Rafael Nadal's top 5 things he cannot live withoutÂ
Rafael Nadal is notoriously private when it comes to sharing his personal life on social media or during interviews. The legend, who often jokes around during interviews, rarely shares intimate information about himself.
However, over the years the Spanish legend has given us some insight into his life, even taking the time to describe his most essential items in one of those interviews.
Without further ado, here's a look at the former World No.1's 5 indispensable items.
#1 Rafael Nadal cannot do without his phone and laptop when on tour
During an interview with GQ Sports, Rafael Nadal revealed that the very first item on his list of most important things was his phone. The Spaniard cannot deal with his phone's absence, stating that he requires a phone when traveling to stay in touch with his friends, family or team.
"It's important for me when I am travelling with my family, with the friends, with the team," he stated.
The tennis legend also revealed that the most-used app on his phone is WhatsApp and that it is the 'first of everything'.
The 36-year-old's list also includes his laptop. Admitting that during the tournaments there is a lot of time on hand, Nadal remarked that that's why he needs his laptop for entertainment, as well as in an effort to stay off his phone. The Mallorcan also disclosed that he watches documentaries and Spanish TV shows to keep himself occupied for the most part.
#2 Racquets, tennis bag and clothes
Nadal also revealed that he cannot do without his tennis bag, which includes his racquets, shoes and everything in between.
He joked that he does not require a tennis bag when he is on holiday, but when he is playing tennis, he cannot live without his bag. In his bag, he keeps his gels, sea water, dumpers, grips, masks, orthotics and golf club memorabilia.
The 36-year-old also stated that he cannot do without his tennis outfit, which is a must when he plays tournaments. He also carries casual outfits in case he gets time to hit the city in-between practice.
"I like to go out to dinner, to you know, forget to distract yourself a little about all the routine. So we are always trying to go out to dinner, to know different places and of course if we are able to go to party, to celebrate something important, it's good to have it there," he stated.
#3 Music
Nadal, who appeared in Shakira's music video for 'Gypsy' in 2009, revealed that he needs his airbuds for music, seeing as he listens to music under various circumstances, be it on a plane or right before matches. He also revealed that he is not picky when it comes to music.
"I like almost everything. I can listen opera, I can listen reggaton, I can listen classic music or pop rock. It's true that electronic music is not my one, that's the only music that I can't, but rest of the things depends on the moment and depends on the mood," he concluded.
#4 Rafael Nadal always travels with his pain relief medication
Rafael Nadal is no stranger to injuries. The Spanish legend has been open about his physical struggles and use of medication which allows him to effectively play tennis.
During the post-match press conference after the Roland Garros final last year where he defeated Norway's Casper Ruud, the 14-time French Open champion admitted to using anesthetic injections on his foot to play at the tournament as it is one of the most important tournaments of his career.
During the GQ Sports interview in 2021, Nadal revealed that he does not travel without his pain medication.
"To play tennis, I always travel with my painkillers. I am 34 and a half, a lot of kilometers under my shoulders, so I need it to keep going sometimes. That's part of the sports, that's part of my life. Sometimes these kind of stuff happens and the only thing you can do is try your best in every single moment to try to recover," he said.
#5 "Boat is my second home" - Rafael Nadal shares his love for his yacht
The former World No. 1 grew up on the island of Mallorca, a part of Spain's Balearic Islands, owing to which boats are a big part of his life. Nadal now owns a 23.95-metre Sunreef Power 80 catamaran yacht.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion revealed that since he was a kid, he loved spending time with his family on boats. As he grew older, he pondered upon the idea of having a private boat and bought his first boat in 2013.
"I had my first boat in 2013, so yeah happy about the experience and honestly the boat for me is like my house too no? Spend time, I am able to go out to enjoy and disconnect a bit from everything." he stated
The tennis ace revealed that he likes to cruise around the Balearic Islands. He admitted that he would love to take longer trips but is unable to do so due to the paucity of time but hopes to have more time in the future to enjoy life at sea.