It was the summer of 2005. Life was at a tumultuous turn at twenty years and was rebelliously seeking newer avenues of expression and something intensely deep. It was at that time I had first noticed him; a ferociously competitive teenager from Spain who had defeated the then No. 1 Roger Federer in Semis at Rolland Garros. At First, it didn’t seem that Rafael Nadal belonged to the same sport which Sampras and Federer played. Clad in White capri pants and a sleeveless shirt with a warrior like muscular build, he didn’t look like a professional tennis player at all. He appeared almost fanatic with his shirt-tug, hair-tuck pre-serve rituals, making symmetrical placement of his bottles and towels, but couple of games into a match, one would have realized, he meant only business. And the kind of fierce tennis he played; he could have put courts on fire! I had liked him instantly that summer. So much that I sported black denim capri pants almost the whole of following year. The passion, the intensity he exuded through his game seemed all too close at that phase in life. And yes, of course, because he played high-class quality tennis and was not named Roger Federer.
I think there are two types of Nadal fans, the ones who don’t want to like Federer so they like Nadal and the ones who like Nadal irrespectively, just for Nadal. I started partially from category one, but didn’t realize when and how easily I moved to the other category. And while I am a die-hard Nadal fan, let’s get one thing clear. Federer is by far the most gifted tennis champion we have seen in this era, and his sublime touch remains unmatched in many ways. But someone like me who had grown up adoring and watching Pete Sampras dominate the tennis scene, was heartbroken at the loss handed down to him by Federer in 2001 Wimbledon. So, it was definitely great to see a formidable opponent emerge on the horizon for an otherwise unstoppable Federer.
And then there was Wimbledon 2008 final. We can consider ourselves lucky to have witnessed such a Grand Slam final, probably the best ever played on Wimbledon Centre Court. They matched shot to shot, but Nadal showed mental toughness which was out of the realm and played extraordinary tennis where Federer couldn’t reach. Those who had raised questions asking if Nadal can only be ‘through and through clay court player’ had got their answers too. It was a moment in time prescient enough to let the world know about the feats Nadal will achieve for years to come. And he did. Beyond those record books and statistics, he has given us electrifying moments of tennis and sheer joy of witnessing something spectacular.
Recently, that same youngster from Spain turned 21 Grand Slams old. I couldn’t believe the journey he has travelled while I watched him lift his 21st Grand Slam trophy, as a more mature and well-rounded champion now. Twenty years into his professional career, at thirty-five, he defeated a ten year younger Medvedev, from two sets down, after almost all five-setter encounters in previous three rounds on a surface where he has sparsely won titles earlier. And that too when three months ago he was not sure if he will play at Australian Open at all. At one point in that match after two sets, no one could have believed that he could make a comeback. No one but him. That’s Nadal for you. Adversity almost always brings out the best in him. Luck might have played its role, but luck also favours those who work the hardest and believe beyond the obvious.
There are so many reasons why he is special. With one of the strongest left-handed forehands in the game which can be most destructive, superb groundstrokes, solid baseline game, unbelievable topspin play and his ability to survive really long rallies present a lethal combination with his composure. Nadal may not have the serve and volley and slice that Federer can amaze with, but he has worked so hard to the point where he could match Federer’s finer natural flair with his formidable game and solid technique.
There are anecdotes that Federer doesn’t train as hard as Nadal does, still he plays with such an ease and at times, there is almost a touch of divinity to some of Federer’s shots as if god is operating on the Centre Court. But what is mesmerizing is Nadal’s ability to produce similar display of supreme tennis purely through his hard work and long training hours, physical stamina and mental fortitude combined with his talent and unrelenting ambition. His ability to make come backs from high-stress situations has always been fascinating. His indomitable spirit is one of a kind. It is like human ability pushed to the limits of maximum. That is why it is a grueling experience sometimes to watch him play; but once he starts unleashing the fireworks through his racquet, it is a delight all through.
Almost opposite to the personality he has on tennis court, he carries off that. A very private person, deeply connected with his clan and his hometown, he is a humble guy without any airs about the things he has achieved as a champion. Probably this
has made him stay focussed, away from the distractions fame or money can bring
easily.
One of the other reason that has made him sustain for so long, is adaptability of his game. He has consistently worked on improving himself as a professional athlete, improving his serve, volley and double handed backhand over the years and has hugely worked on his ability to play and win on hard courts. Because the kind of intense tennis he has played, he has seen injuries and pain throughout his sporting life, but every single time so far, his resilience has outpowered his pain and he has bounced back to win Championships. Being a Champion of this kind requires an inner drive to excel far beyond the ordinary.
If there was one last match in life, and I had to bet on someone, I would choose him hands down. Because He plays every game and point as if his life depends on it. Like he says, “I have no sense of humour about losing..”
Men’s tennis has witnessed its golden era for past 20 years, with three top players sharing more than 60 grand slams amongst them. And howsoever transient, Nadal stands tall among the Big Three for now. Stands like a worthy champion. And while it lasts, one can’t help but wish for him to hold the trophy at Rolland Garros soon, for him to do that post win ritual of biting at the trophy just one more time, what can be a better birthday present for the Champion anyway?!
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