Francisco Roig, one of Rafael Nadal’s coaching staff members, and Carlos Costa, Nadal’s agent, were also present during the discussion centred on the greatness of the Spanish southpaw.
The 19-time Grand Slam champion’s team was unanimous in the view that despite Rafael Nadal hailing from a calm and relaxed corner of Spain, he has a certain fire in his belly that cannot be kept under wraps for long. The panelists also agreed that it is this fire, coupled with his incredible ability to stay focused, that sees Nadal through tough matches and inspired opponents.
Moya said that Rafael Nadal, coming from a family of sportspersons, was born with a slew of intrinsic qualities that make him a tough player to play against. (Nadal’s uncle, Miguel Angel Nadal, played football for Spanish Primera Liga club FC Barcelona).
Moya then went on to say that greatness cannot be taught, despite everything you can learn on a tennis court.
Rafael Nadal carved out a special place for Spain on the global tennis map
Justine Henin asked Moya how Rafael Nadal’s family background and education have contributed to the 19-time Grand Slam champion staying humble despite achieving a plethora of laurels on the court.
Moya replied that Rafael Nadal’s relaxed attitude off the court comes from his Mallorcan upbringing, where people are relaxed and easy-going.
Moya then elaborated how, despite his calm demeanour, Rafael Nadal becomes a totally different personality on the court. The left-hander is renowned for never ceding an inch of territory, and for fighting on every point as if his life depended on it.
Rafael Nadal’s long-time agent Carlos Costa mentioned at this point that his client’s future exploits could not have been foreseen at the start of his career.
Nadal, along with his Big 3 peers Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, have dominated the tennis scene with an iron fist. The trio have accumulated more than a quarter of all Grand Slam titles on offer in the Open Era, and over 36% of all titles in the Masters 1000 series.
Costa concluded by saying that Rafael Nadal changed the complexion of the tennis landscape in Spain. The country had never before produced a player as dominant as him, which is why every new success coming his way has been a bit like a bonus.
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