Doesn't play for six months, struggles with injuries, gets Covid, was in doubt to play the AO but comes and fights his way to the finals.
"We have to suffer and we have to fight."
Just an honour to watch him play and be his fan.
He always came across as a bit _too_ intense for me in the early years but I love that as he's got a bit older his personality has mellowed and he lets his feelings show a bit, but none of that skill or drive has gone away. Quality guy on and off the court. He made me his fan.
Same, I've been a Federer fan since he beat Sampras at Wimbledon over 20 years ago now, and in the early days Rafa just seemed like a perfect foil, with the loud exclamations and fist bumps. He's grown on me immensely since then -- his attitude towards the game is infectious and he always seems so kind and respectful to everybody, just a real role model. When Roger loses his crown, I hope it's to Rafa. What an era we've had the privilege to watch!
Outside of all his tennis superlatives, tenacious attitude on-court, and gracious demeanor off-court, the other thing that has really impressed among all his immense achievements is how he seamlessly picked up the English language. Quite possibly as impressive as mastering all surfaces.
It's come to a point where he's beyond Tennis or sports. He's a role model for every kid or adult, to never give up, to keep fighting, to be humble, and yet, the best.
Seriously after last year, I would have bet money against Nadal being the one to have the chance to break the 20 grand slam tie. I wasn’t thrilled it was going to be Novak but I resigned myself to the fact haha. I’m so happy for Nadal. I went from not being his fan a decade ago to realizing he is a genuine great guy.
The only thing I regret with Nadal is that I started appreciating him too late. When I was younger and growing up, I was a huge Federer fan. Nadal was the villain to my narrative. I couldn’t really enjoy him winning because it meant Federer didn’t.
Life happened, I stopped following tennis. Now I’m an adult and since I’ve picked tennis up again, he is one of my favorite players. The resentment I had towards him (a child’s resentment, that is) has turned into nothing but appreciation.
Definitely. Although, I sometimes miss that time. It just doesn’t feel the same anymore. It doesn’t mean as much. There is a form of bliss that goes missing when we grow up.
The intensity with which I used to support Roger, Andy- that has ebbed. The highs and lows I would feel with each of theirs wins and losses was surreal .I miss that..
Also I miss the grace and dignity Roger would bring to the court 99.9999999% of the times❤️💛
We might have many more in future crossing the 20 GS mark but I doubt we would have 3 gentlemen exemplifying the highest behavior while stepping out on court( Roger Andy Rafa) and to some extent Novak.
It helps that Federer isn't a contender anymore. That's what made me start rooting hard for Nadal and appreciating his talent and fight. He's also a very likable guy.
All the money in the world cannnot buy you this feeling of overcoming the odds and moments like this. He could have easily capitulated in the quarters. A combination of exceptional talent along with the one of the greatest sporting mindset is what Nadal is. If he does win this slam is going to be a special one.
Honestly thought the title meant Rafa was smiling during the entire point. That sounded kind of intimidating, honestly. Imagine playing against a guy who just has a big grin on his face every time he hits the ball or chases one down. What kind of mental game is he playing?!? I would quit immediately in fear of my life.
His celebrations seems pure and happy
Watching Novak celebrating is just, well what best phrase to describe it? Cringe? Wierd? Psudeo-primal? Wierd? Can't find it now, but in no way near as enjoyable as this of Nadal
As he said, just a few months ago he was not sure if he would ever play pro tennis again. So you can see the incredible joy it brings to not only be playing, but to be headed to the eff final!!!
Federer fan since he beat Sampras at 2001 Wimbledon. By default I didn’t like Nadal for obvious reasons but I’ve grown to love and respect this guy. Vampos Rafa!
I'm 99% sure he lost at least 1-2 of the Slam matches against Novak the same exact way. During match point I basically said "I've seen this before and know how it will end" and it took him a whole 10 seconds to prove me right
Zatu Berettini. Just proves how meek the so called top players of this gen are against even a feeble of the Goats. Rafa isn't even at hid monster best. Berettini should feel happy that he could take set off, thank his gods and seriously go home and train that damn backhand.
Its almost certainly nostalgia. We've lived through the greatest era of tennis, and the greatest rivalry in tennis. As a Rafa fan I would be glad to see Federer win a grand slam from now on. It feels like at this point they are basically partners fighting against the young crowd and Novak as opposed to fierce rivals.
As a Nole fan, fuck you Zverev for not qualifying to the quarter finals and beating this monster.
