Vamos!
Tennis history was made this past Sunday. Rafael Nadal from Spain won his 22nd Grand-Slam tournament and in my books cemented his spot as the greatest of all times. Those that are lucky enough to watch him in person will be in awe of his raw power and intensity on the court. I was not lucky enough to watch him play this past week at Roland Garros, however, I did catch a glimpse of him as he was walking onto the practice court. His mere presence emulated that of a Greek God and I have never felt such a presence in my entire life. I listened while standing outside of the practice court and couldn't believe the sound the ball made when Nadal struck it. One might have mistaken it for mini gunshots, it was mind-blowing how someone could have such immense focus and intensity. No wonder players fear his intensity and are rarely able to get the better of him. Nadal's abilities on the tennis court are out of this world no question, but what I admire most about him is what he brings outside of the court. By far the most humble individual in all of sporting history, never takes anything for granted, is a positive role model for kids around the world, and always looking for a way to improve. His message to the next generation of tennis players is that hard work and dedication will take you far in tennis and life. I believe the foundation of Nadal's life has been outworking his opposition and this is something I too find a parallel in my life. Whether I was conscious of it or not, Nadal's humility off the court and focus/intensity on the court helped to structure how I was as a player and as a person. He’s shown me that hard work is an amazing talent that should be celebrated. All of these years, I have been blind to the fact that hard work is a talent in itself. I now hold this notion higher than I've ever done before. We all have our talents, but most of us are oblivious to what is so clearly staring at us in the mirrors. Let's open our eyes and take a new perspective on our amazing selves!
Vamos Rafa🇪🇸💪🏆, big congrats! I doubt we will ever see anybody do what you have achieved! Although I could not get a picture with God himself, I did get a picture with his sweet-looking statue for whatever that is worth hahaha.
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