Rafael Nadal reveals pain from degenerative condition throughout his career
BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: May 29, 2026, 9:30 AM
Last updated May 29, 2026

Rafael Nadal shared that he endured significant pain due to a degenerative condition for most of his tennis career. The 22-time Grand Slam champion discussed how the persistent discomfort influenced his training and performance. Despite the challenges, Nadal achieved remarkable success in the sport. There is no indication of his immediate plans to address his condition further.
- •Nadal spent nearly his entire career in pain due to a degenerative condition
- •He is a 22-time Grand Slam champion in tennis
- •The pain affected his training and performance on the court
- •Nadal's comments highlight the physical toll of professional tennis
- •No details provided on future medical plans or interventions
- 9:30 AMBBC Sport — I spent most of career in pain because of degenerative condition - Nadal
"Rafael Nadal had one of the greatest tennis careers the game has ever seen. He also spent nearly all of it in pain.
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