‘It Hurts Me to Watch It’: Nadal Opens Up About the Point That Still Haunts Him vs. Djokovic
Known for being very reserved, Rafael Nadal has always been discreet about the behind-the-scenes of his personal life.
But on the occasion of the release of the documentary series « Rafa », produced by Netflix, the Spaniard agreed to reveal another facet of his journey.
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Invited on the podcast « Doc Talk », Nadal spoke sincerely about the key moments of his career and his relationships with his greatest rivals.
« I never gave up on having a normal life »
The former world number one explained why he chose to open the doors of his private life.
« It was now or never. We could always make another documentary to look back on my career, but showing my daily life was a unique opportunity.
I made mistakes, like everyone else, but I never gave up on having a normal life: going home, keeping my lifelong friends, and staying close to my family.
Ego is one of the greatest flaws of human beings, and in sports, it can cause many problems. I always understood that real life was much more important than sports life. »
« It hurts me to watch the passing shot against Djokovic in the Australian Open final »
Among the most striking memories Nadal discussed is his Australian Open final against Novak Djokovic: a victory for the Serbian (5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5 after 5h53 of play).
One specific point remains painful for the Spaniard to rewatch: a down-the-line passing shot at two sets all, 4-2 and 30-15 in Nadal’s favor, which would have almost sealed the outcome of the match.
The Mallorcan thought he had caught the line, but Hawk-Eye decided otherwise.
« That passing shot against Djokovic in the Australian Open final, for example, I watched it again recently and I told myself: “It hurts me to watch it.”
It was a relatively simple shot, and it almost meant winning the tournament.
But that period of my life is over, and it really is. I have wonderful memories, but I no longer think like a tennis player.
When I watch videos or photos displayed at the academy museum, it brings me a lot of emotion, but it is now a closed chapter.
Now that my career is over, when I see Federer or Djokovic, I am happy to see them. I regularly talk to Roger on the phone.
I still watch matches and certain tournament moments. I rarely watch an entire match, unless it really interests me. »
« I felt that my career was already over, but my head didn’t accept it »
Between 2021 and 2023, Nadal won three of his four last Grand Slam titles. But the end of his career was marked by a series of injuries that sometimes made him doubt the return to competition.
« There were moments when I felt like my career was already over, but my head didn’t accept it. It was like a fight between my mind and my body.
My mind wanted to continue, but my body was sending me signals that it could no longer follow. It was a very difficult time because I love this sport more than anything. »
The 14-time Roland-Garros winner also revealed that the hardest part was not the physical pain, but the mental acceptance of his limits.
« Every time I got injured, I told myself that I could come back. But deep down, I knew that the end was approaching. The hardest thing was to recognize that I could no longer compete at the level I demanded of myself.
I didn’t want to tarnish my image or my legacy by continuing to play when I wasn’t at my best. I preferred to stop while I was still capable of fighting for the biggest titles. »
« Roger Federer is one of the few people who really understood my decision »
Nadal also spoke about his relationship with Roger Federer, with whom he shared some of the most memorable moments in tennis history.
« Roger is one of the few people who really understood my decision to retire. We experienced so many things together, on and off the court, that our bond goes beyond simple rivalry.
We spoke after I announced my retirement, and he told me that he was proud of me. That touched me a lot, because he knows better than anyone what it costs to reach the highest level and when to stop.
With Novak, the relationship is different, but equally respectful. We pushed each other to become better, and I think we all acknowledge that. »
The Majorcan also admitted that he sometimes misses the adrenaline of competition, but he is now fully enjoying his new life.
« I miss the intensity of the big matches, but I don’t miss the pressure and constant sacrifices. Today, I can enjoy simple things: spending time with my family, playing golf, or just doing nothing.
I have no regrets. My career was more than I ever dreamed of. Now it’s time to write a new chapter. »
The documentary series « Rafa » is available on Netflix starting March 1, offering an intimate insight into the life of a champion who always remained true to his values.
