Nadal more concerned about legacy than GOAT mantle
ATP
Rafael Nadal doesn't care whether he will end up as the greatest player of all time (GOAT). Instead, he wants to be remembered as a good person.
Nadal is currently traveling around South America with Casper Ruud. The two are touring different countries, giving fans a taste of top-level tennis. They are two of the three highest-ranked players on the ATP Tour, so their matches are at a very high level.
After arriving in Quito for part of their tour in Ecuador, Nadal spoke to the media present. At the moment, the Spaniard has 22 Grand Slam titles in his collection, which is more than any man has ever won.
But records aren't something that would interest Nadal. He is focused on his legacy and being remembered as a good human being, much more than some titles and wins.
"I don’t think about it. I think it’s something that takes a backseat. The important legacy is that all the people I have met during these 20 years of my career have a good human memory of me."
Nadal is aware that once he retires from the sport, he might enjoy seeing his trophies in his cabinet, but people will more likely remember how he acted and who he was as a person, not how many trophies he managed to win.
"At the end of the day, the personal issue, education, respect, and the affection with which you can treat people comes before the professional issue because that is what remains [after you have retired]."
Nadal finished the 2022 season as the World No. 2 player on the ATP Tour. However, he doesn't think that he will be able to do that in the coming season, as he plays fewer events every year.
"I don’t think it’s going to be a trend. It’s difficult to maintain such a high level. I play very few events at this stage, so it’s difficult to maintain a very high ranking because you have to be very accurate in the events where you compete."
