To CNN, Rafael Nadal admits mental health problems and help from a psychiatrist

In an interview with CNN, 39-year-old former tennis player Rafael Nadal explained facts about his life on and off the court. Out of professional competition since 2024, the Spaniard spoke about how he suffered from the mental pressure and anxiety caused by injuries and the demands of elite sport.

At a certain point in his career, the star stated that he "couldn't leave the house without carrying a bottle of water in his hand."

"Probably because I've been through a lot of injuries, a lot of pressure, and there comes a point where, in a way, you can't handle it all anymore - even though, in my head, I thought I could," he said.

"But there comes a point when your mind fails, and that's what happened. I always thought I needed to figure things out on my own, in terms of mental strength. But when I couldn't go out on the street without a bottle of water in my hand, that was a big deal. So I needed to get help - and that's what I did."

Initially, Nadal sought out a psychologist, but felt little results. Then, around 2015, he started seeing a psychiatrist, precisely at a time when his performance on the court fell.

"After that, I started taking medication for a while and managed to start feeling better after a few months. That lasted about a year and, of course, I recovered later," he added.

Injuries
Nadal's career was hampered by injuries. He missed the 2023 edition of Roland Garros and was defeated in the first round by German Alexander Zverev.

The Spaniard had a timid time with elimination at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and did not compete in other competitions, such as the US Open that year.

He won his last Roland Garros title in 2022 and left the Paris clay with an impressive record of 112 wins and 4 losses.

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Source: CNN