Everything you pointed out about Nadal's life, career, and style were spot on. So well framed; thank you. But perhaps I'm alone in this, but I could never watch him play without cringing and yelling in frustration at the TV at his time wasting OCD rituals. The length of time that he took to go through his rituals in order to serve made him unwatchable. Which is so sad because he was such a thrilling person to watch actually play. It just took him so damn long to actually play.
Yes, very touching, so thank you. I hope your book is set in the tennis world with all sorts of rascals, skullduggery, cheating- also heroes and people, like Rafa, with very big hearts.
Having read and heard many, wonderful, tributes to Rafa I love yours and the fact that you point out the consequences of having such an undeterrable never give up attitude. Everything has consequences in life and being too stubborn to know when it's not wise to continue is a great lesson to take in, if something hard to do if you're of that stubborn disposition. But, then again, how else would the big 3 gotten to where they where if not for that unyielding drive?
A lot has been said of Rafa's many idiosincracies on court, but as someone who is anxious, I get what he's trying to do and hope it's not something he carries with day in and day out, or that if he does that he has better ways of dealing with it. I don't think Rafa Jr would appreciate only having his bottle set only in one position in his crib :)
Now if you excuse me I'll go shed some more manly tears next to that shirt with Rafa's logo on it.
Honestly! This is almost poetic and for someone for whom English is not their first language, that's even more remarkable. Thank you - so enjoyable to read your weekly articles. As we reach Friday I have that sense of anticipation of a good cup of coffee with a biscuit, reading your latest prose.
Nadal’s ability to put in the effort to get that one more ball back is something just so, so rare. It’s not like other players are not trying. Every top player gets to a lot of balls. But he was on a completely different level. And the mental strength it takes to do that. Well, 14 FOs absolutely deserved. I thought in 2008 his body would force him out by like 2012. Nope.
Nice job Andrea.
Poignant tribute to an extraordinary tennis player and human being.
Best thing I’ve read on Rafa all week 👏
Everything you pointed out about Nadal's life, career, and style were spot on. So well framed; thank you. But perhaps I'm alone in this, but I could never watch him play without cringing and yelling in frustration at the TV at his time wasting OCD rituals. The length of time that he took to go through his rituals in order to serve made him unwatchable. Which is so sad because he was such a thrilling person to watch actually play. It just took him so damn long to actually play.
The only article that should be written about Rafa's retirement! 👏
write the novel, I am interested,
Yes, very touching, so thank you. I hope your book is set in the tennis world with all sorts of rascals, skullduggery, cheating- also heroes and people, like Rafa, with very big hearts.
Having read and heard many, wonderful, tributes to Rafa I love yours and the fact that you point out the consequences of having such an undeterrable never give up attitude. Everything has consequences in life and being too stubborn to know when it's not wise to continue is a great lesson to take in, if something hard to do if you're of that stubborn disposition. But, then again, how else would the big 3 gotten to where they where if not for that unyielding drive?
A lot has been said of Rafa's many idiosincracies on court, but as someone who is anxious, I get what he's trying to do and hope it's not something he carries with day in and day out, or that if he does that he has better ways of dealing with it. I don't think Rafa Jr would appreciate only having his bottle set only in one position in his crib :)
Now if you excuse me I'll go shed some more manly tears next to that shirt with Rafa's logo on it.
Wonderful.
Trying to promote your amazing writing over on Bluesky, please join:
https://bsky.app/profile/paulsaxmd.bsky.social/post/3lbounhwlgs2u
You are SO smart I cringe with envy !
Can’t wait for the novel!! And for your memoir in English!
Honestly! This is almost poetic and for someone for whom English is not their first language, that's even more remarkable. Thank you - so enjoyable to read your weekly articles. As we reach Friday I have that sense of anticipation of a good cup of coffee with a biscuit, reading your latest prose.
This is so perfect.
I loved to read this text. Cheers from Argentina 🇦🇷
I'm sorry about the rain but lord, we really really REALLY needed it around these parts...
Also, the sky was crying for Rafa. Did you read that insanely heartfelt letter by Fed? I bet it was raining in Switzerland, too.
Nadal’s ability to put in the effort to get that one more ball back is something just so, so rare. It’s not like other players are not trying. Every top player gets to a lot of balls. But he was on a completely different level. And the mental strength it takes to do that. Well, 14 FOs absolutely deserved. I thought in 2008 his body would force him out by like 2012. Nope.