Nadal, ‘the humble champion’

The recent Australian Tennis Open’s runner-up, Rafael Nadal, like his Australian Open finals conqueror, Novak Djokovic, is a true gentleman on the court. Both are true sportsmen. Novak may be a trifle conceited at times, but he is the only player who regularly “claps” his racket over his head in acknowledgement when his opponent makes an exceptional shot.  He also screams when he makes the proverbial “faux pas.” He apparently has a knack for a bit of the theatrical, feigning exhaustion, then suddenly making shots that reveal his very good training in stamina and shot-making obvious.

Rafa is different. He was at one time No. 1 in the world, but to this day he remains humble. After he defeated Roger Federer in the semis, he was asked in an interview about his “rivalry” with Federer, and Rafa quietly responded, first, by praising his opponent, Federer, and then saying something to the effect that all he wanted was to learn from good players he plays against. This prompted the interviewer, Jim Courier, to comment, “That’s very kind!” Rafa has also spoken highly of other opponents. Interviews with Rafa are never about him or his form in playing, and they are largely magnanimous.

Even Rafa’s quirks are engaging.  He positions water bottles meticulously in front of his chair after drinking. He has this habit of pulling at his sweat-soaked shorts, then bringing his hand to his face to stroke his nose. These are his motions preparatory to serving.  Then there are the slow, deliberate bounces of the ball. Soon his mouth is contorted during his grunt-accompanied service motion. The exchange is on.

One former professional tennis player who once acted as commentator referred to the bit with the shorts and nose as Nadal’s “adjustments.”

Rafa’s rackets are probably the most protected items in his bag. Other players (including Federer) have been known to react to miscues by destroying their rackets on the court, bouncing them, or by screaming or whatever. Rafa will have none of it. All he does is make those familiar faces of his. No shouts. No screams. Through all the “trials and tribulations” of a contest, Rafa remains cool and unruffled.

The same post-match interviewer, Courier, has referred to Rafa as “the humble champion.”

—BOBBY GONZALEZ KRAUT,

[email protected]