Rafael Nadal on his ‘healthy ambition’ and how personal motivation and not Big Three rivalry shaped his career
Rafael Nadal has opened up about his hopes of winning more Grand Slams, but he insists he is not “obsessed” with records while he also feels personal motivation and not his rivalry with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have inspired him to bigger and better things.
When the Spaniard won a record-extending 12th title at Roland Garros in September 2020, he drew level with long-time rival Federer on 20 Grand Slams.
With world No 1 Djokovic just two majors behind them following his success at this year’s Australian Open, the race for the most Grand Slam titles is hotly contested affair and one of the most-talked about topics in tennis.
Although Nadal admits he would love to win more majors, he told Metro.co.uk in an exclusive interview that it is a “health ambition”.
“I enjoy what I am doing,” the 34-year-old said. “I am happy playing tennis…. I want to win more Slams, yes. No doubt about that.
“But I never get – I mean, Novak is more obsessed about this, more focused… [pauses for a moment before quickly shaking his hand and head adding:] “Not in a negative way.
“No, he’s more focused on just these things and it means a lot to him all of this stuff. Like he’s always saying and talking about these records and well done for him… but it’s not my approach to my tennis career.
“I have a healthy ambition. Of course, I am ambitious, if not I would never be in the position I am today but I have probably a different kind of ambition than him, for example. I just keep going, keep doing what I’m doing and just try to put myself in a position to keep enjoying the tour and, of course, try to achieve as much as possible.
“I am super satisfied about the career I’m having. Not today, I was super satisfied years ago already but I am not making a step back in motivation because of that. I don’t get frustrated if I am losing one tournament, I am trying to approach the thing in a different way.”
Nadal’s rivalry with Federer and Djokovic and the debate about who will end up as the greatest player of all time has transcended tennis.
Many believe that the Big Three have pushed each other to greater heights, but while Nadal admits that his two big foes have had an impact on his career, he believes his own ambition is the driving force behind his success.
“Well, of course, when you have great opponents in front, it helps to have a clear way about what you need to do to become better and better,” he said.
“I always had great opponents in front, since the beginning of my career I had Roger there and then Novak came a little bit later, but not much. I always had good examples of amazing players in front of me, competing for the same things so that helps to give you a clear way.
“But in some ways, I want to think – and I do believe it’s really like this – that my personal motivation is much higher than the motivation to have other players in front. I’m just playing for myself, for my team, for my fans, for my family, for myself, of course.
“Not for the others, no? Not for my rivals. I’m just trying – my approach to that is I always wanted to be a better tennis player, because I understand the sport like this. I understand the sport going on a practice session every day with the goal to improve something, with the goal to be better.
“Not because I need to be better because I have Roger or Novak in front of me. I want to think that I want to do it because that’s the way I understand the sport. And of course, having these kinds of players in front of you helps to give you a clear way about the things you need to do better.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner confession during Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry comparison
“I hope it will allow me to get the best out of myself … seeing the standard he sets.”
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic 3.0: Tennis great’s latest re-invention already underway with ruthless coaching move
The innovation doesn’t stop with Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic announces shock departure of long-term coach – ‘Thanks for everything my friend’
Did anyone see that Novak Djokovic coaching bombshell coming?