Rafael Nadal: From Pro to Father - A Year After Retirement on Mallorca

One year, a different tempo

About twelve months ago, Mallorca said goodbye to one of its best-known sons as a professional athlete. What followed looked less like grand pomp and more like everyday life—with children, training schedules and real to-dos. Whoever runs into him on the Plaza of Manacor immediately notices: here moves someone used to setting the tone, but now prefers to listen.

Family first, alarm clock secondary

In interviews he says his daily rhythm has changed. It used to be a hard wake-up call; today it’s children's voices at half past six. He laughs when he explains that his youngest son has become the most efficient alarm clock in the family. It may sound banal – but it’s not taken for granted by someone who spent years organizing tournaments by the calendar.

The Academy in Manacor remains his center

The Rafa Nadal Academy remains a hub and focal point. Not only as a training venue, but as a meeting place: coaches, young talents and occasional guests from the professional circuit come by. He himself is on the court more often, talking with youths, correcting small things, smiling when a ball sails a bit too far. It’s still his sport — just without the glare of Grand Slams.

New projects and old values – that suits him well. Alongside a product line and a podcast, he continues to engage with his foundation, visits schools and advocates for education. A few months ago he was also at an academic award in Salamanca; such recognition, he says, he accepts with humility.

Golf, family, small habits

When he isn’t on the grounds, you’ll often find him playing golf – not as a pro, but as someone who still enjoys competition, albeit in a friendlier form. On weekends you’ll see him walking with the family along the coast, sometimes in Portocolom around 5 p.m., when the sun is low and the air smells of the sea. He has learned to appreciate these small things.

His routine is modest: fitness in the morning, now fitness plus family time. Discipline remains, ego has diminished. For many here on the island, that’s not a departure but a new beginning. And it’s beautiful to observe.