Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal is a global phenomenon. In his long career, Nadal won over fans with his fighting spirit and his style of play. Rafa, as his fans lovingly call him, is the personification of grit and sheer power. However, his uncle, Toni Nadal, recently disclosed that Nadal did not start out that way.
Sebastian Fest chronicled Rafa’s journey in the book ‘Gracias, El Legado de Rafael Nadal’ (Thank You, Rafael Nadal’s Legacy). He dedicated 30 years of his life to writing about tennis, and this book is his masterpiece.
In a recent interview, Fest spoke extensively about the Spaniard and his etiquette. Nadal is known for being a gentleman on and off the court, and he always politely thanks ballboys when he is playing. This intrinsic quality is the reason for the name of his book.
Rafa has always come back stronger, despite facing all kinds of obstacles on his path. It is one of his core qualities, and his uncle Toni inculcated this belief in him at a young age. This is also the reason Nadal is set to return to the tennis courts once again after a long injury layoff.
Nadal is undoubtedly one of the greatest players ever to have played the sport. The book delves a little deeper and provides a peek into the mind of the star. It also sheds light on the role Toni played in making Rafa the champion he is today.
How did Toni shape Rafael Nadal?
Toni has been one of the biggest influences in Rafa’s life. As Rafa’s uncle, Toni shaped his nephew into the player he is today, winning 22 Grand Slams. Since Nadal announced his arrival on the tour nearly 20 years ago, Toni has been by his side through all the ups and downs.
He was the one who encouraged Rafa to forego his two-handed forehand for a single-handed one. Nadal’s forehand is now one of his greatest assets and his deadliest weapon.
The book proved to be an invaluable resource on everything Nadal. Toni also shared some secrets about his nephew that tennis fans may not have been aware of.
Different players hit the ball differently, and Nadal has his own style when it comes to strokemaking. Toni dropped a bomb when he said Rafa gets scared during the drive sometimes. Nadal has his own way of giving the ball a little more topspin. This has worked for him well enough, as he has 22 Grand Slams to show for it.
Was Nadal always the player that he is today?
It might come as a surprise, but Nadal grew up playing tennis a little differently than he does today. In the book, Toni describes that Rafa was quite an elegant player initially.
“It’s just that you pick up a habit, and when you pick up the habit… And the serve was better. Sixteen years old. At sixteen years old, he hit it pretty well,” Toni said about Nadal’s forehand (via Archysport).
Every unbiased tennis fan knows that Nadal has the greatest forehand in history. There is more to tennis than just hitting the ball hard. Only Nadal can pull of this shot. pic.twitter.com/azZ7eGelWD
— Fred Meyer 🇽🇰 (@FredWMeyer666) December 5, 2023
As Nadal made his debut, he knew he wanted to be a champion. If elegance was the price to be paid for championship points, he would gladly sacrifice it. And so Nadal did.
Rafael Nadal is one of the biggest stalwarts of tennis, and he has taken the sport to even greater heights. As he prepares for his much-awaited return next year, the world waits with bated breath.