Rafael Nadal (Photo : NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal admitted he is living a "normal life" in Mallorca despite being acclaimed by many fans around the globe.
Nadal is arguably one of the most famous athlete in the world, having captured the admiration and support of many tennis fans. But whenever the King of Clay is staying at home in Mallorca, Nadal feels he is just an ordinary person living in the vicinity.
"I am obviously aware that my sports life has been very positive, so far," Nadal told Vogue Magazine as reported by Tennis World USA.
"But honestly I do not think about all the things they say. I live my life normally, naturally. In this aspect the fact of living in an Island influences, there are not many people and everyone lives normally there. When I am in Mallorca for days and days [fans] do not ask me any photo, I do not sign autographs. I have totally a normal life. And I think education is important for this."
Nadal's tennis records speak for his popularity, having won 14 Grand Slam singles titles, which include a record nine French Open titles. While fans would certainly love to see the Spaniard take on the grass courts of Wimbledon, they may have to wait until next month before Nadal returns to tennis action, no thanks to a left wrist injury that forced him to retire hurt from Roland Garros.
With Nadal skipping Wimbledon due to a left wrist injury, Nadal eyes a comeback at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, which kicks off on July 25. But it may only be Nadal's attempt to test his form prior to the 2016 Rio Olympics, which, according to his long-time coach and uncle Toni, is his main focus coming off injury.
"Rafa was very sad when he had to withdraw from 2012 London Olympics, he does not want the same to happen for Rio, also because he has been nominated as flagbearer," Toni said in an interview with Onda Cero.
"This injury makes things complicated after Rafa had gained good feelings, but he remains positive. He had recovered his level, was enjoying himself and this was very positive."
It would be intriguing to see if Nadal can be ready to compete again when he returns to the tennis scene next month. For now, he could relish the moment of becoming one of the ordinary people in Mallorca as he recovers from his latest setback.
