With Barcelona player Miguel Angel Nadal as one uncle and the tennis lover Toni Nadal as the other, Rafael Nadal had the opportunity to embrace both sports and show his skills both on the green and red court. At the age of 12, the Manacor native decided to choose tennis as his primary sport, working with Toni and becoming one of the greatest players of all time.
Kicking off the 2003 season from outside the top-200, the 16-year-old reached three Challenger titles in the first three months before winning the first title in Barletta, heading to Monte Carlo where he ousted the reigning Roland Garros champion Albert Costa en route to the third round, repeating the same in Hamburg.
Struggling with an elbow injury, the youngster had to miss Roland Garros and pre-Wimbledon events on grass, entering his first Major at the All England Club and beating Mario Ancic 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 after grueling three hours and four minutes, becoming the third-youngest player with a victory in the cathedral of tennis after Boris Becker and Mats Wilander!
Both players had their chances on the return it was and Nadal who fended off 11 out of 14, delivering five breaks and moving over the top for a milestone triumph over the player who defeated Roger Federer in the first round a year earlier.
Asked about his uncles, Rafa explained that Miguel Angel played for Barcelona in the 90s and that the entire family cheered for them during that decade. Still, Nadal admitted they are the Real Madrid supporters, going back to their favorite club once Miguel Angel left Barcelona in 1999 and returned to the local club of Mallorca.
“I picked tennis over football at the age of 12 because I played it better. When my uncle played for Barcelona, the family was cheering for them. Before that, we were all supporting Real Madrid. Once my uncle left Barcelona, we were Real Madrid fans all over again.”
WATCH – Rafael Nadal Outplayed By His Sister in Tennis
After the Swiss maestro Roger Federer displayed trick shots by playing tennis at home, his arch-rival Rafael Nadal was seen hitting the tennis ball on the terrace of his house against his sister Maria Isabel Nadal (Maribel).
The 19-time Grand Slam champion Nadal is closer to his sister than his other family members and she is three years younger to him.
World Number two Rafael Nadal seems to keep his fitness regime undisturbed during the quarantine period. The Spaniard ace often uploads his work out photos.
Also, a few days ago, Nadal was seen cooking in his kitchen. In fact, he was trying to convey to his fans to stay at home via that Instagram post.
“Little by little we are leaving this virus” – Rafael Nadal
Nadal’s Spain is one of the worst-hit regions by the coronavirus. The widespread shows no signs of slowing down in the near future. Regarding the same, Rafa sent a message on his compatriots and urged them to be prepared for the worst.
“I see it as everyone, first with concern to see all the disasters that we see every day on television and adapting to these new circumstances for all that has surpassed us,” Rafael Nadal said.
“The reality is that, like all the changes in this life, it is necessary to adapt and it takes time, and hopefully it does not give to adapt completely and that little by little we are leaving this virus that is taking us to extreme circumstances.”
The champion has an aim to collect $12 million in order to help the Red Cross. Numerous Spanish athletes stepped in and donated their bit. Also, his arch-rival Novak Djokovic also gave a hand.
“A huge thanks to Djokovic for the contribution to the #nuestramejorvictoria campaign helping those in need in the fight against Corona Virus. Class act Hvala Nole!” Rafa thanked Novak.
