Off Court News
Nadal awarded honorary doctorate: ‘It’s essential to always maintain humility’
Former World No. 1 was recognised for his excellence in sport at the Polytechnic University of Madrid
March 25, 2026
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
Rafael Nadal speaks at the Polytechnic University of Madrid on Tuesday.
By ATPTour.com/es Staff
The example set by Rafael Nadal has far transcended the boundaries of sport, making his hard work, perseverance and capacity for sacrifice into a useful manual for many areas of life.
The 22-time major champion was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) on Wednesday, when he received unanimous recognition from the academic world. Nadal expressed his gratitude to the institution during a speech.
“In elite sport, as in engineering or any scientific discipline, talent is important, but it’s never enough on its own,” said Nadal, whose recognition was proposed by the Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, speaking in Spanish. “Behind every achievement there is always a long process of preparation, analysis, constant work and continual improvement. Values like discipline, the quest for excellence, teamwork and commitment are closely connected to what we experience in professional sport.”
“Throughout my career I have received various honours, but those from the academic world have a special significance, as they represent the respect of an institution dedicated to knowledge, education and the progress of society.”
At an institution committed to educating future generations, Nadal highlighted the importance of hard work, daily improvement and determination to learn during the toughest moments. This mentality enabled him to achieve excellence in sport without ever abandoning the most respected values.
“Having short, medium and long-term goals is essential. To achieve them, you must wake up every day with enthusiasm and a determination to give your best,” said Nadal, who was previously decorated by the European University of Madrid (2015) and the University of Salamanca (2025). “Along the way, everyone faces difficult moments. It’s precisely in those moments that maintaining a positive attitude and continuing to work is most important, often without immediate results. It is in that constant hard work where, almost without realising it, improvement begins.”
The former No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings encouraged those present to keep their feet on the ground, to treat success as just another part of the journey, and to value simplicity above all else.
“Success, for its part, can be misleading. It’s essential to always maintain humility and self-criticism. Success is fleeting and should not distract from the work,” Nadal said. “It is vital to listen to your team, accept mistakes and keep improving. Even at times of greatest success, there is always room for improvement.
“Ultimately, achieving your goals requires time, perseverance, continual adjustments and sustained commitment over years. Success doesn’t come quickly or by chance. Since I was a child in Mallorca, I learned that progress does not come from big changes, but from small daily improvements; hitting the ball a bit better, understanding the game more, learning from every victory and every defeat,” he said, before leaving a final message for the young people present.
“To the students, I’d like to tell you to trust in your talent, but above all in your capacity for hard work. Seize every opportunity, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and always maintain perseverance and humility. You have the ability to make a difference.”