Rafael Nadal did some truly astounding things throughout his career, and has set some records that likely will never be broken.
However, of all his accomplishments, John McEnroe seemed the most stunned by perhaps the most innocuous of them all.
In his recent appearance on the El Larguero show, having discussed everything from Carlos Alcaraz’s return to injury to Novak Djokovic’s status as the potential greatest of all time, they eventually settled on Spain’s greatest-ever tennis product.
Having won 22 Grand Slam titles, 14 at Roland Garros, Olympic gold medals and 92 ATP Tour-level trophies across his career, it was not the silverware that concerned the American pundit on this particular occasion.
Instead, it was Rafael Nadal’s restraint, the likes of which we have not and likely will never see again.
John McEnroe can’t believe that Rafael Nadal never broke a racquet
Discussing the fact that the 40-year-old went his entire career without breaking a single racquet, McEnroe began by admitting: “I don’t understand that.”
Whilst he was the ultimate competitor, his respect for his equipment fed into his persona on court, and has only added to his legacy as a player completely in control of his emotions.
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McEnroe continued, stunned: “Rafa never broke a racquet. What’s wrong with him? I don’t understand, maybe he’s a robot. I don’t know, he’s not human.
“To be that controlled; even Roger broke a racquet! Carlos broke a racquet! Did Sinner break one? Maybe not, maybe he’s following in the footsteps.
“It’s a very difficult thing.”
Nadal recently played his first exhibition match since retiring, just last week, taking on a team assembled by Andy Murray in honour of the ten-year anniversary of his Rafa Nadal Academy.
Why Rafael Nadal never broke a racquet
There are a few reasons why the legendary Spaniard never broke a racquet across his astounding career, with Toni Nadal having listed two just a few years ago.
He argued: “It would have upset me for two reasons.
“First, because of respect, especially about things that aren’t easy to acquire. Secondly, for giving in to despair.”
However, back in 2020, just four years before Nadal would call time on his career, he shared his own verdict, which echoed that same sentiment later addressed by uncle Toni.
Rafa claimed: “My family wouldn’t have allowed me to break a racquet. For me, to break a racquet would be to lose control of my emotions.”
