Nadal says he 'almost never' plays tennis after retirement

Rafael Nadal says he "almost never" picks up a tennis racket these days, a striking admission from one of the sport's greatest champions as a new ​Netflix docuseries chronicles the highs and lows of his career.

The Spaniard, who retired ‌in 2024 after a glittering 23-year professional career that yielded 22 Grand Slam singles titles, said he had made his peace with stepping away from the sport despite remaining physically active.

"Almost never," Nadal told ​Reuters when asked how often he played tennis now.

The 40-year-old's reflections come as ​a four-part Netflix series "Rafa", produced by Skydance Sports, offers an intimate look ⁠at his rise from a teenage prodigy in Mallorca to one of the most ​successful players in tennis history.

Nadal, a record 14-time French Open champion, said he had repeatedly ​turned down opportunities to make a documentary before being persuaded by Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison.

"I had rejected the opportunity to do a docuseries many times in the past," Nadal said. "But I had a conversation ​with David Ellison, who I respect a lot and who I believe in."

The documentary ​revisits the injuries that shaped Nadal's career and ultimately brought it to an end. Nadal said he ‌would likely ⁠still be playing had his body held up.

"I was not tired about tennis in general; I was just tired about my body," he said. "I really loved what I was doing."

The series features family footage, behind-the-scenes moments and interviews with rivals and friends, including 24-time Grand ​Slam winner Novak ​Djokovic and former world ⁠number one Andy Roddick.

Watching those moments could still stir emotions, Nadal said, but he had no desire to follow Serena Williams back ​into competition.

"I don't think so, but it's great that she's coming ​back," he ⁠said when asked about a potential return.

Nadal's influence remains evident after retirement. Spain midfielder and Ballon d'Or winner Rodri recently said he had been watching the series for inspiration ahead of the ⁠World Cup, ​while French Open finalist Flavio Cobolli said he uses the ​same shower Nadal once used at Roland Garros.

"If you can create emotions or inspiration in others, it is something ​unique," Nadal said.