Rafael Nadal: A Timely Reminder of What Tennis Is Missing

Since he pulled out of Wimbledon, news about Rafael Nadal has been thin on the ground. Even his own website has offered little information.

So there was relief all round, as the dust settled on London’s grass for another year, to get the first indication that Nadal was aiming to defend his title at the Rogers Cup in Montreal, which begins on August 10.

The Canadian tournament marks an important milestone on Nadal’s road to recovery. He has 1000 points to defend there, and will drop his 800 Olympic points the week after.

Nadal will struggle to peg back Roger Federer, who is now benefiting from the poor August he had last year. Federer will lose just 200 Olympic points and a mere 10 points from Montreal, so he can embrace fatherhood for a few weeks without losing too much sleep.

But that leaves the field wide open for the chasing pack of Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic.

According to Nadal’s spokesman, Benito Perez Barbadillo, Nadal is currently focusing on fitness work and treatment for his tendonitis. He's due to start on-court practice within a couple of weeks.

It would appear, therefore, that surgery has been avoided—great news for the tennis tour in general and for Nadal’s hoards of fans in particular. His absence has left a hole in the schedules that has been hard to fill.

So, in anticipation of his return to full fitness, here is a reminder of the tennis force that is Rafa.

Photos by the writer.

Rome Masters

The Masters in Rome marked one of the highlights of Nadal’s year, and a further triumph on his favorite clay.

His opponent in the final was Novak Djokovic.

The difference in their build, coloring, and kit were quite startling, but both had smiles which lit up an already-glittering arena.

The Nadal Power Game

Rafa has developed the ideal physique to implement his all-court power game, and has the mental application and toughness to apply it to destruction.

Nadal's Intensity

Rafa never looks anything other than intense.

Even at the change of ends, he fidgets, scowls, and towels constantly.

He then explodes from the precision of bottle-placing into a spring-mounted walk back to the baseline.

The Nadal Aura

His on-court personality is part of the Rafa aura. He demands the crowd’s attention in the way a rampant bull bears down on any unfortunate soul that dares to encroach upon its territory.

His shoulders swagger; the legs and hips twitch in preparation; there is a stillness before the unleashed attack.

He adjusts his clohing, bounces the ball slowly, and his glance is aimed at the target—it’s intimidating.

His feet in unison propel him into the explosive serve. His neck bursts with sinew, sweat flies like sparks from a Catherine wheel, and the racket—clutched in two fists—circles over his head like a broadsword.

Nadal's Brightness

The Roman sun was so bright that the yellow of Rafa’s shirt seemed almost to vibrate against the white of his shorts.

And the brilliance of that white threw into sharp relief his extraordinary musculature.

A Discarded Bandana

In practice, Rafa donned the strip he launched at the beginning of 2009—plain crew neck, white and sea blue with navy highlights. Smart, white shorts completed a very crisp look.

His bandana was discarded in favor of a back-to-front baseball cap.

He should consider doing this more often!

Energy Personified

Rafa wears his heart on his sleeve, face contorted into passion with each whip of his racket, the effort evident in his strained brow.

His forearm seems to expand to twice its size, shoulders explode from his rock-hard chest, fingers flail into a splayed star.

Effort and energy personified.

Nadal's Unwavering Determination

Rafa’s greatest asset as a sportsman is his unwavering determination.

He wears the scowl of anger if he has lost a game or the scowl of determination if he has won it.

No ball is ever—seemingly—beyond his reach or his retrieval. He is a driven athlete who will never accept that a point is lost until the ball misses a line or hits the net.

Punching The Rafa Wall

Rafa, when in full flight, is quite awe-inspiring.

But for his opponents, getting drawn into the “Rafa game” must be like punching a wall. They will crumble before his bricks and mortar do.

Nadal Dominates on Grass

Rafa is most at home in the European cauldrons of clay, and has had some of his greatest success there.

But last year, he proved himself just as capable of dominating on grass.

The crowds thronged around an outside court at Wimbledon when he persuaded John MacEnroe to warm-up with him. Plain white tee, shorts—and that cap again—had this writer’s daughter melting into a puddle at court-side.

Nadal All In White

Wimbledon’s Centre Court became as welcoming to Rafa in 2008 as Roland Garros, and he looked every inch the aspiring champion.

Rafa in all-white set off his chestnut skin to perfection.

Once again, a certain daughter sat open mouthed in wonder.

2009 Grass A Step Too Far

But the 2009 grass court season became a step too far for Rafa.

When the knee strapping disappeared at the start of the clay season, the messages were up-beat. But as Barcelona and Rome gave way to a momentous loss in Madrid, things looked a little less certain.

Paris confirmed many people’s concerns about just how strong Rafa’s knees were.

He pulled out of his traditional Wimbledon warm-up at Queens and opted, after a week’s rest, for a small, private club in the deepest suburbs of London.

100 Percent At Hurlingham

He looked resplendent in white and, in characteristically Rafa style, put in 100 percent effort against Stanislas Wawrinka in the intimate—yet packed—environs of Hurlingham.

Rafa's Change of Tactics

While Rafa’s forehand looked solid enough, he ventured to the net a lot more than usual.

It was a good move tactically to keep the points short, and made for some very attractive tennis.

Written In His Face

In all honesty, it was written all over Rafa’s face that he was not happy.

He was clearly frustrated at the numerous backhand mistakes and the netted serves. And he was less nimble than usual in changing direction.

The score was unimportant (he lost in a tie break). That he was not fit to play a grueling Grand Slam was important.

Grace In Adversity

With his usual good grace, he matter-of-factly changed his soaked shirt and slipped into a smart zip-up for the modest presentation.

He offered congratulations to his opponent, and thanks to the sponsors and crowd.

He must have felt gutted, yet he was charm personified.

An Announcement Is Made

Sure enough, at just after 7:00 that evening, the announcement was made—Rafa had decided to withdraw from the most prestigious tournament of the year.

He revealed that he had been playing with pain for some months, and that he didn't know how long he would now be out of the game.

With his usual positive outlook, he said he expected to fully recover and have a long career.

Come Back Strong And Smiling

Rafa certainly has the time and enthusiasm to rebuild his game, his fitness, and his endurance.

Even at Hurlingham, it was possible to see that he's developed the tools to play a different, more all-around game—a real positive to take away from a disappointing London season.

He may well come back a more complete player, and stronger than ever.

One thing is certain, though—wherever and whenever that is, the fans will be won over anew by that charming smile.