“Everything in life has a beginning and an end.” On the morning of October 10th when I opened my Instagram, Rafael Nadal’s post was at the top of my feed–not even two seconds in, my heart jumped a little. It was his retirement announcement. I didn’t realize I had tears streaming down my cheeks while watching the video. Believed that we would see him on clay next year, but we are all a bit delusional when we think about our heroes.
I have been preparing for his retirement since last year, knowing it would happen sooner rather than later, but when this announcement came, all of my preparation went out the window. The difference between you knowing it’s going to be ending soon and truly seeing the end is just heartbreaking. I feel inextricably sad. I am here to drop a little nugget of appreciation for a big inspiration in my life.
Nadal is Tennis
In India, tennis is not very popular and certainly wasn’t 16 years ago. Whatever popularity it has gained here is largely because of the Big 3 and a few other successful players from India. The first tennis match I ever watched was of Nadal in the Final of the 2008 French Open against Roger Federer. I knew nothing about tennis but loved the rallies while watching the match. Had no idea if he was good or not but just loved that he chased down every ball and hustled so hard. Decided that I would just be his fan and follow him for the time being until I learned more. I was 10 at the time. Life went on, and many things happened, but Nadal remained a constant.
A person’s childhood is perhaps the most beautiful and cherished time of his life. Nadal was a big part of mine, and despite being more than a decade younger than him, it felt like I grew up with him. There was no pressure, no responsibilities, just enjoyment. Things have changed a lot in the last 16 years, and Nadal’s retirement announcement made me take some time out of my day to sit and think about it.
I fell in love with tennis because of Nadal. All I’ve known is an era of tennis with Nadal, Federer and Djokovic. They used to seem so permanent like they were tennis. It’s a bittersweet feeling personally, to see time pass like this and as a tennis fan to see a legendary era start to dwindle out. It feels like my life is slowly losing its childhood. His retirement truly makes me feel the passage of time. I wish I could rewind time and relive it all again.
An Inspiration, A Hope, A Great Human Being
Nadal’s French Open 2017 win came at my absolute low, having lost my father 12 days before. I was suffering but even then his tennis and attitude gave me hope. We need to suffer, we need to fight was all I could think of later that day. I don’t think many other athletes could claim to have brought hope in circumstances as adverse. He is a monument to the power of will. I never got to watch his match in person but all the hours I’ve spent watching his matches have given me so much.
He has been the perfect example of sacrifice, dedication and sportsmanship, not only for us but for many generations to come. So many times I thought he would be done for, but he always came back. The first five months of 2022 were an absolute dream and I’m so glad I got to experience them. The miracle in Melbourne and then a 22nd Slam. Especially the 2022 Australian Open final, I’ll never forget that moment. It genuinely inspired me to be a better person seeing how he overcame that huge hurdle.
Nadal is an inspiration to everyone, demonstrating that you must get up and become better, even after the hardest loss. He rose above so much physical adversity. Played through pain and what he has achieved is nothing short of miraculous, given all the injuries. The greatest fighter this sport has ever seen, yet still humble and incredibly wise. He was kind to people. Always had time for the fans and treated everyone equally and made them feel special.
Last Dance at the Davis Cup
In the 2004 Davis Cup final, the 18-year-old Nadal beat world No. 2 Andy Roddick on clay in Spain to help his nation clinch the title over the United States, and in doing so at 18 years and six months of age, he became the youngest player to register a singles victory in a Davis Cup final for a winning nation. 20 years later in 2024… here we are for one last dance at the Davis Cup in front of his home crowd.
Nadal tried to come back this year but his body just wasn’t up for it to let him reach his previous levels. One can tell he doesn’t want to stop playing but his body just won’t cooperate with his passion for the game anymore. The Davis Cup is an appropriate farewell given Nadal’s history with it and his love for his country. Hopefully, he gets the best send-off at the Davis Cup.
Dear Rafa,
Thank you for making me fall in love with this beautiful sport. I feel fortunate to have watched and followed your incredible career. You are the undisputed King of Clay, an undeniable competitor, and a bona fide legend and everlasting icon of all sports. It feels surreal not having to wait for your next game after growing up watching your tennis. You have been a constant presence in my life since I was barely 10 and probably the sportsman I idolized the most. Staying up late to watch all those matches of yours was a blessing.
Thank you for the amazing forehands, the fist pumps, the amazing comebacks, the mentality, those iconic celebrations. Your game on clay was as unstoppable as any athlete has ever been at anything. It was hard to watch this season. But the run at Bastad was enough for me to reminisce about your prime. You will always be loved, admired, and remembered – for your relentless fighting spirit & transcendent accomplishments, your true passion for the sport, and your unique and endearing down-to-earth personality.
Thank you for making us believe there is always a chance if you just keep trying and never surrender. There aren’t enough words to describe what you have meant for tennis. What you brought to this sport will always remain footprinted in sports history. I love tennis and will watch it as long as I live but I don’t think I would be as invested in a player as I have been with you. I felt all your suffering and glory like it was my own. I’ll never stop being your fan. Thank you for everything, Rafa.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
