"I felt like I was suffocating on my own saliva": Rafael Nadal talks about his anxiety, his psychiatrist, and his chronic pain

Rafael Nadal revisits several key episodes of his career in the documentary RafaThe documentary, dedicated to his career and available on Netflix from May 29th, features the former Spanish player discussing his mental health struggles, pain in his left foot, and his reliance on anti-inflammatories to continue competing at the highest level. Winner of 22 Grand Slam tournaments, including 14 French Open titles, Rafael Nadal has long been associated with an image of physical and mental resilience. However, in this documentary, he reveals a much more vulnerable period in his life, particularly in 2015, a year in which he failed to win a single major tournament.

A 2015 without a Grand Slam title

Rafael Nadal explains that he went through a "A very difficult period" in 2015, which lasted "about a year"That season, the Spaniard did not win a Grand Slam title, a first in ten years. At Roland-Garros, Rafael Nadal was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Novak DjokovicHe would have to wait until 2017 to win another title in one of the four major tournaments, with another victory on the Parisian clay.

"I had to sort everything out on my own."

In the documentary, Rafael Nadal admits that he long believed he had to manage his difficulties alone, particularly those related to competition: "I always thought I should handle everything myself, especially what happens on a tennis court. It didn't seem serious enough to ask for help.""I admit it," says Rafael Nadal. But according to him, the problem eventually went beyond the realm of sports. The anxiety also manifested itself in his daily life: "At a certain point, it wasn't just about the emotions or the pressure during matches anymore. Off the court, I would go for walks with a bottle of water because I felt like I was suffocating on my own saliva."

Psychologist, then psychiatrist

Rafael Nadal explains that he first consulted a psychologist, before turning to a psychiatrist when the support did not seem sufficient: "That's when I realized I really had a problem and that I needed to get help.", says Rafael Nadal. "I first went to see a psychologist, but I felt that it wasn't enough. So I turned to a psychiatrist. I was prescribed a treatment which, over the months, helped me to get better."

The left foot, an old problem

Rafael Nadal also reflects on his left foot, a chronic injury that has plagued much of his career. As early as 2005, the Spaniard feared he would have to retire from tennis due to this pain. To continue playing, Nadal used a special orthotic insole. According to him, this solution allowed him to continue his career, but it also had significant physical consequences. "The insole, which allowed me to continue playing, prevented this injury, but at the same time it altered my body's balance, and that's where many other physical problems arose.", explains Rafael Nadal. "Paradoxically, this solution both saved my career and created many of the difficulties I have encountered over the years.", he adds.

Anti-inflammatory drugs to manage the pain

In RafaRafael Nadal also mentions his use of painkillers and anti-inflammatories to limit foot pain and remain competitive: "I often argued with my physiotherapist because he didn't want me to overuse anti-inflammatories, even though I felt I had no choice.", confides Rafael Nadal.

These statements demonstrate the impact of his injuries on his career. Despite these difficulties, Rafael Nadal won 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 at Roland-Garros, before ending his professional career.