For decades, tennis has remained remarkably consistent when it comes to its core rules—something that Rafael Nadal believes might soon become a problem if change isn’t embraced. Unlike other major sports that have proactively evolved to improve the pace, fairness, and entertainment factor, tennis has largely stayed rooted in tradition. And that, Nadal warns, could make the game vulnerable in the years ahead.
Other global sports like football and golf have adapted with time, introducing rule modifications that have had lasting impacts. Take football, for instance—the 1992 back-pass rule forced goalkeepers to rely more on footwork, adding a new tactical dimension to the game. Adjustments like limited substitutions, visual yellow and red cards, and recent changes in stoppage-time handling have further kept the sport dynamic and engaging. Likewise, in 2019, golf shortened the ball search time from five minutes to three, and scrapped the outdated double-hit rule—moves aimed at keeping the game flowing.
Tennis, on the other hand, has stuck to a set of time-honored regulations, showing resistance to evolution in its core gameplay mechanics. Nadal voiced his concerns during a Eurosport panel hosted alongside Diario AS, focusing particularly on the increasing dominance of the serve.
“Tennis has not changed anything in terms of rules throughout its history,” he noted.
“People are getting taller and moving better. The serve has a decisive impact. If that power isn’t limited, someone over two metres tall with good mobility will come along, and you won’t be able to compete against them, you won’t be able to get a break.
“That day, for the moment, has not arrived yet.”
Although the sport has seen its share of towering, hard-hitting servers—players with rocket-launcher serves—none have been able to completely control the sport. The dominance, instead, has remained with the likes of Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer, all of whom possess a more well-rounded skillset that balances offense, defense, and tactical nuance.
Nadal added, “Djokovic reached a final two days ago; I was competing a year and a half ago… it leads me to think that the change has not yet been so abrupt because we have continued to have a chance of success.”
His words point to a looming shift rather than a current crisis—a subtle warning that the next era of tennis could look very different if no proactive measures are taken.
Nadal, who officially hung up his racquet in November 2024, wrapped up a legendary two-decade-long career that spanned eras and defined excellence. With 22 Grand Slam titles to his name—including a mind-blowing 14 Roland Garros trophies—the Spaniard also achieved the elusive Career Golden Slam by winning all four majors and Olympic gold. By the time he stepped away from the game, his title count stood at a remarkable 92.
Reflecting on his journey, Nadal remained humble and deeply fulfilled.
“I’ve never had a big ego. I’ve never thought about numbers,” he said. “I feel satisfied to have finished knowing that I’ve given everything I could.
“Coming home from a tournament with the feeling of not having done everything I could was beyond me. I’ve always returned with that peace of mind.”
The calm confidence in his words reveals not just the mindset of a champion, but the philosophy of an athlete who poured his heart into every point. As tennis stares down the barrel of potential transformation, Nadal’s voice carries the weight of experience—and a gentle call for innovation.