Rafael Nadal has opened up on his decision to skip Wimbledon 2025, with the tennis legend choosing to stay away from this year's tournament at the All England Club.
The 39-year-old won the competition twice during his playing days as he established himself as a legend of the sport.
Nadal's first triumph came in 2008, where he beat Roger Federer in a five-set classic widely considered to be one of the greatest matches of all time.
Two years later, the Spaniard emulated the feat by dispatching Tomas Berdych in straight sets.
Rafael Nadal has opened up on his decision to skip Wimbledon 2025, with the tennis legend choosing to stay away from this year's tournament at the All England Club
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Despite the success he achieved at Wimbledon, however, Nadal has chosen to stay away this year.
Speaking to the Times, he said: “Honestly no, I’ve had a change of life.
"I’m enjoying the tournament from a different perspective. I hope in the future I can go back to Wimbledon. Now I’m in a different phase of life."
Nadal was speaking at a time when his wife, Maria, is pregnant with their second child.
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The veteran retired from tennis last year after a glittering career that saw him win a staggering 22 Grand Slam titles.
A huge 14 of those came at the French Open, with Nadal shattering record after record at Roland Garros.
Retirement hasn't been straightforward, however, with the tennis icon admitting that he was struggling to walk due to physical issues after hanging up his racket.
“It’s my first summer in Mallorca ever. After retiring I was in bad shape for a month, I practically couldn’t walk. I’m better than I could have imagined," he said.
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Rafael Nadal beat Roger Federer to win Wimbledon back in 2008PAMeanwhile, the men's singles final will take place on Sunday with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner poised to do battle.
It will be their second Grand Slam final meeting after the duo put on a show at the French Open last month.
Sinner has, however, insisted that he's not still thinking about that agonising defeat - having gone two sets up before his rival came roaring back.
The current world No 1 said: "I think if it would be a lot in my head, I would not be in the situation to play a final again.
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"I'm very happy to share once again the court with Carlos. It’s going to be difficult, I know that. But I’m looking forward to it."
On rivalry comparisons with Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, he added: "You cannot compare what the big three did for 15-plus years.
"Six grand slams are one-and-a-half years. It’s not that big yet.
"Of course, we find ourselves again in this position. This is the second consecutive grand slam that we are in the final and playing each other, which is great from my side. I believe it’s good for the sport.
Rafael Nadal dismantled Tomas Berdych to win Wimbledon for a second time in 2010
PA"The more rivalries we have from now on, the better it is, because people want to see young players going against each other.
"I’m happy to be in that position, but let’s see in the future. If we can make that happen for the next three, four years, then people can think about it."