First Ball Forehand

With the news of Rafael Nadal missing the French Open as well most of the rest of this year and announcing that 2024 will be his last year, the tennis world will be flooded with tributes. Rarely, have they been so well-deserved.

We have witnessed a men’s tennis era like no other with Federer, Nadal, Djokovic pushing themselves and the sport to a higher place that rivals may never eclipse. We’ve watched generation after generation fail to dethrone these champions. It wasn’t age and diminishing ability that stopped their reign. Sadly, it’s been injury. First Roger, now Rafa (you could even count Andy and Stan), succumbing to injury and bodies breaking down. In some ways, I’m grateful. It was difficult to see the greats of the past lose their skills. We really didn’t see that with Roger or Rafa.

For Rafa, I’ll let others debate GOAT and list out his incredible achievements. Although, he’ll undeniably be remembered for them, I want to call out a different greatness.

1. Rafa was the greatest sportsman I’ve ever seen. None of the racket throwing, arguing with umpire, ball slamming, ever!! He gave his best and accepted if his best wasn’t enough. He played the game the “right” way. He should be admired.
2. Rafa was the most humble champion I’ve ever seen. Obviously, fame and fortune are at his fingertips, but he always seemed grateful, appreciative owing to the game instead of entitled. He should be admired
3. Rafa always gave 100% and battled with the greatest heart I’ve ever seen. You could never count Rafa out. You fight to the end in sports. That’s what Rafa did. He didn’t tank. He didn’t make excuses. There was never the drama from Rafa. No injuries that made him look like he couldn’t go on one minute and then a world-beater the next. He should be admired.
4. Rafa transformed the game. No one has ever hit a forehand like Rafa. He overcame Federer and became Federer’s kryptonite with a style of play that no one else could play. He should be admired.
5. Rafa overachieved. He maximized his ability as much as anyone ever. Sure, Rafa had that forehand, but the rest, it’s all work and sweat and pushing to be the best. He didn’t have a serve like Federer. He didn’t have a backhand like Djokovic. He made his serve good enough. He vastly improved his backhand. He became a great volleyer. He took a forehand and speed as primary strengths and built a world class game in every other area. He should be admired.

There may be others that can make some of the claims above, but no one can make them all. Perhaps we have always been unfair putting our sports heroes on pedestals and expecting them to live up to unrealistic standards. In Rafa’s case, unfair or not, he was worthy and he lived up to it. He should be admired. I am so grateful to have watched him play for so many years. Thank you RAFA!!!