The will to win, the heart, the spirit - the qualities that are defined by no other than Rafael Nadal. The guy who dominated the once popular Roger Federer, is now on route to pass the Swiss record of grand slam titles, with the Swiss maestro likely to retire by the end of this year. And yet, the soul of Nadal remains humble, he doesn't like people saying he's greater than anyone. For him, he's a mere person who just likes being a good sport and a competitor, something even his coleauges, and often competitors, can appreciate.
"Rafa is the heart of our sport" says Scotland's own Andy Murray. "I love watching the guy play, its incredible. When I lose against him, a part of me is happy I did, and when I win, a part of me is sad too."
"This guy is everything tennis could hope for" - says Thomas Berdych, another highly ranked player. "Even though I lost many times to him, you have to appreciate what a great sportsman he is - he's a class act and a role model for everyone in not just tennis, but sport in general".
Rafa, as they call him, didn't always have it easy. Tough knee injuries along some other health issues have delayed some of the accomplishments and perhaps prevented others, as Roger Federer, always the great opportunist, was there to take advantage of Rafa's injury in 2009 and buy two more titles, but even Roger Federer knows he only bought some more time, as Nadal is quickly closing in the gap. "Its inevitable" said the Swiss mastro. "He is simply the best player I ever played against, and as a bonus he's also a great guy and a good sport". Federer, up until a few years ago, was considered the greatest player in the sport, is now considered by many distant 3rd to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic, the next obstacle for Rafael Nadal is the ranked #1 player in the world, and has defeated Nadal in the finals of the first grand slam of the year in Austrailia. And while Rafa has lost the last six matches when the two played against each other, he's confident in his ability to turn the tide. "I will beat him, because if I practice enough and play well, I know I can beat anyone".
Until that happens, Nadal is ranked at #2. But even if he is not the top player in the world today, he surely got the biggest heart and love from tennis fans worldwide.
Link: http://aprilsfools.com
"Rafa is the heart of our sport" says Scotland's own Andy Murray. "I love watching the guy play, its incredible. When I lose against him, a part of me is happy I did, and when I win, a part of me is sad too."
"This guy is everything tennis could hope for" - says Thomas Berdych, another highly ranked player. "Even though I lost many times to him, you have to appreciate what a great sportsman he is - he's a class act and a role model for everyone in not just tennis, but sport in general".
Rafa, as they call him, didn't always have it easy. Tough knee injuries along some other health issues have delayed some of the accomplishments and perhaps prevented others, as Roger Federer, always the great opportunist, was there to take advantage of Rafa's injury in 2009 and buy two more titles, but even Roger Federer knows he only bought some more time, as Nadal is quickly closing in the gap. "Its inevitable" said the Swiss mastro. "He is simply the best player I ever played against, and as a bonus he's also a great guy and a good sport". Federer, up until a few years ago, was considered the greatest player in the sport, is now considered by many distant 3rd to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic, the next obstacle for Rafael Nadal is the ranked #1 player in the world, and has defeated Nadal in the finals of the first grand slam of the year in Austrailia. And while Rafa has lost the last six matches when the two played against each other, he's confident in his ability to turn the tide. "I will beat him, because if I practice enough and play well, I know I can beat anyone".
Until that happens, Nadal is ranked at #2. But even if he is not the top player in the world today, he surely got the biggest heart and love from tennis fans worldwide.
Link: http://aprilsfools.com
