Rafael Nadal: “Suffering Was Less Than My Passion for Tennis”

Rafael Nadal battled pain throughout his legendary career, particularly from Mueller-Weiss syndrome in his foot. He reveals using specialist insoles, painkillers, and even nerve-blocking injections to compete, winning multiple majors despite the toll on his body. The Spaniard admits these risks likely added 10+ Grand Slams to his tally.

Nadal also discussed the mental strain, seeking psychiatric help for anxiety, and his “tough love” upbringing under uncle Toni. The 39-year-old reflects that his passion always outweighed the suffering, enabling one of tennis’s greatest careers.