Atherton2003
Hall of Fame
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Nadal's perfection at the French Open.
He is a great tennis player...but far more important, a wonderful, classy person. He is so respectful of Federer and his feelings, that he refrained from his usual "celebration" of rolling on the red clay when he wins the French Open and chose to be much more subdued as to not humiliate Federer any further. He seemed to feel badly that he beat Roger in such a drubbing that he had to apologize to him in his victory speech.
Nadal is so humble, than he admits to being closer to #3 than #1.
He also mentioned that Bjorn Borg is much better because he had more Titles.
Nadal never toots his own horn, is gracious and respectful to opponents and never is egotistical.
I believe Rafael Nadal exemplifies what an athlete should be - a fierce competitor who never concedes a point no matter what the score is....and off the court, he demonstrates the class, charm and down-to-earth qualities that make him an excellent athelete and person....I am very impressed with the maturity level of this young man....Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are excellent players and wonderful individuals off the court - they both are a joy to watch - I think the tennis sport has gained many positives just from having these 2 gentlemen in the sport.....hopefully, others will take a lesson from these men as to what an athlete should be.
He is a great tennis player...but far more important, a wonderful, classy person. He is so respectful of Federer and his feelings, that he refrained from his usual "celebration" of rolling on the red clay when he wins the French Open and chose to be much more subdued as to not humiliate Federer any further. He seemed to feel badly that he beat Roger in such a drubbing that he had to apologize to him in his victory speech.
Nadal is so humble, than he admits to being closer to #3 than #1.
He also mentioned that Bjorn Borg is much better because he had more Titles.
Nadal never toots his own horn, is gracious and respectful to opponents and never is egotistical.
I believe Rafael Nadal exemplifies what an athlete should be - a fierce competitor who never concedes a point no matter what the score is....and off the court, he demonstrates the class, charm and down-to-earth qualities that make him an excellent athelete and person....I am very impressed with the maturity level of this young man....Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are excellent players and wonderful individuals off the court - they both are a joy to watch - I think the tennis sport has gained many positives just from having these 2 gentlemen in the sport.....hopefully, others will take a lesson from these men as to what an athlete should be.
