What a sensational past two months it’s been for Spanish sport. The national soccer team won the Euro 2008 championship and on Sunday, Carlos Sastre won the Tour de France and Spain’s favorite son, Rafa Nadal, is a step closer to dethroning Roger Federer as world No. 1. The last few months for him has been phenominal!!!
The thing I love about Nadal, is the guys determination and mental toughness – on these – he stands alone. I think a lot more tennis fans can relate to his success because of the fact they can see how hard he works for every point and how much effort he puts in. Federer has made it look so easy for the last four years, I think, for a lot of us tennis fans, it’s difficult to relate to his genius.
Nadal will be No. 1 very soon and the charisma and humility he has is inspirational for all generations. I can’t think of any other player who is more deserving of the top spot.
So Cincy beckons, and all eyes will be firmly focused on those two players again, but keep a close eye on Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic. Murray was fantastic last week, and Novak has a point to prove. Not to sure what to make of Andy Roddick, but you can never count him out in North America. Also he’s won this title before, so there’s that “feel good” factor for him here, and that counts for a lot!
Enjoy the tennis!
Robbie Koenig: Reigns in Spain
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I fully agree, it will just be a matter of time before Nadal becomes number 1, if not right after this tournament. He deserves it. He’s playing better than last year. However, if he is going to be ever compared to Federer in terms of greatest players in history, he really needs to up his performances at the U.S. Open. Because he has not done well there. I think he can do it this year.
Thanks for your article. I agree completely. It is so very refreshing to read about Nadal’s inspirational qualities and greatness. especially without having to read about Federer too. Nadal is, and has been, the most amazing role model I have seen in sports. He embodies everything good about sportsmanship.
With regard to one of the other comments, I don’t understand why Nadal doesn’t warrant the “greatness” of Federer just because he hasn’t won the US Open. Has Federer won the French Open? I’ve read this same sentiment over and over and there is something I am not getting. Maybe someone could explain it?
If you win multiple slams at multiple venues, you become one of the all-time greats…Rafa winning Wimbledon puts him now in this category and not just as the best clay courter in the world….
Ivy: but at least Federer has reached the final of the French Open several times. Nadal has not gotten past the quarters of the US Open and only this year has gotten to his first Aussie Open semi. I think that is a huge difference, as the US and Aussie Opens are every bit as important as the French and Wimbledon. And Federer has done simply awesome on all 4 of these slams – 3 French finals is no bad thing!