Both have given an insight into the extent of the injuries Nadal faced during his glittering career. Ahead of the release of his Assouline book, the former world No. 1 told The Athletic: “For me every moment was … I always had not the fear but knew that it could be my last year on tour.

“The only positive thing I’ve taken from all the injuries was that I was able to enjoy more and put more value on the great moments. But I lived all my tennis career with pain — on a daily basis, I had too much pain.”

Nadal has barely touched a racket in retirement, also admitting that he hasn’t missed tennis too much. But after two years away from the game, he’s finally ramping things up.

The 92-time title winner recently got back on court for the Rafa Nadal Academy Slam, an exhibition event celebrating a decade of his tennis centre in Mallorca. Nadal and some of his fellow retired ex-rivals contested a series of 10-point doubles tiebreaks, and his team won.

“So I am very excited to announce that I will be back in 2027, and I am very looking forward again to compete in the MGM Slam, so see you soon in Vegas.”

“I remember how impressive it was to feel the energy of a full arena in a city like Las Vegas. After that match in 2024, now I return in a different stage of my life, without the pressure of the tour but with the same passion for this sport,” he added.

“I have always loved competing, and even if my professional career is finished, that feeling never really goes away.”