Wimbledon 2011: What's Rafa's Greatest Obstacle in Winning the Gentlemen's Title

He’s currently the No. 1 player in the world and has been for a while.  For most, I may be asked why would I mention something that is already known. If I may ask for your patience, as I discuss his ranking, I will actually answer the question that my headline poses. So, follow me just for a moment.

Rafa didn’t just wake up one day and someone deemed him the No. 1 player, he earned it. He’s a player that can be down, but you can never count him out. He’s the comeback kid. Even during Wimbledon and the French Open prior, he has had some tough moments, but his resilience to get right back into the thick of things is incredible.  

And for those who are going to say, he doesn’t always make the comeback nor does he always win, I have to agree. He is human. But, even in the face of an imminent lost, he gives it his absolute best until the lost is official. He is one of the best when it comes to his physical and mental game. That’s why he’s No. 1.

Rafa’s greatest obstacle at Wimbledon is not his fellow players. Rafa will be his own greatest obstacle in winning the gentleman’s title if he is not prepared mentally and physically.

As I spoke of being No. 1, everything pointed back to Rafa. It’s about how well he is prepared for each match and how well he executes his game on the court. It’s great that Rafa did not sustain any substantial injury following his fall during the match with Del Potro.

His physical condition is essential to how he plays. Rafa plays a game that is hard on the body. He has to be in great shape. When there is injury, it impacts any player, but for Rafa’s game, it can greatly alter it.

The next step toward anther gentlemen’s title will occur as he faces American Mardy Fish in the quarters. Like Rafa, Fish has been playing well during Wimbledon. We are sure to be in for a good matchup.

We will continue to watch Rafa play, and hopefully, he will not become the obstacle on his way to another championship.