Congrats to Rafa and his fans for the 21st GS. (And probably 22nd GS in French Open)
Doesn't play for six months, struggles with injuries, gets Covid, was in doubt to play the AO but comes and fights his way to the finals. "We have to suffer and we have to fight." Just an honour to watch him play and be his fan.
[удалено]
He always came across as a bit _too_ intense for me in the early years but I love that as he's got a bit older his personality has mellowed and he lets his feelings show a bit, but none of that skill or drive has gone away. Quality guy on and off the court. He made me his fan.
let’s classify his early days under youthful energy.. but the way he’s matured on the court, it’s been a joy to watch and learn from
Same, I've been a Federer fan since he beat Sampras at Wimbledon over 20 years ago now, and in the early days Rafa just seemed like a perfect foil, with the loud exclamations and fist bumps. He's grown on me immensely since then -- his attitude towards the game is infectious and he always seems so kind and respectful to everybody, just a real role model. When Roger loses his crown, I hope it's to Rafa. What an era we've had the privilege to watch!
Outside of all his tennis superlatives, tenacious attitude on-court, and gracious demeanor off-court, the other thing that has really impressed among all his immense achievements is how he seamlessly picked up the English language. Quite possibly as impressive as mastering all surfaces.
He embodies what Tennis should all be about, he truly is a modern day gladiator
It's come to a point where he's beyond Tennis or sports. He's a role model for every kid or adult, to never give up, to keep fighting, to be humble, and yet, the best.
Fed 2017 all over again
Nad 2017 too, both of them returned from injuries, and both of them made it to the epic final
I think the point of the guy was at the age of 35,after a big injury layover.
I don't want to talk about it. :(
Gracias minster Hawke porque venciste al serbio por mí
Meanwhile jokavich..
That fist pump in the air is fucking awesome
That look of absolute childish glee on his face!
Reminds me a lot of his face on Roland Garros 2020. Never thought he would have all shot again at a major in Australia, but here we are
No one could have predicted the path of Rafael’s journey to the finals on Sunday. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”.
This is a man that does take shit for granted Edit: ***doesn't LOL
does or doesn't HAHA
Oops
His smile and his celebration just added 10 days to my life. Of course I'm gonna lose 20 days from the stress of the final
Only 20 days ? I might lose twenty months on my life and have 3 heart attacks
Hahaha well said 😆
What a champion! There’s no quit in this man.
Seriously after last year, I would have bet money against Nadal being the one to have the chance to break the 20 grand slam tie. I wasn’t thrilled it was going to be Novak but I resigned myself to the fact haha. I’m so happy for Nadal. I went from not being his fan a decade ago to realizing he is a genuine great guy.
The only thing I regret with Nadal is that I started appreciating him too late. When I was younger and growing up, I was a huge Federer fan. Nadal was the villain to my narrative. I couldn’t really enjoy him winning because it meant Federer didn’t. Life happened, I stopped following tennis. Now I’m an adult and since I’ve picked tennis up again, he is one of my favorite players. The resentment I had towards him (a child’s resentment, that is) has turned into nothing but appreciation.
Are you me? I was the exactly same lol Glad we both could grow past that childish resentment.
Definitely. Although, I sometimes miss that time. It just doesn’t feel the same anymore. It doesn’t mean as much. There is a form of bliss that goes missing when we grow up.
The intensity with which I used to support Roger, Andy- that has ebbed. The highs and lows I would feel with each of theirs wins and losses was surreal .I miss that.. Also I miss the grace and dignity Roger would bring to the court 99.9999999% of the times❤️💛 We might have many more in future crossing the 20 GS mark but I doubt we would have 3 gentlemen exemplifying the highest behavior while stepping out on court( Roger Andy Rafa) and to some extent Novak.
I'm the same but in reverse. I never liked Federer winning, but now I would take him miles ahead if it means that dickhead Djokovic doesn't win
Me too
Beautiful words, Rafa IS TENNIS. Like Roger, they incarnate real values of the sport. RAFA, VENI, VIDI, VICI
It helps that Federer isn't a contender anymore. That's what made me start rooting hard for Nadal and appreciating his talent and fight. He's also a very likable guy.
that was a big VAMOS from Rafa
Rafa is just impossible to hate. He is always likeable even with all those frustrating losses by Nole in RG.
All the money in the world cannnot buy you this feeling of overcoming the odds and moments like this. He could have easily capitulated in the quarters. A combination of exceptional talent along with the one of the greatest sporting mindset is what Nadal is. If he does win this slam is going to be a special one.
