While most sports have adapted over time by tweaking rules to enhance competition and fan experience, tennis has remained relatively unchanged throughout its history. That, according to Rafael Nadal—the sport’s all-time leader in Roland Garros titles—could be a problem for the future of the sport.
Nadal, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time alongside Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, has seen the sport evolve during his 23-year professional career. And now, he believes tennis may be heading toward a dangerous imbalance if adjustments aren’t made.
Speaking during an interview at the “Escuela Universitaria UAX Rafa Nadal,” the Spaniard pointed to the increasing dominance of taller, more mobile players—and the overwhelming advantage their serves can create. He cautioned that without changes, the game could become skewed beyond repair.
“Tennis hasn’t changed anything in terms of rules throughout its entire history,” Nadal said. “People are getting taller and move better. The serve has a decisive impact. If that power isn’t limited, someone over two meters tall with good mobility will come along, and you won’t be able to compete against him—you won’t be able to break his serve. That day, for now, hasn’t come”.
Nadal also referenced his and Djokovic’s continued success as a sign that the sport hasn’t shifted significantly just yet. “Djokovic just reached a final two days ago. I was still competing a year and a half ago… it leads me to believe that change hasn’t been that drastic yet, because we’ve still had the possibility of success,” he added.
Nadal reflects on retirement
The record 14-time Roland Garros winner played his last professional match at the 2024 Davis Cup, where he fell to Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp. During the same discussion, Nadal admitted that he’s lost part of his competitive edge—and that bothers him.
“I’ve lost competitiveness and that makes me angry,” Nadal confessed. “I go play golf and I’m not as focused. I don’t understand going to play without a goal. I’ve always considered myself a competitor, and I’d rather fight than win easily. When you retire, your body takes a break, but now I feel more centered. Retirement hasn’t hit me hard—I’ve taken it well”.
Rafa is at peace with his legacy
With 92 professional titles, Nadal is not only the king of Roland Garros, but also one of the most decorated players in tennis history. Despite his overwhelming success, Nadal revealed that chasing numbers was never part of his motivation.
“I’ve never felt a big ego. I’ve never thought about the numbers,” he admitted. “I feel satisfaction knowing that I gave everything I could. Coming home from a tournament with the feeling that I didn’t give my all—that just wasn’t possible for me. I always came back with peace of mind”.