after he retires, “What is important, then, is that which will always be remembered. Therefore, both Roger and I agree that we would like to be remembered as good people.” He added, “I could tell you to try and be influencers in your surroundings, but I prefer the term leaders. The people around you should see you as someone who should be copied because of their values.” 

His words were preceded by a story about an impactful conversation with his long-time rival and friend, Roger Federer. The Spaniard spoke with fifty-two graduates in his academy about how he and Federer agreed that there is something more important that they want to be remembered for than just their incredible numbers. They want people to know more about them as good people rather than great players.

The conversation came during Nadal’s visit to the Italian Dolomites, where the ‘close friends’ got a chance to speak a little bit about ‘legacy.’ “Both Roger and I agree on something we believe is of the utmost importance. How would we like to be remembered in a few years? How do we want the future generations to think of us? We are both very sure of our answers. It’s great that our achievements, our titles, and our records are recognized, but as the years go by it is probable that someone will arrive and do something better.” 

Both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have now managed to create a ‘legacy’ both on and off the field. Federer has retired, and the other one may soon hang up the racquet, too! But they will always remain a source of inspiration for generations to come beyond tennis as well, just as they hoped.

Rafael Nadal wants people to know him more as a person than just a tennis player

What comes first to your mind when you hear the name Roger Federer? A genius who made tennis look effortless, right? While true, he began his journey as a ball boy in his hometown of Basel. From being a ball boy to becoming a 20-time grand slam champion is an inspirational journey in itself! He recently gave a few life sessions to the fresh graduates at Dartmouth College.

Addressing the graduating students, the Swiss Maestro shared the lesson he learned very early in his career. “Even when I was just starting out, I knew that tennis could show me the world. But tennis could never be the world,” said Federer. Even for his rival and long-time friend, Rafael Nadal, tennis wasn’t just everything!

“At the end, what will make me feel really proud and happy is, when I leave this world, if the tournament directors, the people who work on the tournaments, staff, ATP, say good things about who I was on the tour or who I am as a person more than as a tennis player,” said Nadal. Both players have a special bond, so their thoughts are also somewhat similar! What are your own takeaways from these valuable life lessons?