Nadal’s career has been documented in a new coffee table book from Assouline, featuring some never-before-seen photos of his life on and off the court. But that life now feels worlds away.

“I retired only two years ago, but it’s already like another life that I was playing tennis,” the Spaniard told The Athletic. “I almost forget that I was a tennis player. Life keeps going.”

The book also chronicles Nadal’s struggles with injury – something that ultimately forced him to end his career. He started the 2022 season by winning his first 20 matches, also lifting trophies at the first two Grand Slam tournaments of the year – the Australian Open and French Open.

But an abdominal muscle tear derailed his season, and he pulled out of Wimbledon in the semi-finals, playing four tournaments for the rest of the year. In early 2023, Nadal sustained a hip injury at the Australian Open and did not play for a year.

Reflecting on his physical setbacks, Nadal added: “For me every moment was … I always had not the fear but knew that it could be my last year on tour.

And injuries are part of the reason why Nadal no longer misses being out on tour. “I loved playing tennis. But I’m not missing much because I decided to retire at completely the right moment. I had nothing else to give,” the 2008 Olympic champion said.

“My body was over, to be honest. I played with too many limitations, so that’s it. That allowed me to finish in peace. There are plenty of things that are more important than tennis or sport. But the adrenaline and this special feeling that sport brings to you, it’s something difficult to find outside.”