Rafael Nadal - Learning from the Idol

Rafael Nadal is my sporting idol of all time. The first time I saw him win a grand slam was in 2008 Roland Garros and ever since my admiration and inspiration have never faded. Over the years, Nadal gave me some of the most beautiful high moments I experienced.

On Wednesday, Nadal has his back pushed to the wall by Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the Australian Open. He stopped mid-sprint, and that sight was enough to feel something was not right with him. But, the man he is he went on to finish the game giving the opponent one of his best career wins. Many suggested that it is pointless to be stubborn, especially where the future of the tournament is unclear. But he persisted.

“I considered it all the time, stopping,” he said. “I just wanted to finish the match. That’s it ... I didn’t want to retire, to be the defending champion here. I didn’t want to leave the court with a retirement.” He said in the press conference after the match “Better like this at the end. I lost. Nothing to say. Congratulate the opponent.”

He reiterates “When you do things that you like to do, at the end of the day, it's not a sacrifice.”

He has always displayed a ‘never-die’ attitude and it was on display again. He is intense. He is competitive and he is relentless.

Despite the intensity and passion, always be a gentleman- on the court and off it. Be the person your fans/supporters look up to.

Recent news indicates that he will be out for about 6-8 weeks owing to a grade 2 muscle tear in his left leg. May we see him return soon!

Image source: Australian Open