In a "Nadalic" World

Since Rafa was the point of reference for this article I might as well go out on a limb and express my other "Nadalic" points of view.

What draws me to Nadal's game is the intensity that he wears like a suit of armor. Rafa's ability to stay focused on each point and to brush off a lost game, set and on occasion a lost match only endears him more.

Especially to those of us who only play his style of tennis from the comfort of our sofa or office chair in the privacy of our imagination. 

He is unlike any other player currently in the top 10. Most notably even Roger Federer has graced us lately with a less veiled emotion when he is struggling in a match. What makes the Nadal and Federer match up even more compelling is that both players are not only blessed by the Gods of tennis.

But that they each understand and except the role on and off the court of a gracious sportsman. Tennis doesn’t have the only gracious sportsman, but it is all too often that the men and women at the top of their respective sport show that kind of maturity, posture, or genuine humility for their elevated position.

Here in America, the public sports persona is not that of an unspoiled athlete. We often read about the less than stellar public displays by our “Super Stars”.

I often wonder how Toni Nadal feels as he watches his brilliant nephew collect another trophy, set a new tennis record, or just behave like a man that anyone would be proud to call a friend.

It would seem to have surpassed simple family pride and it appears to be more of a mutual respect between he and Rafael. Through his instruction and the Nadal families sense of social obligations Rafael has emerged as dare I say it, a “Good Role Model”. I cannot recall that type of familial bond or coach to player relationship in any other high profile sport.

Tennis is indeed fortunate to have found such gifted representatives as Toni Nadal and his nephew. Not only is Nadal an amazing lefty, but he also gave his Wimbledon winning racket to none other than Brad Gilbert!

Brad is not known for his calm and carefully chosen words, but Rafa could tell that the racket would find a grateful and revered home with Mr. Gilbert and to that I have to say what a great man. Most people would have coveted such a treasure for themselves, but Rafa knew that the true value lies deep in his own heart and that nothing else could touch that emotion.

I would love to have been the recipient of a game souvenir but I don’t possess a television that has the ability to make the toss of a treasured game towel or wristband through the TV screen.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing to see more NBA, NFL, and NHL superstars become more eloquent inside and outside their chosen profession? When was the last time you read an article about the philanthropic endeavors of current high profile sport figures?

Wouldn’t it be fitting if  people could tune in to see more tennis in the USA and get a glimpse of what all the hard work to excel in your chosen sport should look like. Only in a "Nadalic World".  Viva El Numero Uno!