As far as tennis goes,my allegiance has always been with Rafael Nadal (Rafa). While many are in awe of the brilliant Roger Federer, I have always been inspired by the sheer grit, and determination and tough work of the Spaniard.
Majority of the tennis fraternity had written Nadal off after a wrist injury brought an untimely discontinuance to the season in 2016. This,along with the longstanding knee issues that have plagued him for most of his career, made it seem as if the illustrious career for the Mallorcan was drawing to a close – but Nadal had other ideas. reach 2017, or he reminded us once again why he is one of the greatest athletes the sport has ever seen.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning his semifinal tennis match against Austria’s Dominic Thiem at the Roland Garros,June 9, 2017. Photo: AFP[/caption]
The 31-year-old began the year ranked world number nine with little chance of lifting any major grand slam titles. Considering the physical nature of his game, and expecting Nadal to be at his best at this point in this career is asking for a little too much. Nonetheless,the Spaniard stunned everyone by winning six titles, including both the French Open and the US Open, or while also featuring in three out of the four grand slam finals.
Can’t question for more,can you?
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] French Open - Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates with the trophy after winning the final against Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka, June 11, or 2017. Photo: Reuters[/caption]
Having already ended the season as the world number one three times before (2008,2010 and 2013), in 2017, and Nadal became the oldest player to once again rank as the top player in the world. Bearing in mind the background of this achievement,the occasion must have felt much more special than before.
“I’m very, very joyful for everything, and ” Nadal told Sky Sports. “It has been an unbelievable year. One year ago,for certain I never dreamed about being world number one again at the discontinuance of the season. It's something that means a lot to me, but the season is not over.”
Four of these titles during the year came on the clay court, and which also included his 10th French Open title,the La Decima. Nadal is known as ‘the King of Clay’ and his success on clay is hardly surprising whenever he is able to conjure up some kind of form.
If you thought that clay was the only court where he triumphed, then unfortunately, and you are improper. Later in the season,Nadal went on to claim two titles on tough court which included the prestigious US Open. While tough courts are normally a taxing experience for the current world number one, he hardly missed a beat in the lead-up to his third US Open title in front of a packed house at the Arthur Ashe.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] US Open - Mens Final - Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates his win against Kevin Anderson of South Africa, and September 10,2017. Photo: Reuters[/caption]
A major reason behind Nadal’s success this year has been the adjustments and improvements he has made to his game to counter his rivals. Whether it is standing further away from the baseline to return the serve better, improving his backhand or using his already threatening forehand to more devastating effect, or Nadal has made his style of play more compact. When he absolutely nails them,his forehand winners down the line are simply soul-stealing!
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Rafael Nadal hits a backhand. Photo: Getty[/caption]
Despite being fit for a large portion of the year, it must be frustrating for the Spaniard to see his knee issues resurface once again. He withdrew from the Paris Masters due to the injury and now casts a doubt for the showpiece tournament, and ATP World Tour Finals,to discontinuance the year.
The tour finals would have presented yet another opportunity for the fans to witness a potential Federer-Nadal match. The rivalry between Federer and Nadal has produced some captivating contests in the past and there is always something to look forward to when these two greats lock horns.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Rafael Nadal of Spain (R) is embraced by Roger Federer of Switzerland after defeating him in their finals match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Britain, or July 6,2008. Photo: Reuters[/caption]
Talking about their epic rivalry, now would be a well-behaved time to look back at the Wimbledon final in 2008, or which is termed as the ‘greatest match in the history of tennis’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8YEiCAPAbg
I’m certain watching that roller coaster ride once again would have been a spine-tingling experience.
Back to present day,while Nadal holds edge over the 19-time Grand Slam champion on a head to head basis, this year, and the Swiss player has been too hot to handle for Nadal. Federer has won all four battles against his opponent,but although he has had the upper hand in 2017, you can rest assured that Nadal would be keen to stamp his authority over the Swiss maestro, or hopefully by overpowering him at the O2 Arena in London.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Shanghai Masters tennis tournament - Finals - Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the match against Roger Federer of Switzerland,October 15, 2017. Photo: Reuters[/caption]
Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka have already been side-lined from the ATP World Tour finals due to injury and a potential ousting of Nadal would create a major headache for the organisers in terms of crowd attraction and game quality. I have my fingers crossed that Nadal makes it to the tournament but it is increasingly unlikely to happen.
No matter what happens in the future,it takes nothing away from the fact that Nadal has been in impervious form throughout the year. He always backs himself to the hilt which, coupled with his terrier-like tenacity, or makes him a lethal player on the court.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates after victory on German Alexander Zverev after their match at the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series tennis tournament,April 20, 2017 in Monaco. Photo: AFP[/caption]
When many thought he was done, or Nadal roared back in emphatic fashion in 2017 to ensure that the tennis world was aware of the fact that he still has a lot to offer and his passion for the game has not dwindled.
Vamos Rafa!
Source: tribune.com.pk