Rafael Nadal has revealed he is “happy” in retirement after admitting the last few years were “difficult”, speaking at the Mundo Deportivos 77th annual Grand Gala where he collected the Extraordinary Trophy.
The 38-year-old tennis legend made a rare public appearance at Monday’s awards ceremony, three months after ending his illustrious career at the Davis Cup.
“Since I retired a few months ago, I’ve been a little out of this world for a while,” Nadal told attendees at the gala.
“I’m happy. I feel happy to share this day with all of you, at this Gala surrounded by athletes.”
Rafa Nadal admitted he is happy in retirement after a difficult last few years in tennis
The former world No. 1 admitted the transition to retirement has been smooth, particularly given the challenges he faced in his final years on tour.
“On a personal level I am happy and on the other hand, I am trying to adapt to what is a new facet of my life that, for the moment, I am coping very well,” Nadal said.
“At the moment I do not miss the day to day, I am fine as I am. In the end, the last few years were difficult, that also helps me not to miss it so much.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion spent much of his final two years sidelined by injuries before retiring last November.
While adjusting to retirement, Nadal has seen significant financial success through his business ventures.
The Spaniard bolstered his wealth by £78 million in 2023 after selling 44.9 per cent of his Mallorcan tennis academy through his holding company Aspemir.
The deal with GPF Capital represented a dramatic 373 per cent rise in revenue compared to the previous year.
This substantial income boost adds to Nadal’s already impressive career earnings, which include £103 million in tournament prize money and an estimated total net worth of around £175 million.
Rafa Nadal was dogged by injuries in the latter stages of his career
PA
Despite selling a significant portion of his academy, Nadal maintains a controlling 55.1 per cent stake in the facility.
The Centre Sportiu Manacor offers comprehensive training programmes and accommodation for aspiring tennis stars.
The academy has expanded beyond tennis, providing various services in health and hospitality sectors.
The facility includes a private clinic and houses a museum showcasing memorabilia from Nadal’s decorated career.
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Perhaps most importantly for the tennis legend, retirement has brought welcome relief from the physical challenges that marked his final playing days.
“Now I’m in very little pain, I’m not really pushing myself too hard,” Nadal revealed at the gala.
The improvement in his daily life has been particularly meaningful for the former champion.
“In the end, getting up and going down the stairs normally is a very important step forward for me in my daily life, being able to live with the peace of mind of not having much pain,” he said.