Rafael Nadal has made an interesting admission about his epic “milestone” victory against Roger Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner also reflected on his retirement from tennis last year as he expressed his gratitude for what the sport has given him.
Nadal prevailed 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-7(8), 9-7 over Federer in the final of the 2008 Wimbledon Championships to win his maiden title at the All England Club.
The thrilling and iconic contest, which was arguably the peak of the Nadal-Federer rivalry, is widely considered one of the greatest matches in tennis history.
Federer saved two championship points in a pulsating fourth set tiebreak before Nadal ultimately triumphed after four hours and 48 minutes in fading light on Centre Court.
Speaking at the MD Grand Gala, where he received the Extraordinary Trophy, Nadal admitted he does not understand why this victory still draws more attention than any other from his career.
“I don’t know why people always talk about the 2008 Wimbledon final against Federer,” the 38-year-old told Mundo Deportivo.
“That match was a milestone in my sporting career, but for many reasons, throughout my career, there have been many moments that have helped me move forward.
“Moments that have helped me continue my career despite the difficulties. Sport has always motivated me enough to keep going.”
Nadal, who called time on his remarkable 23-year career at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in November, revealed he is enjoying life in retirement so far.
“I’m fine, perfect, working in a different kind of job, but trying to organise what my life is now and what my life will be in the future,” the former world No 1 said. “All changes take time, but personally everything is going very well.
“I’m adapting to a new facet of my life. The last few years of my career were difficult and that helps me not miss it so much. I retired only three months ago, not a year ago, and I can’t say it with total clarity, but at the moment I’m fine.
“The most important thing is that I have been very lucky to be able to do something that I was passionate about when I was little. It started as a hobby and it has been a very important part of my life and for me that is the most important thing.
“Thanks to tennis I have been able to live, know and keep experiences for the rest of my life, so I can only thank my sport, life, all the people who have helped me or have been in my life at some point.
“The future? I just retired, just three months ago, and every change takes time. Personally, I was afraid of what the change was, but I am very happy in this new stage.
“We are going to take it day by day, there are many things to adapt to and, in some way, I have to discover what really motivates me to do in this new stage that I trust will also be exciting.”
