All Eyes On Australia: Rafael Nadal Closes in On History

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: September 27, 2010

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What a difference a year makes.

Exactly one year ago, Rafael Nadal had lost his figurative mojo. A painful, chronic knee injury had sidelined the Spaniard for weeks earlier in the summer, robbing him of his opportunity to defend his maiden Wimbledon title. Nadal watched from home as his rival cleaned up during the summer months, taking Nadal's French Open title, Wimbledon title, and even his No. 1 ranking.

New injuries, including an abdominal strain sustained during the North American summer hard court swing, robbed him of pace on his serve and the ability to consistently hit his favorite inside-out forehand. Low in confidence, and heavy in heart (as Nadal's parents had divorced around the same time), Nadal made noble run to the U.S. Open Semifinals, but was completely out gunned by Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro.

The fall season following the U.S. Open saw Nadal play a packed schedule as he struggled to find his confidence and the form he exhibited from January until May, form which saw him become an utterly dominant world No. 1. Nadal's fall season was a smattering of quarterfinal, semifinal, and runner-up appearances.

He was too defensive, moved tentatively, and ultimately offered himself up as a target for players he usually owned head to head. The tennis world was a buzz. Many predicted that Nadal had seen his best tennis already, and even at age 23 (at the time) was in decline.

The critics couldn't have been more wrong.

Fast forward to the present. Things have taken a complete U-turn. Once again healthy, Nadal is the undisputed world No. 1. Having won three of the four majors this year, Nadal wrapped up the year-end world No. 1 ranking for the second time in three years. Perhaps most importantly Nadal has already completed the career Grand Slam.

He is only 24 years old.

Certainly, Nadal has inscribed his name amongst the very greatest players who have ever played th...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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