Rafael Nadal’s Post-Career Journey: Building Legacy Beyond the Court in 2025

A New Era for the Tennis Legend

Having retired after playing his final professional match last November, Rafael Nadal has entered a new era at age 38, as he begins to shape the next chapter of his life.

Honoring a Champion’s Legacy

While Nadal will not compete on the Parisian clay this year, he will make a special appearance at the 2025 French Open, where he will be honored with a ceremony on Sunday, May 25, marking two decades since his first match at Roland-Garros. The Spanish tennis star’s legacy at Roland-Garros is unprecedented, having won 14 men’s singles titles, emerging victorious in every final he competed in at Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Focus on the Rafa Nadal Academy

Nadal has created a prestigious international academy in his hometown that hosts professional events in various disciplines. The Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar, an ATP Challenger Tour tournament organised by the Rafa Nadal Academy and one of the most attractive events on the calendar, is currently in its seventh edition.

Future Plans and Exhibitions

According to his uncle and former coach Toni Nadal, the retired tennis champion is excited about the prospect of playing exhibition matches with Roger Federer. Toni expects Rafael to begin training again soon, possibly preparing for these exhibitions in the coming months or in 2026.

Personal Life and Legacy

Recently, Nadal has been celebrating personal milestones, including the birth of his second son, Miquel, who was born on August 7. Regarding his legacy, Nadal emphasizes that while sporting results will be remembered, what matters most to him is how he’s viewed on a human level, particularly by those who worked with him throughout his career. He hopes to be remembered as someone whom people are genuinely excited to see again, even years after retirement.