Rafael Nadal Reveals the One Match He’d Replay If He Could Turn Back Time

Rafael Nadal, the legendary “King of Clay,” has had an illustrious career marked by incredible victories and, unfortunately, a series of injuries. With 22 Grand Slam titles to his name, the Spanish tennis icon has recently reflected on his career, pinpointing one match he wishes he could “do over” if he could erase the impact of injuries. Throughout his career, Nadal’s relentless playing style has contributed to numerous physical setbacks, leading to questions about which match he regrets the most due to injury interference.

Nadal’s Troubled History with Injuries

Nadal’s career, though decorated with unparalleled success, has been consistently plagued by injuries. These physical setbacks have forced him to withdraw from numerous major tournaments and significantly impacted his performance at others. Some of the major injuries that Nadal has had to overcome during his professional tennis career include:

• 2003: Elbow Injury: A fall during training forced Nadal to postpone his French Open debut.
• 2004: Stress Fracture: A stress fracture in his ankle sidelined him from the clay court season and Wimbledon.
• 2005/2006: Foot Injury: Nadal struggled with a foot injury, causing him to miss parts of the season.
• 2008/2009: Tendonitis: He played with pain in both knees for months, eventually skipping Wimbledon in 2009.
• 2012: Tendonitis/Patella Tendon Injury: This injury forced him to miss the London Olympics and the US Open.
• 2013: Stomach Virus: A stomach virus disrupted his preparations for the Australian Open.
• 2016: Torn Tendon: A torn tendon in his left wrist forced him to withdraw from the French Open.
• 2021: Foot Injury: A chronic foot problem (Mueller-Weiss condition) caused him to miss Wimbledon and the US Open.
• 2023: Hip Injury: An injury to his hip flexor kept him out for most of the year.

These injuries have not only disrupted his tournament schedules but also taken a toll on his overall performance and ranking. Despite these challenges, Nadal has shown remarkable resilience, consistently bouncing back to win major titles.

The Match Nadal Wishes He Could Redo

While Nadal has not explicitly stated one particular match he would “do over”, his comments and injury history strongly suggest that certain matches are more likely candidates than others.

Wimbledon Semi-final vs. Nick Kyrgios (2022)

In 2022, Rafael Nadal was set to play Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon semi-final, but he had to withdraw from the tournament due to an abdominal tear. This injury was particularly disappointing because Nadal was in strong form, having already won the Australian Open and French Open that year.

Why This Match Stands Out:

• Opportunity for a Calendar Slam: Nadal was in contention for a Calendar Slam (winning all four Grand Slam tournaments in the same year), a feat that is incredibly rare in men’s tennis. The Wimbledon semi-final was a crucial step in achieving this goal.
• Rivalry with Kyrgios: A match against the controversial and talented Nick Kyrgios would have been highly anticipated. Kyrgios’ unpredictable style and on-court antics always make for a compelling contest.
• Physical Condition: Nadal’s abdominal tear was severe enough to prevent him from competing, indicating that he was not at his best physically. Playing the match with such an injury would have significantly hampered his chances of winning.

Given these factors, the 2022 Wimbledon semi-final against Nick Kyrgios is a strong contender for the match Nadal would most like to “do over.” The opportunity to continue his pursuit of a Calendar Slam, the high-profile opponent, and the debilitating injury all contribute to the significance of this missed opportunity.

Impact of Injuries on Nadal’s Career

Nadal’s numerous injuries have undeniably shaped the trajectory of his career. While he has managed to win an impressive 22 Grand Slam titles, the constant physical struggles have forced him to miss numerous major tournaments and have likely shortened his peak performance years.

Grand Slam Withdrawals:

• Nadal has had to skip competing at 16 Majors due to injury.
• He missed Wimbledon in 2009 due to tendonitis in both of his knees.
• He missed the 2012 US Open and 2013 Australian Open due to Hoffa’s syndrome in his left knee.
• He withdrew from the 2016 French Open due to a torn tendon in his left wrist.

Performance Impact:

• Injuries have often affected his performance in Grand Slam tournaments, leading to early exits or preventing him from competing at his best.
• The chronic foot problem has been a recurring issue, impacting his movement and overall confidence on the court.
• His 2023 season was largely derailed by a hip injury, keeping him out of most major tournaments.

Despite these setbacks, Nadal’s resilience and determination have allowed him to remain at the top of the game for many years. His ability to recover from injuries and continue to compete at the highest level is a testament to his mental strength and unwavering passion for tennis.

Nadal’s Legacy

Rafael Nadal retired from professional tennis after playing for Spain in the 2024 Davis Cup Finals and will be remembered as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. His incredible achievements on the court, combined with his sportsmanship and humility, have earned him the respect and admiration of fans worldwide.

Key Achievements:

• 22 Grand Slam singles titles (second only to Novak Djokovic).
• Record 14 French Open titles.
• One of three men to complete the career Golden Slam in singles.
• Holds the longest single-surface win streak in the Open Era (81 consecutive wins on clay).
• 92 ATP Tour-level singles titles.

Nadal’s impact extends beyond his on-court success. He is admired for his work ethic, his never-say-die attitude, and his commitment to charitable causes through the Rafa Nadal Foundation. He has inspired countless individuals with his story of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness.

While injuries have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping Nadal’s career, they have also highlighted his extraordinary resilience and determination. His legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time remains secure, and his influence on the sport will be felt for generations to come.