Tennis great Rafael Nadal says retirement has given him something he rarely experienced during his playing career: life without constant pain. In an interview with Wall Street Journal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion said he no longer follows the strict routines that defined him on court and now enjoys a more flexible lifestyle centered on family, fitness and his tennis academy.

Nadal, who retired in 2024, said he trains at least three times a week and credits a medical treatment for helping ease the chronic foot pain that plagued the latter part of his career. "I am much better," Nadal said. "It's completely different the way that your sense of humor improves when you live without that much pain. Because you are happier."

The 40-year-old now lives in Mallorca with his wife and two children and spends his free time golfing, fishing, watching classic films and helping run his academy, where his son studies. Looking back on his career, Nadal told Wall Street Journal he remembers the experiences more than the injuries. "I don't think about pains... I was happy playing tennis," he said.