Rafael Nadal: Humble Attitude Is What Makes Rafa So Dangerous at Wimbledon

In an era when athletes are quick to crown themselves, Rafael Nadal breaks the mold.

San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis recently made headlines when he told a group of football campers, "I will be the best tight end to ever play this game. I have a vision," according to WUSA9.com's Kevin Jones. 

Now, I have no doubt in my mind that Nadal harbors the same kind of hopes for himself in regards to his tennis career, but you'll never hear it from him. Instead, he chooses to let his game do the talking. 

Nadal talked to reporters about his chances at Wimbledon this year, according to the Agence France-Presse:

"

I'm very happy the way things went the last couple of months and really since the beginning of the season. But thinking about winning another title here at Wimbledon is arrogant and crazy...That's something I cannot think about. 

"

It's this humility and focus that makes Rafa so dangerous. 

He's already won two times at Wimbledon, not to mention his record-setting seven victories at Roland Garros and his single major victories at the U.S. and Australian Opens. If anyone had a right to speak about his chances to win this year's Wimbledon, it's Rafa.

Instead, he chooses to stay in the moment. He goes about his business like he hasn't won anything. He acts like a rookie who still has to earn respect. 

That's why he's so respected, and it's also why he's so feared.

I've picked Novak Djokovic to win this year's Wimbledon, but Nadal will likely stand in his way in the finals. If he does make it to that point, you can be sure that Nadal will play as if he's never won a single major championship. 

Nadal is a class act. He will go down in history as one of the greatest men's tennis players of all time, yet he never lauds himself for his success. He lets us do it for him, and for that, I have a tremendous amount of respect for him.

Follow @JesseReed78