Rafael Nadal awarded honorary doctorate: ‘It is vital to always remain humble’ | ATP Tour

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Nadal awarded honorary doctorate: ‘It is vital to always remain humble’

Former world number one recognized for his sporting excellence at Politecnico de Madrid

March 25, 2026

The example set by Rafael Nadal reaches far beyond the boundaries of sport, making his hard work, perseverance and capacity for sacrifice a useful manual in many areas of life.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) on Wednesday, winning unanimous recognition from the academic community. In his speech, Nadal expressed his gratitude to the institution.

“In elite sport, as in engineering or any scientific discipline, talent is important, but talent alone is not enough,” Nadal said in Spanish. Nadal’s recognition was proposed by the Academy of Physical Activity and Exercise Sciences. “Behind every achievement there is always a long process of preparation, analysis, continuous work and continuous improvement. Values ​​such as discipline, pursuit of excellence, teamwork and commitment are closely related to our experience in professional sports.”

“I have received various honors throughout my career, but honors from academia hold special significance because they represent the respect of an institution dedicated to knowledge, education and the advancement of society.”

At an institution dedicated to educating future generations, Nadal emphasized the importance of hard work, daily progress and the determination to learn in the toughest moments. This mentality allowed him to achieve excellence in his sport without abandoning his most respected values.

“It is crucial to set short-, medium- and long-term goals. In order to achieve these goals, you must wake up every day with passion and the determination to do your best,” said Nadal, who has received honors from the European University of Madrid (2015) and the University of Salamanca (2025). “Everyone encounters difficult moments along the way. It is in these moments that it is most important to stay positive and keep working, but often the results are not immediate. It is in the constant hard work, almost imperceptibly, that progress begins.”

The former PIF ATP No. 1 player encouraged those in attendance to stay grounded, see success as just another part of the journey, and value simplicity above all else.

“Success, by itself, can be misleading. It is crucial to always remain humble and self-critical. Success is short-lived and should not distract from the work,” Nadal said. “It’s critical to listen to your team, accept mistakes, and continually improve. Even during your greatest successes, there’s always room for improvement.

“Ultimately, achieving your goals takes time, perseverance, constant adjustments and sustained commitment over the years. Success doesn’t come quickly or by chance. When I was a kid in Mallorca, I learned that progress doesn’t come from big changes, but from small, day-to-day improvements; hitting the ball better, understanding the game more, learning from every victory and every defeat,” he said before leaving a final message to the youngsters present.

“To my classmates, I want to tell you, believe in your talents, but most importantly, believe in your ability to work hard. Seize every opportunity, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and always maintain perseverance and humility. You have the ability to make a difference.”