‘Roger and I agree that we want to be remembered as nice people,’ Nadal remarked.
What constitutes a legacy? Rafael Nadal used a chat he had with Roger Federer to try to address that question this week during a commencement speech to graduates of his eponymous tennis academy.
After Federer mentioned losing to Nadal in the 2008 Wimbledon final to co-eds in a memorable speech at Darmouth University’s commencement last week, Nadal chose a much more recent memory: when the pair braved snowy weather in the Italian Dolomites to film a spring advertisement for Louis Vuitton.
“There in the mountains, we had a very interesting conversation about a word that I think is very important: legacy,” Nadal stated in Spanish. “Roger and I both agree on something very important. How do you want to be remembered in a few years? How do we want future generations to think of us?
“We’re both quite certain of our replies. It’s nice that our accomplishments, titles, and records are recognized, but as time passes, it’s likely that someone will come along and do something greater. What matters, then, is what will always be remembered.
“Therefore, both Roger and I agree that we want to be remembered as nice individuals. We live in a society that prioritizes the what and now over all else. But I’d like to emphasize the importance of the way.”
While not every graduate of Nadal’s tennis academy would reach the dizzying heights that he and Federer attained, Nadal did draw parallels between how they commiserated and what the future holds for the young players who came before him.
“When you’re at university or on the tennis court, ask yourself occasionally, ‘How do I want my peers to remember me? What about my teachers? “My friends?” he asked. “I could urge you to try to be influencers in your community, but I prefer the term leader. People around you should consider you as someone to emulate because of their ideals.”
Nadal wasn’t the only former world number one to share his knowledge with grads. His coach, Carlos Moya, was this year’s keynote speaker, following in the footsteps of Iga Swiatek.
Moya, like Nadal, emphasized to the graduates that the simple things are most important.
“There are days when you don’t feel like practicing, going to the gym, or studying. “If you push yourself through those moments, these are the ones that pay off,” Moya told the ATP. “These are the moments that, if taken advantage of, will propel you to the next level and help you advance in whatever you pursue. “So pay attention to those moments.”