Rafael Nadal‘s retirement has turned the tides skyrocketing the price of tournament tickets. Reason? One last chance to see the legend live on the court. While the fraternity is deeply sad about Nadal’s retirement, people probably likely anticipated the arrival of this day. Burdened by the injuries, Nadal’s achievement could have been more than what it is now. His uncle Tony Nadal delved deeper into it showing why Nadal could have retired before.

Nadal’s uncle had an interesting revelation about his legendary nephew’s professional career. It has been a few days since the Spaniard announced his retirement, announcing his last performance at the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga. This news saddened the fraternity, bringing much discussion about Nadal’s achievements. The Mallorcan talent received his first lessons in the sport from Tony Nadal. He was Nadal’s coach until 2017. Their partnership helped the Spaniard win 14 Grand Slam titles with the ATP number one position. Given his experience with the ATP star, Tony Nadal delved deeper into Rafa’s retirement.

“Rafael got used to playing with pain, but I told his father that if we had retired every time he had problems he could have taken away five or six Grand Slam titles. Since 2005, he has been practically incapable of finishing a training session, incapable of playing a Grand Slam match without taking painkillers,” Tony Nadal said in an interview with the Spanish media publication Marca. Tony Nadal referred to the player’s 2025 season, which he spent mostly off-court because of a stress fracture on the Spaniard’s left foot. Nadal’s uncle added how dealing with pain over the years helped him with a strong mindset. However, previously he couldn’t return to his form but now it is hardly possible.

“The problem he had is that he got used to playing with pain and saw that most of the time he came out stronger. He thought that this time it would be the same and what happened is that now after the knee, it came to the hip…” Tony Nadal concluded. In 2017, Nadal admitted injuring his left wrist harrowingly in 2016, missing several tournaments including the French Open and the Wimbledon. Next year, he returned and clinched the title in the Roland Garros. However, he couldn’t survive his hip problems. After revealing it, the Mallorcan legend went through surgeries and spent most of the 2024 season in withdrawal too. Tony Nadal’s statement highlighted these injuries as a lingering problem that pushed Rafa toward retirement.

The former ATP number one spoke about his difficulties with his form lately. He withdrew from the 2024 Laver Cup citing issues that restricted him from playing to the full of his abilities. However, the Spaniard’s retirement message conveyed his satisfaction with his career so far. Nevertheless, Nadal’s uncle dropped a gratitude message to his old peer and nephew, congratulating him on a distinguished career.

Tony Nadal has been a crucial part of Rafa’s career. During his retirement speech, he revealed how special his uncle has been in his career.

Rafael Nadal offered a special tribute to Tony Nadal

Rafa’s retirement speech a large space was dedicated to his team. Then, how could he ever forget his life’s first coach? Nadal offered a magnificent tribute to his uncle and said, “My uncle, who is the reason I started playing tennis. I believe that thanks to him, I have also been able to overcome many situations that have been difficult in my sporting career. And to my father, who I believe has been a source of inspiration for me in every sense of the word. I think he has been an example of effort, of overcoming. Many, many thanks to my father in a very, very special way,” Nadal said. The 38-year-old legend’s words echoed his heartwarming thanks to his uncle for introducing him to the sport that brought him global fame.

Rafael Nadal’s retirement has brought a cloud of sadness to the community. Remembering that all good things come to an end, the fraternity wishes Rafa the best for his future endeavors.