Rafael Nadal reveals in Indian Wells: That’s why I never lose my temper on the tennis court

Ever seen Rafael Nadal chop up a racquet?

No? There’s a good reason for that. The 35-year-old Spaniard, who started the tennis year 2022 so well, never actually loses his temper on the court.

For Nadal, who won the Australian Open earlier this year, his immense self-control is one reason for his success, as he now explained on the sidelines of the ATP 1000 tournament in Indian Wells.

His family and especially his mentor Toni Nadal taught him to behave appropriately on the pitch. “That’s probably why I have this mentality today,” he said.

Nadal: Decency was more important to parents

“My uncle and my family have forbidden me to smash my racket, throw it away or use any swear words on the tennis court,” said the 21-time Grand Slam winner in Indian Wells: “I wasn’t allowed to play a game just like that to give up.”

His parents made him understand early on what it means to pursue his passion on the tennis court with decency and dignity.

“When I was younger, my parents didn’t care if I win or lose. The learning effect was more important to them and that I grew up with the right values,” said Nadal.

Nadal’s parents threatened a tournament ban

So he had no choice but to control himself and channel any frustrations in a different way.

“If I hadn’t done it that way, I wouldn’t be a tennis pro today,” Nadal is sure.

Because: “If I had organized any circus on the pitch or smashed my racket, if I had lost my self-control, I definitely should not have played the next tournament.”