3 Takeaways From Rafael Nadal’s Hour-Long Interview With Andy Roddick On ‘Served’ Podcast

Rafael Nadal sat down with Andy Roddick on his Served podcast for a fascinating hour-long discussion about his career and other interesting topics.

Here are three takeaways from the interview.

1. Rafael Nadal Did Not Know He Was Carrying The Paris Olympic Torch Until The Last Minute

Nadal told Roddick that he was not told what he was doing in the Olympic opening ceremonies until about ten minutes before.  The Olympic Committee contacted him beforehand, and he knew that he could not ride on the ship with the Spanish team.  To maintain secrecy, he had no idea he was carrying the torch until they were walking to the venue.  His initial reaction was to shed tears, but he pulled himself together and was determined to enjoy the unprecedented moment.

Rafa Nadal says he didn’t know he would be the flag bearer at the Paris Olympics until 10 minutes before

“When I realized the moment, I started to cry a little bit… I said ‘stop it, man. It’s not a moment to cry. It’s the moment to enjoy.” 🥹

pic.twitter.com/EKTqu5D1fD

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 11, 2025

2. Rafael Nadal’s Second Favorite Surface Was Grass

Nadal is known for his clay court prowess, but he admitted that he liked the transition to the different surfaces.  His second-best surface was grass though he had a love-hate relationship with it.  It was difficult on him physically, he cited knee issues as a result, but his game translated well.  Nadal also liked getting free points on his grass-court serve.

Rafa rated himself on grass over hard 🗣️

(via @Served_Podcast) pic.twitter.com/hKGdIAV1ge

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 11, 2025

3. Nadal’s Foot Injury Was The Most Detrimental To His Career

Rafael Nadal had many injuries, but the worst was the one that came early in his career to his foot.  It flared up from time to time. He told Andy Roddick off camera that he could not walk for about a month after his Davis Cup farewell match.  Roddick said he showed him his foot which he described as looking “pregnant” and “gross.”

🚨 Rafa Nadal 💬 will not play US Open and the end of the season: “I’m not going to be able to continue in 2021. I’ve suffered too much with my foot. But I have confidence, I will fight again on the court. I know this injury, it’s the same one since 2005.” pic.twitter.com/1eg55lBK8W

— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) August 20, 2021

Seeing and listening to Rafa reflect on his career and life was a joy.  He looks relaxed, happy, and content and is still wearing Nike attire.  Nadal is busy with his many business ventures and admitted that he is trying to get organized in his post-playing life.  He believes the first year will be hectic until he gets his plans in place.  Those plans include multiple tennis academies and real estate ventures with his family members.  Roddick mentioned that he met Rafa in the Dominican Republic; he was traveling with his parents and sister for a project.