Nadal tells Amanpour about extreme solution to 19-year injury — Thursday 21 May 2026Rafael Nadal has opened up in a raw interview with Christiane Amanpour about the brutal 19-year injury that has shadowed his entire career and the extreme steps he took to keep playing at the highest level. The tennis icon shared the physical pain and mental grind behind his record-breaking wins, giving American fans a rare glimpse into what it really takes to dominate the sport for so long. His new Netflix documentary Rafa drops soon and promises even more behind-the-scenes details on those battles. Nadal's story lands hard with US audiences who know the grind of elite sports all too well. From the grueling US Open courts in New York to college athletes pushing through season-ending injuries, his tale of relentless determination mirrors the toughness we celebrate right here at home. He spoke directly about the tough choices that kept him in the game, showing why he remains one of the most respected figures in tennis even as younger American stars rise. The full conversation airs Thursday at 1 pm EST on CNN International, offering viewers a closer look at the man behind the highlights. For fans across the country, Nadal's honesty serves as a powerful reminder that true champions fight through pain most of us never see.Watch the full video from CNN below.