More than eight months have passed since Rafa Nadal played his last match on the ATP Tour circuit. The Spanish tennis legend underwent surgery last June on the iliac psoas in his left leg and has remained focused on his recovery since then.
Far from talking about retirement, the Spanish tennis champion is more eager than ever to compete again. However, he has been able to take advantage of these months to be close to his loved ones, especially his wife, Mery Perelló, and his little one, Rafa Jr., who came into the world after a complicated pregnancy and birth in October 2022. A while where they have been retired and even "hidden" as far as possible where no one could find them: on the high seas.
The athlete has given his first interview to journalist Juanma Castaño on Movistar Plus, and in addition to sports, he has talked about how he has spent these months, focusing on his family life. Among other things, he has revealed that undergoing surgery was the push he needed to see things differently in his life.
"I have been with my family and I have enjoyed this time. I have been on vacation away from home. I have recently returned to work. I needed to disconnect," says the tennis player, who has also revealed that he has spent no less than five weeks sailing with his family.
The tennis player is the owner of the 80 Sunreef Power Great White, one of the most luxurious yachts in the world and valued at nearly 6 million euros; and he decided to disconnect with his family enjoying another of his great passions: the sea.
"It has always been my escape route, time runs at a different pace," says the tennis player, who when his busy schedule allows it, he does not hesitate to go sailing. "I have always looked for the sea to disconnect, but before it had been a few days, but this time five weeks. But my family and I have been fine," he declared.
The winner of 22 Grand Slam titles sparked all kinds of rumors and even caused talk of his retirement. However, Nadal is focused on living day to day, only thinking about his recovery.
"I have no plan, but I do have an illusion, I would like to return and be competitive. But the illusion is not to win the Grand Slam, that is a little far away for me," says the man from Mallorca, who claims to be aware of the inconveniences that now arise. lays out the path, after all this time. "I am aware of the difficulties I have. One is age, which is insurmountable, another is physical problems that do not allow me to train at 100%... That makes it difficult to expect certain things."
