This Monday marked the beginning of a new season for El Hormiguero on Antena 3 in Spain. Rafa Nadal, a tennis player, visited the show and spoke with Pablo Motos about his final Olympic Games experience in Paris. Rafa Nadal is currently in the latter stages of a sporting career that has seen him win over 100 tournaments, 22 Grand Slams, five Davis Cups, and two Olympic gold medals—one in doubles from Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and the other in Beijing in 2008.
Pablo Motos welcomed and greeted Rafa Nadal, the first guest of the 19th season, and then commended him. When the conversation started, the Spaniard immediately clarified that, in contrast to what his admirers might think, he is not superstitious. “No, the truth is that because of what they witness me doing on the court—where I do have some pretty obvious routines—people may think that I have a lot of superstitions, but that’s where they end up. I do have a lot of superstitions outside, but I’m thrilled to be here for your first program; it’s an honor. All new seasons give me anxiety too; there are always questions in the beginning, but I think you have everything under control,” the Spaniard remarked.
Why did Rafa Nadal decide not to compete in the U.S. Open?
Pablo Motos claimed that after he made the choice to withdraw from the U.S. Open due to his lack of confidence, he called Rafa Nadal to find out how that decision was made. “Well, it’s easier now than it was earlier. It goes without saying that the last three, four, or five years have not been like this for me. After a protracted journey filled with numerous medical issues, including a significant hip surgery, I had set this season as my objective until the Olympics. I did the best I could up until that point, and after the Olympics ended, I had to examine my feelings. I came to the conclusion that everything was quite fair. “It was a decision that, to the best of my ability, I had made after the Olympics, but one always waits until the very end to make it public lest I change my mind,” he remarked.
The “El Hormiguero” anchor alluded to Carlos Alcaraz’s remarks from last week, following his elimination from the U.S. Open, in which he claimed to be mentally ill. “I don’t believe he is mentally ill; rather, I believe he is just a little bit worn out after all the success he has had this summer—winning Wimbledon, Roland Garros, and making it to the Olympic final. Sometimes the mind needs a little relaxation as well, but from what I’ve seen, he claimed to have a problem, though I don’t see one. Conversely, it appears to me that the calendar gets tighter during an Olympic year, and at some point, he, who has achieved so much, has had very demanding demands, said Rafael Nadal.
What it was like to carry the Olympic flame in Paris is described by Rafa Nadal.
Rafa Nadal was then questioned by Pablo Motos over his participation in the Olympic torch relay during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. “I am really appreciative to Paris for allowing me to experience it and for giving me something that I believe will last the rest of my life. In addition, it was the situation and period that it was. I treasured and relished the moment since it is one of a kind and will never be repeated. “The Spanish national replied, ‘The truth is that I am very grateful to France and Paris.'” The host of ‘El Hormiguero’ then inquired about the Olympic torch’s weight. “It is slightly heavy, but manageable,” replied the 14-time Roland Garros champion. “Afterwards, the boat ride was a little less bearable because we were hit by a big storm,” he said.
Rafa Nadal and the life-changing experience of becoming a father
Pablo Motos and Rafa Nadal have also discussed how becoming a father has altered their lives. “Sports-wise, it has significantly altered who I am. I usually call my son, who is just beginning to accomplish stuff, “Dad, a potato” because I haven’t won almost any matches since he was born. From a sporting perspective, that has negatively impacted me. However, most of the time in life, it has improved me since, even if I ultimately lost and got hurt, seeing him at home lifts my spirits,” he remarked.