RAFA NADAL – HOW DOES HE STAY SO MODEST WITH ALL THE ATTENTION?

The things of life that contribute sparks and inspire connection are rooted in the gifts of the human spirit and the dynamics of quality human beings. I don't know how Rafael Nadal stays so humble and grounded, when he has such a loyal and fired up, enthused fan base,



as well as all the attention he pulls toward him by the media, but he does. And that is one of the reasons he is so well-received. Being great at what you aspire to do and be, while maintaining humility is a wonderful quality. And it just adds to the appeal.

I like this well-written article about Rafa after his match with Richard Gasquet by Times Online. Just sharing…


November 11, 2007
Rafael Nadal finds inner resolve for victory

Barry Flatman, Sunday Times Tennis Correspondent, in Shanghai

So what do you give a multi-millionaire who is still several months short of his 22nd birthday? In Rafael Nadal’s case perhaps the world no.1 ranking or perhaps even a Grand Slam title other than the French Open would suffice. Such prized possessions are beyond the reach of those who organise the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai so perhaps a giant sized terracotta model of the Mallorcan, complete with armour and tennis racket might do.

It seems that Nadal is interested in shipping the model home to Manacor. Although first he must get permission from his father Sebastian and mother Ana Maria. The statue stands six feet tall and Rafa appreciates the best possible scenario for its’ new home is in the family garden.

“Maybe at the entrance to the house but outside, not inside because there is no room for that,” giggled Nadal in a mood that suggested, even though his troublesome knees are still laboriously taped before every match, an element of enjoyment has returned to his tennis.


Of course the manner of the world no.2’s 3-6,6-3,6-4 victory against Richard Gasquet clearly had something to do with his cheerful persona. The memory of his final annihilation in Paris just seven days earlier at the hands of David Nalbandian appeared to be forgotten and once again Rafa could be the personable young man who seems to battle far more coming to terms with his English than he does with most opponents.

Gasquet, who of course qualified for the trip to Shanghai at the expense of Britain’s Andy Murray, seemed set for victory as he outserved and generally outplayed Nadal in the first set. Yet such is the inner resolve and determination of the Spaniard that he fought his way back into contention and then proved far stronger as the pressure mounted the final set.

Unarguably it was a match where experience counted for everything and whereas Gasquet was making his debut in this end of the year jambouree, Nadal was returning to the venue where he made the semi-final a year ago.


So what was the problem? “In the beginning a little bit nervous,” he reported. “Every match is very difficult because here you play only against the best. So I start the match with a little bit of doubt.


But later I play a little bit more aggressive. I finished much better than I started.”

Certainly nobody was in a mood to disagree with somebody so amenable but the joyous mood was not shared by Novak Djokovic, the player whose hopes of overtaking Nadal to unseat the Spaniard from second spot on the world rankings now seem to have disappeared for this year at least.

Nadal has been a fixture at no.2 since moving in behind Roger Federer almost two and a half years ago but the normally easy-going Djokovic fostered high hopes of ending that run.

Rafa watching the match between his fellow countryman, David Ferrer play Djokovic

The Serb’s 6-4,6-4 demise to the tournament’s second Spaniard David Ferrer was the sort of performance that once again underlined the belief that the rigors of Djokovic’s first year in the top flight have taken their toll.

The 20 year-old’s early demise in Paris ten days ago was attributed to the after effects of wisdom tooth surgery. Now he also reports accompanied problems with his throat. “It was a long year for me,” said Djokovic, his use of tense perhaps an indicator of what we might expect from him in the remainder of this initially round robin tournament. “Mentally I felt a bit more pressure than usual and obviously that had an effect on my game.

“It wasn't my day but of course this is sport. We all have to get used to the wins and the losses. I didn't play on the level I was supposed to play and the level I’ve played all year. I didn't cope with the pressure today.”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/tennis/article2852030.ece
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Shang07
Uploaded by zockerlili

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http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3b0lq_shang07_sport
The Dress Clothes of Shanghai Master s Cup
Rafa is in this – He is third

Rafa is fourth from the right

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7TCro3B3zo
Rafa in Paris 2007 – Wringing Out the Sweat
By crystallinedub of Serbia and Montenegro

Confetti was shot off at the Shanghai Masters Cup Opening Ceremony
Fernando Gonzalez, Rafa Nadal, Andy Roddick

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