In an emotional event at the headquarters of the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE), Rafael Nadal was honoured for his career and legacy as an athlete. Surrounded by athletes from various disciplines and generations, the Spaniard was recognised as the greatest Spanish athlete of all time.
Alejandro Blanco, COE president and host of the event, praised Nadal’s achievements and proposed that he become a member of the Olympic Committee—an idea the former world No. 1 left open for the future.
A new chapter in his life
Nadal retired towards the end of 2024, with his final appearance coming in the Davis Cup, where he represented Spain alongside Carlos Alcaraz and others. However, the team was eliminated in the quarter-finals. The 38-year-old former player has always been a loyal representative of Spain, winning Olympic gold in singles at Beijing 2008 and another gold in doubles with Marc López at Rio 2016.
Little has been publicly known about Nadal in recent months. He made an appearance at the Next Gen ATP Finals and has shared videos on social media playing golf or tennis. He has also congratulated several recent champions, including Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys, for their Australian Open titles. This time, Nadal opened up about how he has been adjusting to life off the tour.
"My life is going well. I'm fine, adapting to a new stage. They’re not letting me get bored. I'm keeping myself busy, which is what you need to do. In life, you have to set goals; otherwise, you end up getting bored," Nadal said about his current life away from the professional circuit.
While the 22-time Grand Slam champion remains closely tied to the world of sports, he admitted he hasn't played tennis since his temporary retirement. "I haven't picked up a racket yet. It takes time. When I stopped playing, I was struggling with my foot, and that made me put it aside. But I’ll be back," he revealed.
The Mallorcan did not rule out a potential role within the COE or a new position in the sporting world. "I'm a huge sports fan. Before I was an athlete, I was a sports enthusiast,” he added. “My life will always be linked to sports because it's fundamental to me. In what way? I don't know yet. I've just finished my career. There’s another life after sports, and I want to find new motivations."
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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