"He was my idol and the figure I aspired to be": Rafael Nadal recalls facing Federer for the first time

Rafael Nadal opened up about his remarkable career and early struggles during his recent appearance on You Quiz on the Block. Speaking one year after officially retiring from professional tennis following the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, the Spanish legend reflected on his journey, his physical battles, and the moments that shaped his legacy.

“I am very satisfied,” Nadal said. “It was a successful journey. Although my passion for sports remains, there came a moment when my body said, ‘I’ve done enough.’”

At 39 years old, Nadal’s words carried the weight of experience and humility. The Mallorcan, who won 22 Grand Slam titles, admitted that his body ultimately dictated the end of his career. “I always played with intensity,” he explained. “That was both my strength and my weakness. In the end, the body speaks, and you have to listen.”

The 14-time Roland Garros champion also expressed gratitude to the company that has supported him since his early years. Nadal said he felt “immensely thankful” for their loyalty throughout decades of highs and lows. “They were always there — through injuries, defeats, and triumphs. Without their belief, my path would have been much harder.”

Reflecting on the beginning of his career, Nadal acknowledged how early success came with physical and emotional challenges. “Everything happened quickly when I was young. Becoming a professional at 15 was a big challenge because my body was not 100% ready to compete with the world’s top players.”

Despite the obstacles, Nadal said his early start shaped his resilience. “Still, I am glad I started at a very young age. It allowed me to find the path to success and maintain a much longer career than other players.”

Turning professional in 2001, Nadal’s rise was meteoric. At just 17, he captured the world’s attention by defeating Roger Federer, then ranked No. 1, at the 2004 Miami Open. It was the first chapter of a rivalry that would define an entire era of tennis.

When asked about that breakthrough moment, Nadal’s voice softened as he revisited his first triumph against Federer. “When I was 13 and 15, I watched Roger’s matches on TV. He was my idol and the figure I aspired to be,” Nadal recalled.

“I was a bit scared when I first played against him. However, I had nothing to lose because I was facing the world No. 1. I stepped onto the court with the motivation of competing against the best player and the energy of a young boy. It was an unforgettable day. My first major victory.”

That 6-3, 6-3 victory over Federer in Miami marked the beginning of a rivalry that would span 18 years, producing 40 matches, countless classics, and perhaps the greatest sportsmanship in tennis history. Nadal would finish their head-to-head with 24 wins to Federer’s 16 — and with their bond extending far beyond the court.

Their final doubles appearance together at the 2022 Laver Cup in London, where both shared tears, became one of the most emotional moments in modern sport. “Roger was the player who made me better,” Nadal once said. “Without him, I would not be who I am.”

Nadal’s retirement after Spain’s Davis Cup victory in 2024 marked the end of a golden era that began with Federer and continued through Novak Djokovic. Yet his reflections in 2025 reveal a man at peace — proud of his legacy, grateful for his journey, and fully aware of the path he paved for future generations.

His humility, consistency, and relentless fighting spirit remain his trademarks. As Nadal said on the show, “Success isn’t only about titles. It’s about the people you meet, the respect you earn, and the effort you give every single day.”