Tennis' Dark Knight

He should be dubbed as the most tenacious athlete to grace sports since Roberto Duran. His style is likened to a caged animal. He is tennis’ antagonist.

The dark knight that brought down King Federer and Camelot in an epic battle that will not soon be forgotten. He is Rafael Nadal and he is out to show that you can be the best player in the world while exuding class and humbleness.
   
The world No. 1, fresh (or perhaps a bit tired) off beating Roger Federer in another five set showdown at the Australian Open, was asked about his opinion on whom the best player in the world title belongs to, the Spaniard replied, “When someone has 13 Grand Slams and 14 Masters titles, there is no discussion about who is the best.”

For those who don’t follow Nadal, or pretend to follow Nadal, this is classic Nadal. Always humble and always praising his competitors.
   
To the casual tennis fan, Nadal’s style is the polar opposite of Federer; he wears his heart on his now-sleeved shirt and is tennis’ version of a blue-collar worker. He is famous for his “vamos” scream and his patented uppercut fist pump.

He is tennis’ grinder. While he may never have Federer’s style, admittedly no one may ever have the bravado that Federer exudes on court, Nadal is the workingman’s hero. He is on the court longer than any other opponent and his work ethic on the court leaves you with the impression he punches a time card after every match.
  
Just as admirable as Nadal’s on court accomplishments is his off court demeanor. Never one to use the media as an outlet for frustration or the condemning of an opponent, Nadal shows a class way beyond his years. Evidenced by his answers to questions about an upcoming opponent, who only months before was brought in as Nadal’s hitting partner to prepare for the Australian Open.

Nadal told the media that the young Bulgarian, Grigor Dimitrov, would pose a threat and should not be taken lightly. This should come as no surprise to the avid Nadal follower; many of his opponents receive this treatment before they enter the court to meet the Spaniard.
   
After being dubbed as a “clay courter” by Federer himself in 2007, Nadal has come full circle by transforming his game from one-dimensional to now what can be considered a huge threat on any surface. As a result, Nadal now own grand slams on all surfaces.
   
Yet, the doubters are still ever present. They say that Nadal will never have the “style or class” that Federer possesses. Although his critics claim “his style lacks the swagger of a world No. 1,” Nadal would have it no other way.

Repeatedly he puts Federer on the pedestal, he wants Federer to be considered the greatest for it gives him a goal to work toward. Nadal may not be blessed with Federer’s longevity, but Nadal has something Federer will most likely never have: the distinction of beating your greatest rival more times than not.
   
Nadal is walking, talking proof that to be the best at something you have to work until you are blue in the face. Herein lies the most admirable attribute of Nadal’s game, something that transcends tennis.

He is the constant professional, his wins are not followed with shows of confidence in his post-match press conferences they are usually very humble and praising the opponent and the future opponent.
   
Not to discount Federer and his accomplishments, for Federer will most likely go down as the greatest player of all time and he has undoubtedly marked a new era in tennis.

However, it is Nadal that has multiplied the popularity of tennis exponentially. His style and swagger have taken tennis from a sport for the affluent to a sport for the world community. And for that we should be thankful for the matador from Mallorca.

With thanks to EAR