Rafael Nadal: Rebirth

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: September 14, 2010

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When Rafael Nadal won his first two French Open titles in 2005 and 2006, people said he was a typical Spanish clay court grinder who would fail to win a Grand Slam outside Paris, just like the Spaniards of the 90s. He reached the finals in ’06 and ’07, and won arguably the greatest match of all time by beating Roger Federer, the best grass court player of the era, in the ’08 Wimbledon final.

After that, it was widely believed that hard courts will always remain his Achilles Heel, due to the movement and the stress it puts on his knees. He promptly shattered the myth and won in Melbourne next year. After struggling with his knees, and Juan Martin del Potro's demolition of him in New York last year, it was again established that he would never win the U.S. Open—i.e. the fast hard courts. The prediction strengthened further at Melbourne next year when he lost to Andy Murray in straight sets.

In short, Nadal has always been doubted, and it is obvious in some ways. He always downplays himself, calls Roger Federer the GOAT, says he does not care about records or the No. 1 ranking, and that his only goal is to constantly improve his game. In the beginning, it was hard to believe what he said—after all, how can one be so politically correct and believe it all?—but it is established fact now.

For all the changes he has made to his demeanor—from the pirate attire and loud Vamoses to a more balanced look, his style of play, or the improvements in English—two things have remained constant with Rafa.



First is his continuous zest to improve. Second is the joy he gets by winning every match, no matter at what stage of the tournament. He has displayed by falling to the ground after winning against Fernando Verdasco in Australia, against Andy Murray in Wimbledon, against Novak Djokovic in Madrid, or even against Mikhail Youzhny—not comparable to the Top Five by any means&mda...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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