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Rafael Nadal shared moments from his recent visit to Japan, deep diving into the country's culture, as he enjoys his downtime after retirement. Nadal was the second member of the Big Three to draw a line under his storied career, but his prominence still resonates in the tennis world.Rafael Nadal, popularly known as the “King of Clay” for his unmatched command on the clay courts, has won 14 Grand Slam titles at the French Open, the most by any player in history. He achieved the Career Golden Slam and broke other significant records, etching his name among the players who redefined the sport. Besides tennis, the Spaniard has been an advocate for renewable energy, transforming lives through his eponymous Foundation, and inspiring the up-and-coming generations with his legacy. Months into retirement, Nadal took a trip to Japan and shared glimpses of the places he visited there. He posted a video of the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, which was crowded with tourists. He then captured the bustling Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo as pedestrians moved in every direction, heading to their respective destinations.The following story featured the 22-time Grand Slam winner, leaning on the railing at Kyomizu-dera Temple. Nadal Japan stories; Instagram - @rafaelnadalThe 39-year-old received a hero’s farewell at the 2025 French Open in the presence of his fans, family, fellow players, and luminaries Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray.Rafael Nadal once revealed how Roger Federer impacted him deeplyNadal at the 2025 French Open - Day One - Source: GettyRoger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s rivalry epitomized excellence and remains one of the most talked-about and celebrated in the tennis world. They met on court 40 times, with the latter leading their head-to-head 24–16. As they reached the end of their journeys, it was Federer who called off first at the 2022 Laver Cup. Reflecting on the Swiss's retirement, Nadal shared that he lost a part of himself with his top rival. "In some way, he has been an important part of my life because he was my main rival for a long time at the beginning of my career. And when he retired, it’s like a part of me, you know, left with him. You know, so, uh, it was quite emotional. It was a big challenge, I think, for all of us to play against each other, and it was a very, very big challenge," he said on the 'YOU QUIZ ON THE BLOCK' episode. Nadal recently joined Donald Trump, Hollywood personality Will Smith, and footballer Lionel Messi, as they will attend the American Business Forum's inauguration in Miami on November 5 - 6, 2025.
