Rafael Nadal who has won 22 Grand Slams is an inspiration to many young players across the world. He is known for the tremendous energy that he brings on the court and plays every point with passion.
Being an inspiration to so many, he has always believed in setting the right examples for young players. Apart from playing fair, his behavior on and off the court is also very well-known. The Spaniard is admired for never breaking a racket throughout his career which is uncommon among other players who are often seen relinquishing their anger on racquets during matches.
The credit for Nadal’s on-court behavior goes to his uncle and long-time coach Toni Nadal. In an interview, Toni spoke about why Nadal has never smashed a racket.
Rafael Nadal was introduced to tennis at a very young age by his uncle who has instilled in him to never break a racket no matter what. He believes that doing so will disrespect a million children who cannot afford a racket.
“My uncle, my family never allowed me to break a racquet or say bad words or give up a match. The most important thing for them was not winning or losing, but teaching me the right values.”
– Rafael Nadal
Tennis players are often seen to lose their cool during matches and smash rackets but not Nadal. It has stayed with him to date he has no record of throwing or smashing his rackets. There are frustrating moments during matches for the King of Clay but his discipline and self-control have helped to channel his emotions.
Rafael Nadal: "My uncle, my family never allowed me to break a racquet or say bad words or give up a match. The most important thing for them was not winning or losing, but teaching me the right values." 💝 pic.twitter.com/5t1BNCNQei
— Luigi Gatto (@gigicat7_) November 29, 2023
Rafael Nadal mentioned that he practices ‘yoga and meditation’ to control his emotions on the court
Rafael Nadal who is known for his on-court temperament, has mentioned ‘yoga and meditation’ as the reason why he never loses his cool on the court.
Rafael Nadal has no record of breaking rackets on the court and he has often credited his uncle Toni Nadal for that. Toni Nadal who was also his coach had warned him against breaking rackets on the court when he was just six.
In an interview, he was asked about his on-court temperament and he mentioned that he likes to be competitive on the court but at the same time, he can control his emotions. He added that yoga and meditation have also played a huge role in keeping him positive throughout the match even if the match doesn’t go his way.
“When you’re on court, it’s important to control your emotions….In my case, I practice yoga and meditation to be able to control my emotions when I’m playing. You always have to enter the court with positive feelings. It is important to maintain confidence, even when the conditions are not ideal.”
– Rafael Nadal in an interview
