Rafael Nadal Reveals the Real Reason for His On-Court Rituals: ‘I Needed Them to Stay in Control
Rafael Nadal is back in the spotlight since the release of his documentary Rafa, recently streamed on Netflix.
The former world No. 1 looks back on the highlights of his career, his legendary duels against Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, but also on one of the most iconic aspects of his personality on the court: his many rituals, which over the years became his trademark.
Nadal explains the origin of his famous habits
In the documentary, the Spaniard candidly discusses these habits that have accompanied him throughout his career, even revealing that he tried to get rid of them several times.
“Tennis is a sport that generates a lot of pressure and stress. You feel nervous. Throughout my career, my routine helped me manage that.
Generally, I started by adjusting my shorts, then I always made the same gestures on my face. During games, I was careful not to step on the lines.
On clay, I also swept the lines at the start of each of my service games. And on break points.
It was my way of getting into my bubble. When I followed this routine, I felt like I was in control.
There were times when I tried to stop, because when I saw myself on television, I didn’t necessarily like seeing myself do all those things. But I never succeeded. I needed them. Those habits reassured me.”
