“Every day I had a choice: feel sorry for myself or get back on the court. I always chose the court.”
— Rafael Nadal
Based on Nadal's philosophy from his autobiography 'Rafa: My Story' (2011) and interviews. He played through injuries for 20+ years, retiring October 2024 with 22 Grand Slams.
2012. Seven months off the court. Knee surgery. Doctors said take it slow. My body said stop. Every morning the first thought: what if I never play again? I could have stayed in Mallorca. Money, family, foundation. Nobody would blame me. But every morning I got up and went to the gym. Not because I was brave. Because the court was the only place where the fear went quiet. If something scares you that much, it probably matters that much. Go back to it.