Rafael Nadal insists that as long as he is happy in tennis he will continue playing the sport he loves.
Nadal has had a decorated career, winning 85 career titles including 19 Grand Slam titles and over $120million in prize money.
The Spaniard has been a pro for 19 years but his passion and commitment levels remain as high as ever.
Now aged 33, there are plenty of miles in Nadal’s legs and he has been hampered by injury in recent years.
But ever since a crisis of confidence in the spring of 2019, Nadal has played some of the best tennis of his career.
In an interview with Dubai Eye 103.8 Sport, before the inauguration of his new academy in Kuwait, Nadal was asked what continues to motivate him despite his many achievements.
And the Spaniard explained that his love for the sport is what keeps him going.
“First of all it is the passion for what you are doing and the love for the game,” he said.
“I personally like playing tennis. I like competitions and I am happy doing what I am doing and that’s why I am excited to keep going.”
“If the day arrives that I am not happy because my body is not able to hold well or because one or another reason, that’s going to be the moment to say goodbye and to find another motivation.”
“But for the moment I am still very happy doing what I am doing now.”
When Nadal does eventually retire, he has plenty of options at his disposal and he revealed he could decide to enter coaching and help develop the next generation of talent.
“I have a tennis academy to run and I think we are doing the right work there I think,” he added.
“We have a new academy in Kuwait and hopefully it will not be the last one.
“We are open to see different options so why not? I am preparing my future to keep being involved in this beautiful sport like tennis and I think I will be around the world of tennis in the future.
“It is an important part of my life so let’s see what goes on. Never say never.”
