Rafael Nadal explained during an interview nearly five years ago that his family would never have allowed him to break a racket on court. Reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz was forced to apologise after destroying his racket during his shock second round defeat to Gael Monfils at the Cincinnati Masters on Friday.
Nadal has featured in 30 Grand Slam finals throughout his illustrious career and has tasted victory in 22 of them.
But the Spaniard has always managed to keep his composure on court and has refused to let his emotions boil over, even in the moments of highest stress.
Nadal was asked during an interview with CBS’ 60 Minutes in 2019 how many rackets he had broken. And he signalled the answer by forming a zero with his finger and thumb as a beaming smile appeared on his face.
He then explained: “My family, they wouldn’t have allowed me to break a racket. For me, breaking a racket means I’m not in control of my emotions.”
Nadal’s reluctance to show his anger means he may have some words of advice for Paris Olympics doubles partner Alcaraz.
