Rafa

Rafa. My early memories of seeing Rafa. The characteristic grunt, the long hair, the iconic bandana, a permanent scowl kind of expression on his face, rarely do see him smile except that sheepish grin after winning grand slams, running the length and breadth of court to return every shot (reminiscent in many ways of Agassi’s returns), those fist pumps, a deep respect for his opponents and most of all his fighting spirit.

Being an ardent fan of Rafa, it was no surprise that I picked up his biography to read about a couple of years back.

What a read it was. It was Rafa unplugged for you. Raw, Vulnerable and Loaded with Insecurities. Someone with a fiercely competitive killer instinct as a player. A hard worker who is not only Hyper Energetic But oh soooooo humble. He is so Down to Earth and away from all the crazy shindigs of fame. As human and as real as it can get. He makes you want to be a better person.

I could recall Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers multiple times when read Rafa's biography. His intense trainings, those long hours he put on court and gym training reminding Gladwell's 10000 hrs rule. Probably Rafa has put in much more than that. The inexplicable and quite complicated relationship with his uncle and coach Toni. If it was someone else, they would have broken apart under such a hostile coaching. But Rafa stood tall. He took it all in and channelized it on his game. It speaks volumes about the strength of his character. His parents also never came in between him and his uncle.

I know that upbringing can mold a person’s future, either build it or ruin. And as parents we all strive for giving a normal upbringing to our kids. However, after reading Rafa it gave me a lesson or two on bringing up kids. As a parent it was very insightful. Rafa’s upbringing, a normal, happy, protected childhood in the supportive and loving cocoon of is family being hugely responsible for his unprecedented success. The fact that he in spite of his huge success, still grounded and craves for his home always rushing back to Manacor the moment a tournament ends, says volumes what his roots mean to him. He lives a simple lifestyle back at Manacor. He could easily have chosen to live in swanky cities and neighborhoods. But home is truly where his heart is. And why not considering the infinite love and grounding his parents and family have given him. This upbringing has made it possible for him to stay grounded and not allow the fame to go to his head. He is as shy as ever and may come across as reticent as well. (reminds me of someone closer home…Hint hint RD)

So many incidents narrated in the book stood out for me. His father teaching him to respect all opponents, his parents teaching him good manners and humility. Despite Toni's tyranny how obedient Rafa was and how his parents never interfered in the training. His sister, his longtime girlfriend, his mother who have never banked on his popularity but have their own identities in their lives living their own fiercely private lives. All of these speak volumes of the people around Rafa and why he is who he is.

The book revolves around two of key matches one with Federer (2008 Wimbledon) and Other with Djokovic (2010 US Open) with his entire life’s journey interspersed in between the commentary. It’s a straight from the heart account of what goes on in a player’s mind. The detailed second by second account of their thoughts, conflicts, the demons a player has fight before, during and post-match.  An amazing story of how a champion prepares his body and mind was just so intriguing. Absolutely unbelievable.

He may not have the effortless charm of Federer, but it was his “Never give up” fighting spirit that endeared him to me. Though you can’t choose between champions, however whenever Rafa is on the court, I’ve always supported him. Rafa’s effort, hard work, sacrifices and his sheer insane will to succeed is instrumental in the making of this champion. A bloodless battle warrior of the tennis courts.  Rafa!!

Today when he conquered his 13th (Read that again 13th ) Rolland Garros crown it all adds up. Only a Rafa could do it. Equally the all time record of Roger and still remaning as humble as ever is what stuff legends are made of. He is truly a legend. A GOAT indeed.

Do read if you haven’t yet read it. A must read.

P.S. More than anything else I admire him even more now for his humility. If Indian cricket has Rahul Dravid...then International tennis has Rafa!! If Roger is akin to Sachin, then Rafa is certainly Dravid of tennis. Amazing sportsmen I truly respect.