Rafael Nadal on Retirement, Rivalries and the Future of Tennis 6/25/26

Rafael Nadal reflects on his Netflix documentary, early training in Mallorca, rivalry with Roger Federer, retirement, injuries and what comes next after one of tennis’s greatest careers. He also shares why Novak Djokovic’s numbers define the GOAT debate and what Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner would need to achieve to enter that conversation.  Then, Alex speaks with CNBC’s Michael Ozanian about his upcoming Empires Valuations list.   Episode Notes Rafael Nadal joins Alex Sherman for a wide-ranging conversation about his life, career, retirement and the new documentary chronicling his final chapter in professional tennis. The 22-time Grand Slam champion and 14-time French Open winner opens up about why he finally agreed to let cameras into his life, how his family and team adjusted to the documentary process, and why watching a film about himself is such a difficult experience.  The conversation explores Nadal’s earliest days in Manacor, Mallorca, where his uncle Toni Nadal began coaching him as a child. Nadal explains how natural ability, hard work, family support and the right environment all shaped his path, while emphasizing that he always loved tennis, even through the most physically challenging periods of his career. Nadal also reflects on the contrast between his on-court intensity and his off-court personality, his famous routines and rituals, and the mental focus required to compete at the highest level. He discusses his legendary rivalry with Roger Federer, why their opposing styles made the matchup so special, and why he believes Novak Djokovic’s record makes him the greatest tennis player of all time by the numbers. The episode also covers Nadal’s retirement, the hip injury that ultimately ended his playing career, and why he feels confident there was nothing left in the tank. Looking ahead, Nadal shares his focus on expanding the Rafa Nadal Academy, growing his foundation, spending time on business projects, and why full-time coaching is not currently part of his life plan.   Topics discussed: Rafael Nadal’s Netflix documentary and why he finally agreed to participate Growing up in Manacor, Mallorca and training with Toni Nadal Winning regional junior tennis titles at a young age Why Nadal always loved tennis despite injuries and pressure The difference between Nadal’s competitive mindset and personal life Nadal’s rivalry with Roger Federer and their contrasting styles The purpose behind Nadal’s on-court routines and rituals Retirement, injuries and the end of Nadal’s professional career Life after tennis, including the Rafa Nadal Academy and foundation Novak Djokovic, the GOAT debate and tennis records Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and the future of men’s tennis Nadal’s most meaningful tournament wins, including Roland Garros, Wimbledon 2008, Australian Open 2022 and the US Open Timestamps: 01:39 Watching a documentary about his own life and career 02:18 Nadal’s early childhood in Mallorca and first tennis memories 04:04 Why he never hated tennis, even during difficult periods 05:32 Life after fame and returning to his real life after retirement 06:57 Roger Federer, elegance and what made their rivalry unique 08:14 Nadal’s rituals, routines and focus during competition 09:42 Retirement, injuries and why his career ended the way it did 11:33 Why a comeback is not part of Nadal’s next chapter 12:03 Rafa Nadal Academy, foundation work and business projects 12:55 Whether Nadal would ever coach a player full time 13:38 Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and the GOAT debate 14:46 Nadal’s most meaningful career victories Mentioned in this episode: Netflix documentary about Rafael Nadal Rafa Nadal Academy Rafa Nadal Foundation Roland Garros Wimbledon 2008 Australian Open 2022 US Open 2010 and 2013 Roger Federer Novak Djokovic Carlos Alcaraz Jannik Sinner Toni Nadal David Ellison Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.