Exclusive interview with Rudy Fernández
Rudy Fernández, at La Finca in Pozuelo de Alarcón. Photos: Jon Roda.
Over a quarter-century career, Rodolfo “Rudy” Fernández (Palma, 1985) stood out for his intensity and determination, never giving up on a single ball. This relentless spirit, combined with undeniable talent, made him a fan favourite both in Spain and during his time in the NBA. His impressive list of honours includes multiple titles at both club level (three EuroLeagues, seven ACB Leagues and seven Copas del Rey) and with the national team (two Olympic silvers, two World Championships and four EuroBaskets). In person, however, he comes across as friendly, humble, calm, and slightly shy—far removed from the fierce competitor seen on the court. We spoke with him at La Finca in Pozuelo de Alarcón, where he is now nurturing a new passion: golf.
– Since you retired after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, you haven’t stopped receiving awards, such as the Gold Medal of Balears and the Grand Cross of Madrid. Does that make you a legend?
– Whenever I hear the word ‘legend’, it makes me feel old (laughs). I’m grateful for those awards, but what truly makes me proud is when people stop me in the street to congratulate me.
– The 20-minute standing ovation you received from the Real Madrid fans in your last match was something never seen before.
– That’s exactly what I mean. It was really special because, in sport, what truly matters in the end is the recognition from the people. That ovation, which was completely spontaneous, is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. It’s the greatest award I could ever receive as an athlete.
I could have played for two more years, but I read that Dirk Nowitzki regretted doing so because now he can’t do physical activities with his son
– What’s been the key to your success?
– Never stop growing and evolving as an athlete, learning, above all, from mistakes and overcoming difficult moments, such as injuries. I would also highlight my ability to adapt, which has allowed me to retire on my terms: being an important player in the squad.
– What would you say to young Rudy?
– To accept the advice of older people. When I was young and a veteran told me: ‘stretch or go to the gym, you’re going to need it later, especially at the end of your career’, I didn’t listen to him because I wasn’t in any pain. If I had followed his advice, maybe I would have had fewer injuries.
– After so many years of physical wear and tear, are you worried about the long-term consequences?
– When I retired, everyone was telling me that I could have played for two more years. But in 2022 I read an interview with an NBA legend, Dirk Nowitzki, where he regretted playing those two or three more years, because now he can hardly do any physical activities with his son. And that marked me. My children deserve that I can play football or another sport with them.
– Do you feel you have missed out on a lot for basketball?
– No doubt about it. I left Mallorca alone when I was 12 and left my family and friends behind. Then, in Badalona when I was 16, I couldn’t go out with my friends because the next day I had to train with the Joventut first team. At various times I questioned whether it had been the best decision not to live a normal childhood and make so many sacrifices for my career from such a young age. And not only me, because my parents also made sacrifices by letting me pursue my dreams. Now I am a father, and if my son told me he wanted to leave home when he was 12 or 13, I would have a hard time accepting it. But I have also been fortunate that my children have been able to see me play, which was something I had always had in mind.
– Is your future in business?
– The important thing is to continue generating economic value and to be aware that there are businesses that do well and others that do not. At the beginning, I admit that I was a bit scared because my life was basketball. I give a lot of importance to diversification and to keep learning every day.
If I had listened to the advice the veterans gave me when I was younger, maybe I would have had fewer injuries
– Are you still involved in sports?
– In fact, I am now immersed in a project similar to that of English Wrexham, although instead of two Hollywood actors, we are a group of sportsmen, such as Víctor Claver and Mario Mola, who have bought a football club in the second division of Madrid. I take it as a training and a long-term project, but I’m excited to be able to be inside a club and make decisions. That way I will know if I see myself running a team or not.
– Have you thought about coaching?
– To be honest, no, because it would be like going back to what I’ve left behind. It’s true that people have often said that Rudy the player had a great reading of the game and would make a good coach. Or maybe not! (laughs). I think being a coach is an even bigger sacrifice. You need to be mentally prepared to manage teams with such high demands, and then put up with the players too. And to be fair, putting up with me as a player wasn’t easy because of how competitive I am.
– Were you superstitious, like Nadal?
– Yeah, I did have my little rituals, although nothing as extreme as Rafa’s. We always used to laugh about it. I would tape both my feet before playing, but I had to start with the left one. If the physio taped the right one first, either because I was distracted or he wasn’t paying attention, I’d ask him to take it off and start again with the left. I also used to listen to the same music before matches and go through the same routine during the warm-up. These things help you focus, although now when I think about it, I’m like: “what a silly thing!” (laughs).
– Why did you turn to hypnosis?
– It came up after my third surgery in 2016, which was a tough time because the doctors told me that the hernia and the disc were really damaged, and I might only be able to play for another three or four years. Even though the surgery went really well and the tests were perfect, I still had some discomfort. In the end, it was all in my head. I read about hypnosis and got in touch with an expert. However, for the first three sessions, I went with people I trusted because I wasn’t sure about it; I didn’t know how it worked. But it really helped me to unblock myself and free up my mind.
– Do you feel like there’s an Olympic gold medal missing?
– Yes, although I really value the three Olympic medals I won. I also take pride in being the first male athlete to compete in six Olympics, but above all, I’m proud to have kept the promise I made to my father (who passed away in 2022) that I would be in Paris ’24.
My main superstition was that they had to tape my left foot first. If the physio started with the right one, I’d ask them to take it off. Now I think it was a bit silly
– Which title are you most proud of?
– The 2019 World Cup, which was really tough given everything I went through on a personal level (his grandfather passed away that summer). Winning it was something I was really excited about, especially being able to celebrate it surrounded by my family.
– Which players have impressed you the most over the years?
– There are so many: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Navarro, Pau… players who have defined an era worldwide. And I’ve been lucky enough to face players who were my idols, like Manu Ginóbili.
– Why did you return to Europe after three years in the NBA?
– Well, it was a bit of everything. My style of basketball suited Europe better, I wanted to be closer to my family, and I was a bit immature for not listening to the right people. You learn from mistakes, and I think I learned a lot in that sense. But things happen for a reason, and after that, I joined the team that’s been my life, Real Madrid, a club that’s not only great in sports but also on a personal level.
– Did you have an offer from Barça before signing with Real Madrid?
– Yes, and from other clubs as well, but in the end, I prioritized Real Madrid because of the project. My decisions are based on my well-being and that of my family, not on money.
– Has Mallorca changed much?
– Yes, it has changed for the better. It’s true that in Madrid I feel at home, but whenever I can, I take a trip to the island to see my friends and, most of all, to show my kids the place where my roots are. Mallorca is a wonderful island, and I have a lot of affection for it.
– Why is your annual camp on the island so successful?
– It’s because of the commitment we’ve had from the very beginning, my father, my sister, and I. I remember as a child, when my father would take me to the camps of some top players, and they would only show up for a day or two, it made me feel a bit… not empty, but disappointed. We got fully involved, even staying overnight, and people appreciate that. This year, we filled all the spots in just 20 minutes! It’s been so successful that other players have started doing things the same way. The important thing is that the kids learn and have a great week.
Leave A Comment