Novak Djokovic has the heftiest favoritism this Wimbledon season, especially with the other 2 members of the iconic Big 3 trio not participating. While the Swiss Maestro is living the best retirement life and the Serbinator is shooting for his record breaking 24th Grand Slam, El Nino aka Rafael Nadal is recovering from a surgery in hopes of playing his Roland Garros again next year.
Rafa dominated the world of tennis for over a decade now with his violent play on-court and charisma off-court. Unfortunately, due to the hip injury he suffered in January 2023, he had to undergo a surgery. As we wait for the champ to revive, let us look back at his glorious victories.
Andrew Castle reacted to Nadal’s triumph
The King of clay holds the all time round of 14 Roland Garros titles. With not a lot of players able to beat him on the clay court, he has truly perfected his style of play to the most complex tennis surface- clay. With these 14 titles, he stands second in the most number of Grand Slam titles right next to Novak Djokovic, with 22 Major title wins over his career.
Tennis fans and critics all hail the icon Rafael Nadal and his dedication for the sport. Early on, everyone was sure that Nadal would never be able to adapt to any other surface than clay. Boy, were they all proven wrong.
In 2008 Wimbledon finals, Rafa went up against Roger Federer. After all, when Rafa owned French Open, Rog owned the Wimbledon. This is when Rafael Nadal defeated the most powerful opponent there could have been.
British tennis player and broadcaster Andrew Castle was rightfully announced that Rafa was “a new man at the helm of men’s tennis”.
“There’s a new man at the helm of men’s tennis”
– Andrew Castle, July 6th, 2008, after Rafael Nadal dethroned Roger Federer at #Wimbledon.
Today, after Rafa’s 2nd #AusOpen, there is a new man at the helm of men’s tennis. But this new man, is that same old man. pic.twitter.com/uDfyGpnyyv
— Rodrigo Camacho (@rodrigocamacho_) January 30, 2022
The beginning of last year, Rafa defeated the Russian young star, Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open 2022 finals. After losing the first 2 sets, El Nino’s comeback was crucial. But it’s Rafa. The man is always about proving people wrong.
The Spaniard went on to defeat the new age star and bagged his 21st Grand Slam. Following this, he bagged his record breaking 22nd Grand Slam at his Roland Garros empire at the age of 36.
How old was Nadal when he won his first Wimbledon?
The 2008 season was one of Rafa’s best years in his career. He had won every set in the Roland Garros tournament to win his 4th consecutive French Open title. Rafa had already come close to winning the title twice before. But the King of Grass kept that from happening. This year when he stepped into Wimbledon, something was different.
It was at the 2008 season, Rafael Nadal won his first Wimbledon title at the age of 22, beating all the odds. He went on to win again in 2010 in the prestigious SW19.
What are your thoughts on Rafael Nadal’s determination and passion for tennis? How do you think his comeback is going to be next year? Let us know in the comments below!
