"One year, I lost too many times against Novak": Rafael Nadal opens up on brutal streak against Djokovic

Tuesday, 04 November 2025 at 04:30

The 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal joined NFL legend Tom Brady for a golf match ahead of the start of the E1 Series in Monte-Carlo Country Club. Long regarded as a favorite pastime among professional athletes—from footballers to basketball players, tennis players, and Formula 1 drivers—golf has two of its best ambassadors in Rafa Nadal and Tom Brady, who faced off at the Monte Carlo Golf Club in Monaco.

During the chat, Nadal recounted how his rivalries pushed him to the limits. Brady asked what it was like to face the same opponents so many times, highlighting in particular the differences between Federer and Djokovic. Nadal described the differences in facing his two biggest rivals:

“In terms of their style…with Novak, the match is more equal, more predictable. But at the same time, it was more difficult for me to have a real tactic on it because you need to play very well and just the small details. To beat him, you need to do it unbelievably. And against Roger, the styles were so different…And yeah, I had a better, clearer way how to approach the match with Roger.”

Nadal also reflected on the mental challenge of tennis, which he compared to other sports. “Because it’s only one against one, it makes the things mentally more tough…when you’re out there, nobody can save you. It’s just you.” He spoke about the adrenaline, the thrill, and the focus required at the highest level: “That thrill and standing in the moment. This feeling of adrenaline…living in the present.”

Another topic Nadal addressed was his favorite tournaments. His invaluable connection with Roland Garros, which he won 14 times, is well known. Brady asked which other tournament, besides Roland Garros, held special meaning for him. “I love the US Open…good energy there. In the beginning, it was tough for me, but I started to enjoy it a lot later in my career.”

“It’s about accepting frustration”

Nadal reflected on the continuous challenge of facing elite opponents and how these rivalries elevated his game. “One year, I lost too many times with Novak. 2011, I lost the final of Indian Wells, final Miami, final Madrid, final Rome, final Wimbledon, and final US Open. And then the next year, I lost the final of Australia.”

“So it's coming back and understand what's going on, why I am not able to win. Because it's only one against one, makes the things mentally more tough, I think,” he added. “When you're out there, nobody can save you. It's just you. That's a beautiful thing of our sport too.”

He also emphasized the unique intensity of one-on-one competition, comparing it with team sports. The pressure of individual performance, he explained, magnifies both mistakes and triumphs: “Exactly. It’s very challenging mentally. It’s about accepting frustration and understanding when someone is doing better than you.”

“The competition in golf—physically it works better for me”

Nadal shared insights on preparation and focus, drawing parallels with Brady’s regimented football schedule. Both emphasized that preparation, teamwork, and trust in one’s support system are essential to performing at the highest level. “Exactly. If you’re thinking, ‘This guy’s going to destroy me,’ you can’t focus,” Nadal said, underlining the importance of mental clarity.

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He also spoke about his post-tennis passions and ongoing engagement with competition, particularly through golf and commentating: “I like playing golf. The competition in golf—physically it works better for me…Yeah, I enjoy commentating a lot. It’s fun, because it makes you really pay attention to everybody. And the team part of broadcasting is fun too—you get to express what you love and don’t love about the sport.”

Despite retirement, Nadal’s appreciation for competition and focus remains intact, bridging his experiences across sports and giving fans a glimpse of his mindset at the top of the game: “That thrill and standing in the moment. This feeling of adrenaline…living in the present,” the former world No. 1 stated.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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