The tennis career of Rafael Nadal would make for a good movie script. From being a teenage sensation to an experienced legend, Rafa has seen it all.
In midst of all that, he faced many setbacks. His injuries have troubled him throughout his career. In fact, whenever it seemed like there was no tennis player that could stop him, an injury hampered his progress.
While there are also people who question the Mallorcan’s legacy due to his excessively good performance in the Roland Garros.
Obviously, everyone has their favourite Rafa memory. However, what are Rafael Nadal’s favourite moments from his career? Let’s find out.
What Did Rafael Nadal Say?
Rafael Nadal revealed some of his favourite moments from his career-
“My first Davis Cup in Sevilla, the final against USA was a very important moment. My first Roland Garros in 2005 as well, my first grand slam and the first title I won there. Then several reasons make Wimbledon 2008 a key moment in my career. I’d say Australia 2009 was unexpected due to the way I arrived there, but it was very emotional. Then I’d say US Open 2013 was very special after coming back from a major knee injury that kept me 7 months out of the court.That made it one of the most fulfilling victories”.
Davis Cup 2004 was really the first time he broke ground. As Spain defeated USA in the finals, Rafa got a victory over American tennis star Andy Roddick.
Roland Garros 2005 kick started the “King Of Clay’s” legacy in France as he won the first of his 12 French Open titles. He defeated Mariano Puerta in the finals.
Wimbledon 2008 was one of the greatest moments of his career. This is because he won his first grand slam that was not French Open. He defeated arch rival Roger Federer in a closely contested finals. Australian Open 2009 also saw him defeating Roger Federer.
US Open 2013 had him facing another one of his great rivals. This was none other than Novak Djokovic. Rafa managed to edge Novak and lift the trophy.
Nadal brought back some of the greatest memories for tennis fans. Rafa fans cherish these moments as much as him. They will be hoping that they are able to create many more of these memories for the remaining part of his career.
“It is the Most Difficult Competition to Win”: Rafael Nadal Opens up on Playing at the Olympics 2020
The most important thing in the Olympics is not to win but to take part in it. However, Rafael Nadal was fortunate enough to not only participate in the Olympic games but also claim a medal every time he took part in it. However, why was a Gold medal in doubles at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio very special for Nadal? He answers.
The 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Rafael Nadal explains what it feels like to win a medal for your country at the Summer Olympics. Nadal already has two Olympic gold medals in his extensive collection of honours – one from the singles competition in 2008 and another in the doubles from 2016.
“It is a completely different competition”: Rafael Nadal
The 19-time Grand Slam champion revealed the feeling of being an individual Olympic champion, Olympic champion in doubles and flagman of your country.
“It is a completely different competition. It is obviously the most difficult competition to win in our sport, without any doubt. Because, in the end, you have very few opportunities to get medals in our sport,” Nadal said in an interview with Marca in Kuwait.
The Spaniard explained that there are four Grand Slam tournaments and nine Masters 1000 tournament every year. However, the Olympic Games are only there once in four years. Hence, there are fewer opportunities to win a medal in the most prestigious sporting event in the world.
“I have been able to compete in two Olympic Games in my career. In Athens (2004) I was 17 years old. In London (2012) I could not participate because I broke my knee-tendon. So I have been fortunate that on the two occasions that I competed I got a medal. In Beijing (2008), in singles; and in Rio de Janeiro (2016), in doubles,” the World No.2 recalled.
“It is something that makes you very excited”: Nadal
The 33-year-old explained that for him, evidently, having been championed in Rio was a very exciting time. More when it should have been in London; where he couldn’t take part because of that injury.
When things like that happen to you, being a flag-bearer is something you have left; and it is something that makes you very excited to live,” he further added.
Rafael Nadal was thankful that after missing in London, he got the opportunity to be in Rio and it was a great satisfaction for him. He was also grateful to Alejandro (Blanco, president of the Spanish Olympic Committee -COE-) and to all those who made it possible or who thought at the time that he could be the person chosen to represent the entire delegation at the Opening Ceremony.
