What a perfect ending to a simply stunning display of tennis from Rafa this weekend.
Sometimes there are matches with a 6-1, 6-3 scoreline that on the surface seem routine, when they were anything but. And then sometimes there are 6-1, 6-3 scorelines that don't really reflect the utter annihilation of what happened out there on the tennis court. And today was one of the latter.
A simply magical, ethereal, imperious display of attacking and defensive clay court tennis. I have simply never been able to enjoy a match like that in years. And still he puts us through the wringer when serving for it at 5-1 ... just when we were getting too comfortable, he has to make our tummys knot a little. Naughty Rafa.
When I all but cried tears of relief when he managed to get through that match against Gulbis on Thursday - such was the stress of it all - and when I lost my rag over his poor second set performance against Ferrer, would I ever have expected any of the mastery Rafa displayed this weekend? No. Oh me of little faith. It's just that it was 8 years ago that Rafa won his first title in Rome. 8 years. And yet here he is still bringing it after all this time and a couple of serious knee related injuries - and that's why I get so annoyed when the knives are out when he exhibits anything less than an A+ performance on clay because you think, well how long do people seriously think he can go on producing the tennis and heart and desire he does after all this time?
But he does keep on doing it.
He made Roger Federer look all of his 31 years today, and showed him that he can't take 7 weeks out of the tour and then come back to trouble him on clay. It's looking less and less like a rivalry.
Eight finals, six titles, and he's played himself back to be No. 4 in the ATP rankings. He's No. 1 in The Race and less than 150 points behind No. 3. He's a bloody marvel.
Congratulations Rafa. We don't often see such a stunning display of tennis as we did today. Your shot making and play was the best we've seen in long while. "Don't Worry ... He is Nadal" - a phase that Francisco Roig used to Rafa's family when they were getting antsy during a match years ago. You've given us a weekend of tennis to savour Rafa. Thank you ... now on to Roland Garros!!
Eloquent and true. Thanks for giving voice to our feelings. It was hard not to tear up while watching him play so wonderfully. Harder still to watch him weep after the victory, when he clearly was recalling the darkest days of his hiatus through injury. Bless him, may he completely recover health and form soon.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is, look out, ATP. Rafa is still hungry, and Paris is looking very, very tasty. VAM8S, RAFA!
Another spectacular performance. The Gulbis and Ferrer matches made him match tough and reminded him who he is. Watch the 2006 Fedal Rome final, and the will to win and fighting spirit and never say die attitude is on full display. And watch Rafa sobbing after victory. That's why we luv him....he gives his all! Well, and he is also hot!
ReplyDeleteWooffie, have a blast in Paris. Cheer our boy on. We are with you in spirit. Wanting that trophy. You know he will collapse in tears. So meaningful after the hiatis of last year.
Catherine from Tampa
so true & so very well said. I haven't watched Rafa for as many years as others but I see his fighting spirit & the honesty & dignity & humility that is Rafa. Woofie, hope you have a terrific time in Paris. Thanks as always for putting our thoughts into words!!
ReplyDeleteJan from Texas