Rafael Nadal speaks 'from the heart' about his 2nd place in Grand Slam race sandwiched between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal discussed how he was at peace with how his career panned out despite missing out on many Grand Slams due to his various injury struggles. The Spaniard stated how he didn't think much about leading Roger Federer's tally or being behind Novak Djokovic in the race for Majors.

Nadal broke the hearts of tennis fans all around the world when he announced that he would be calling time on his illustrious career after the 2024 Davis Cup Finals via an emotional video. He recently concluded his penultimate outing at the inaugural Six Kings Slam.

In his legendary career, the Spaniard won 22 Grand Slams, a tally that places him only behind Novak Djokovic (24) and ahead of his great rival Roger Federer (20).

However, it is no secret that the 38-year-old missed a lot of Majors during his injury-hampered career. In a recent interview with Spanish outlet Diario AS, Nadal was asked if he believed he would have grabbed more Grand Slams had it not been for his injuries.

The 14-time Roland Garros champion said that it was clear that he missed out on more Grand Slam events compared to his rivals but as he had famously stated 'If, if, if... doesn't exist', he reiterated his thoughts here and said that he was grateful for the career he had enjoyed.

"Maybe, but… In the end it is obvious that I have missed out more than all my rivals, in terms of chances of winning Grand Slams, but the reality is that this has happened to me. I am never one to think 'if I had done it' or 'if I hadn't had' (those injuries). It has been like this and, with it, I have had a career that I would never have imagined and I am more than happy," Nadal said (translated from Spanish).

He acknowledged that while he had the desire to be the best player in the world, he didn't compromise on his health.

"You want to be the best when you are in competition, because it is the nature of sport. I have wanted to be the best or at least I have wanted to try to be the best. But that has never led me to have an obsession with it. My desire has always been as a personal challenge, of wanting to be the best due to my own motivation and improvement. I believe in having a good and big ambition, but at the same time healthy."

Nadal said he had the ambition to win the Grand Slam race against Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, however, he was content with how things turned out. He added:

"And I said it the other day speaking with Federer. Yes, it is true that when you are in the middle of the race and competing, you want to win. But you get to the end of your career and, honestly, I'm not even the slightest bit more satisfied than Federer for having 22 (Grand Slam titles) and he 20. And I don't think I'd be any more satisfied or happy if I were 25, one more than (Djokovic's) 24. I say this from the heart."

It is interesting to note that all members of the Big 3 led the Grand Slam race at some point in their careers.

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"I feel very lucky, beyond the injuries" - Rafael Nadal expresses gratitude for his illustrious career

Rafael Nadal exiting the 2024 Paris Olympics (Source: Getty)

Continuing his thoughts, Rafael Nadal acknowledged that he would have loved to lead the Grand Slam race since it was the crux of tennis. However, successfully converting his childhood hobby into an illustrious career left him content.

"Of course, I'd like to be 25, without a doubt, because that's what sport is about, trying to be the best. However, when it's over, you value what it's been all together, not whether it's been a little bit more. I think you value that in the end you've managed to give your best, live, make one of your childhood hobbies a very important part of your life. And, on top of that, successfully," Nadal said in the aforementioned intereview (translated from Spanish).

The Spaniard later said that he was grateful for his career despite the various injuries that posed a huge impediment in his journey.

"I feel very lucky, beyond the injuries. The fact of having had all these problems, and I mean it, has made me value at all times all the positive things that have happened to me. I think it's allowed me to enjoy it."

Though he may not lead the Grand Slam race, there are a few records in tennis that only the Spaniard holds including the 14 Roland Garros triumphs, the only man to win a Major for 10 consecutive years (2005-14), and 912 consecutive weeks in the Top 10 of the ATP rankings to name a few.

Rafael Nadal will head to Malaga next and begin gearing up for the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. He will be joined by Carlos Alcaraz, Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno Busta, Marcel Granollers, and team captain David Ferrer.

Spain will take on the Netherlands in the quarterfinals on November 19th.