The Implications of Rafael Nadal on a Roger Federer Fan

Rafael Nadal. This name, all of a sudden, is pulling me towards it like iron attracted to a magnet. In my short span as a tennis fan and more importantly, a Federer fan, I have never veered, neither towards this man's game nor his attitude, i.e., till now.

I still am a Federer fan and shall remain so but am experiencing an epiphany in Nadal's direction. I have to my own surprise, learnt to appreciate his presence.

And feeling traitorous because on one hand there is my unwavering loyalty towards Roger and on the other a respect to Nadal which has sprung on me, unbeknownst to myself.

This respect, I hasten to add is not on account of his winning the Oz Open alone. It has arisen after seeing him win year in and year out at the French Open, conquering Wimbledon and the No. 1 title and be so nonchalant about it.

Previously, I held the belief that Nadal was the most conceited and had the attitude of reaching to the stars. Unequivocally, I will admit now that I was so so wrong in judging him on the basis of my own prejudices against him.

And these days, I don't feel anything gloating about Rafa's demeanour, when he pumps his fists or when he stares (almost murderously) after scoring a point whereas these were some of the aspects that used tick me against him.

Also there is this intensifying feeling in my heart which made me introspect and come to the conclusion that after Federer if I were to root for any player, it would be this Spaniard, period!

And although, my connection with Rafa's game will never be like I do with Federer, I surely do know that I will shout "Vamos Rafa" with the same burning passion of "Allez Federer" and finally, I am in peace with the satisfaction that my Tennis "fanning" days will not be over with Roger Federer!