Nadal: 'I thought in 2017 I'd be fishing on my boat in Mallorca'

If you'd asked Rafa Nadal after his first French Open title where he saw himself in 12 years, he wouldn't have told you he'd be back there, on the podium in Philippe Chatrier arena, lifting another Coupe de Mousquetaires.

In fact, he didn't expect to be playing tennis at all.

"In 2005, I thought in 2017 I'd be fishing on my boat in Mallorca," Nadal told reporters after adding a 10th French Open title to his record haul Sunday, according to Christopher Clarey of the New York Times. "I didn't really think I'd have such a long career and win so many tournaments."

Nadal got a chance to reflect on all he's accomplished at Roland Garros during the trophy ceremony, when the tournament organizers honored his unprecedented feat with a video montage, featuring footage from each of his 10 championship matches.

"This video was very special," Nadal said. "It showed great moments of my career. And back then, of course, I couldn't even think a second that this would ever happen to me."

Given that only three other men have gotten to lift the trophy at Philippe Chatrier since he burst onto the scene in 2005, there are a few who might not mind if Nadal really was out casting a line on his boat right now.

But the 31-year-old, who looked better than ever in winning No. 10, has bigger fish to fry.