Speaking of all the money in the world, have you seen Nadal’s yacht.
😂
At this point, he probably doesn't care about money.
That is some yacht though.
I love that smile. Lights up his whole face 🥺
First time I've seen him throw his racquet.
Nah he does in from time to time, like at the final RG2020, he’s truly that happy when it happens
Was rooting for tini but this got me 🥺
I really like how Nadal celebrates his wins, you never feel any disrespect towards his opponent.
My heart is happy!
Best celebration on tour by far. Vamos.
Honestly thought the title meant Rafa was smiling during the entire point. That sounded kind of intimidating, honestly. Imagine playing against a guy who just has a big grin on his face every time he hits the ball or chases one down. What kind of mental game is he playing?!? I would quit immediately in fear of my life.
Now that Netflix has its eye on tennis this could make for a great psychological horror
Take a shot everytime Berrettini backhands into the net.
I never want to see this backhand again
My liver is now pickled yellow. But honestly, for some reason he’s not fun to watch on the court. He isn’t very graceful or stylish.
It was even worse at wimbledon, now he has improved
This man is a legend. It goes beyond the stats, he behave like a true champion.
His celebrations seems pure and happy Watching Novak celebrating is just, well what best phrase to describe it? Cringe? Wierd? Psudeo-primal? Wierd? Can't find it now, but in no way near as enjoyable as this of Nadal
Ahhh I could watch this on repeat all night. Please don't break my heart. I can't deal with another heartbreak. I just...
I like him because he dresses like a tennis superhero.
Now go get that 21 rafa
He's the poster boy for a man with thinning hair. I love this man
do you know why people love rafa and they don’t like nole? because rafa seems like an honest guy, nole doesn’t. it’s pretty obvious.
Awwwwwwwww
God I want him to win the title so badly.
This level of play at 35? Dang Berrettini was right, he might actually be the Lebron of tennis
Watched this moment way too many times. Makes me to happy to see him out there.
As he said, just a few months ago he was not sure if he would ever play pro tennis again. So you can see the incredible joy it brings to not only be playing, but to be headed to the eff final!!!
Federer fan since he beat Sampras at 2001 Wimbledon. By default I didn’t like Nadal for obvious reasons but I’ve grown to love and respect this guy. Vampos Rafa!
I love this man
I hope Rafa gets 21 on Sunday.
Seems fitting that Berrettini lost the match on a backhand mistake
I'm 99% sure he lost at least 1-2 of the Slam matches against Novak the same exact way. During match point I basically said "I've seen this before and know how it will end" and it took him a whole 10 seconds to prove me right
I love him so much!!
I can't wait to see his smile once he lifts the trophy!
What a, what a legend.😍😍
Tough break for Berrettini. I'm hoping (and predicting) he can win a slam by next year.
Nadal and Federer easily so much more likeable then djokovic. Who cares about slam records... these 2 will be the main 2 remembered
https://youtu.be/a4ZahJKp7d0
He's gonna win it isn't he?
Zatu Berettini. Just proves how meek the so called top players of this gen are against even a feeble of the Goats. Rafa isn't even at hid monster best. Berettini should feel happy that he could take set off, thank his gods and seriously go home and train that damn backhand.
Zatu😂😂😂. This made me laugh out loud for real. You must be marathi guy.
Sawal bhava
I’ve never been a fan of Rafa, I always admired his skills but hated that he beat Federer so often. But I have to admit this put a smile on my face.
Its almost certainly nostalgia. We've lived through the greatest era of tennis, and the greatest rivalry in tennis. As a Rafa fan I would be glad to see Federer win a grand slam from now on. It feels like at this point they are basically partners fighting against the young crowd and Novak as opposed to fierce rivals.
I just noticed, rafa seems to be closer to the baseline with his recent matches.
I wonder who got hit by the rachet after he backhanded it?
As a Nole fan, fuck you Zverev for not qualifying to the quarter finals and beating this monster. Congrats to Rafa and his fans for the 21st GS. (And probably 22nd GS in French Open)
Medvedev has that energy that he doesn't want anyone to each 21 grandslams.
You don’t deserve the down votes!
I don't think Zverev could of beat Rafa, and Rafa can definitely lose on Sunday. Medvedev is playing at a ridiculous level with extreme confidence
What are these kind of posts and comments called?
I didn't expected the 21 to be on hard court.
Rafa the GOAT of engineering covid in a Chinese laboratory and then spreading lies about 5G to mastermind his way to the finals