Rafael Nadal’s recent retirement from professional tennis has sparked discussions, with some critics questioning the legitimacy of his injury-related decision. In response, his uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, has addressed these criticisms, shedding light on the physical challenges Nadal faced throughout his career.

Toni Nadal emphasized that Rafael’s retirement was a consequence of enduring physical issues, stating, “Rafael got used to playing with pain, but I told his father that if we had retired every time he had problems, he could have taken away five or six Grand Slam titles.”  He highlighted that since 2005, Rafael has been “practically incapable of finishing training sessions” without experiencing pain, underscoring the chronic nature of his injuries.

Throughout his career, Nadal has contended with various injuries, including a chronic foot condition known as Mueller-Weiss syndrome, which he feared might force him to retire as early as 2005.  Despite these challenges, he achieved remarkable success, securing 22 Grand Slam titles and maintaining a high level of performance.

Nadal announced his retirement at the age of 38, citing the toll of injuries on his ability to compete at the highest level. He expressed gratitude for his career and acknowledged the difficulties of the past two years, stating, “I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations.” 

Toni Nadal’s insights provide a deeper understanding of the physical adversities Rafael Nadal endured, reinforcing that his retirement was a necessary decision due to persistent injuries. This perspective challenges critics and highlights the resilience Nadal demonstrated throughout his illustrious career.