Rafael Nadal has addressed his retirement three months after he decided to stop playing tennis professionally. The Spanish icon retired at the Davis Cup late last year, following a grueling year and a half where he was plagued by injuries and difficult tennis matches.
Nadal was one of the guests of honor at the Mundo Deportivo awards, with the event commemorating athletes, and sports and celebrating the year's best performers.
While speaking to the press, Nadal was asked about his feelings regarding his retirement, which appeared to be very simple for the moment.
"I feel fine. Perfect to be honest. Happy. I'm trying to adapt to a new stage in my life that, for now, I'm handling pretty well," he said.
When asked if he missed the sport and the routine that it provided for his life, he said, "For the time being no."
"To be honest, I'm happy with how things are right now. The last couple of years were difficult so it helps me not to miss it a lot," he said with a smile. "I only retired three months ago, so I can't speak with full clarity, but for now I'm happy."
More details about Nadal's appearance at the gala
According to Mundo Deportivo, the publication that organized the gala, the occasion was special, with Nadal attending the gala for the first time as a retired man. It was also the first time when he received the gala's major award for his career and his successes.
The trophy was awarded to him by Javier Godo, the president of the Grupo Godo. Nadal was met by a standing ovation from the public, who was thrilled to see him in person at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya.
Nadal seemed humbled and incredibly moved by the public's response, holding up his award to the public and thanking them.