Rafanatic all these years, today the dream is complete - 20 Majors!
Until the year 2005, the only Tennis Player I strongly supported, followed and wanted to win every game was Boris Becker. Possibly because the first game I watched on TV was during his early career Wimbledon exploits, could be the year 1985 or 1986, I don't clearly recall. Becker's charismatic nature, stylish dives, booming serves, outrageous volleys were all a thing of beauty and made me fall instantly. He didn't turn up to be the world beater as many expected, but he entertained and gave it all on court.
Then came Rafael Nadal. It was a case of love at first sight once again. From the moment I first watched Rafa unfurl those glorious inside out forehands, dressed up in a rarely seen capris and sleeveless combination, I became a fan - much more than that. The fact that he came in when Roger Federer was sweeping away every honour in tennis as a man possessed, made Rafael Nadal much most special for me. He created that extra dimension almost single-handedly. Rafa was the first one who was ready to test the invincibility of Roger and was very successful as well. With the amount of grace Roger Federer brought to the court, people didn't like him losing. Very few wanted to accept Rafael Nadal could be an all-round tennis player. Too many shrugged him off as yet another Spanish base-liner, who has a dream run at Paris but goes on a holiday during the next month in Wimbledon. He proved them all wrong.
Wimbledon 2008 and Australian Open 2009 top my memories. I will watch those games everyday if I have the option to. Those were typical Rafa, carrying an undeniable amount of self-belief, brute force and athleticism. He still does that, but during those times, when he steps on the accelerator, he looked unbeatable. Australian Open 2012 and Australian Open 2017 are memorable as well but for heart-breaking near misses. The former was half a inch with the line, the latter was to the net - keen followers of the game can recall these moments. Both were within Rafa's grasp and slipped, but on far too many occasions, Rafa won games that he had no business winning.
As he wins his 20th Major, I'm over the moon and absolutely elated for Rafa, the Champion. I have been wanting him to stand alone atop of all with the number of majors, but to be on par with Roger is hard enough and sweet enough. Federer could still go on to win the 21st next year, but Rafa will still be there. The competition is getting tougher and tougher, but Rafa is adapting more and more. Just like how Federer has been defying all the logic by playing active singles in his 40th year, I'm hoping Nadal carriea on for a few years. The body has taken a pounding, but Rafa continues to find ways to keep it going.
Over the years, Rafael Nadal has done well to alter the order of my favourite sports persons list. He gave me a lot of joy and at times sufferings. Rafael Nadal will remain the ultimate personality whom I will point out to, whenever there is a reference to sports. He showed how it should be played. Before skills came perseverance, before elegance came grit, before quitting came the fight. He played every match, every set, every game, every point as if they were his last. A legend, a colossal role model, for me, the best ever.
Title after one of the earliest injury setbacks, June 2010
An immature article to prove Rafa is better than Roger, but I had a point at that time