Rafael Nadal: Domestic Disturbance

 

 

 

The true virtues which life can hold may be obtained by anyone, at anytime. Those joyous occasions of spender can stem from the subtle smell of a rose, to the connected victory of viewing ones son or daughter score their first little league goal. Virtues which even “man’s best friend” relishes when sticking his head out a car window; the breeze of a summers day whisking across a wet nose being the utopia for any furry legged creature.

With all of the virtues which life can bring forward, the dreaded balance of the other-side awaits. Moments or situations one never wishes to deal with—never wishes were brought forth. After all, can pleasure really be valued without adversity?

In the world of professional tennis, peaks and valleys are the name of game. Breaking a string, or missing a flight are a fraction of the worries.

Injuries, tough losses and the sun in your eyes, that’s more like it. Slips and falls, going from grass to hard to clay, and a rain delay, become routine adventures for the games elite. Autographs and full stock of Sharpie pens are a must.

Throughout the duration of his eight year career, Spaniard Rafael Nadal has experienced, embraced and dealt with according each and every possible obstacle which has been thrust his way—the backhand pass, still the best in the business.

But in recent times, a new, unfamiliar, and truly devastating occurrence has bled itself into the tight-knit world of the Island born Mallorcan: Divorce.

This catastrophic word has become apart of the everyday fabric in many modern day families. The taboo of divorce is so 1985.

Sebastian and Ana Maria Nadal have called off their marriage after 20 plus years.

There is no doubt that the repercussions of divorce can shake the very foundation of all who are concerned. The tension in ones racket, becomes of secondary concern.

The past few months have included nothing short of series of downs for the current world number two. His strained quadriceps which reside over the mileage of his knees, seem numb with thought of separation.

His heart, the most important component to his success, suddenly can not summon the urge to fight.

You see, Rafael Nadal-Parera (name abbreviated shortly after success was driven), has always been about his family. The synergy and comfort which Rafa had fed off for the 23 years, appeared an eternal certainly. The dismantling of the Berlin wall being pale in comparison.

With the defending champ pulling out of Wimbledon, a slightly different perspective maybe added towards his absence.

Backtracking just a bit here, the time and place is Miami, 2009. The match: Rafael Nadal vs. Juan Martin del Potro. The situation: Nadal and del Potro split the first two sets with Rafa being up a double break in set three. The verdict: Nadal crumbling uncharacteristically, surrendering his lead and the match.

The loss became a wide spoken topic of interest—the post match interview, being a prelude to the future. That is where the beginning of the current end began for Nadal.

When asked: Are you mystified or puzzled by how you played during this tournament, or do you understand why you didn’t play well and know what to do next?

Rafa answered: “Always is a reason why you are not playing at your level during the tournament. No, I am calm. I am happy about myself, about everything this year, yeah. I don’t know. Always is a reason, but it’s personal.”

At the time it must have been. For a boy who was enthralled and intent on never leaving his protective castle in Mallocra, now would have the daunting task of pondering the process of handling the separation of his two greatest heroes. There would be no favorites in that decision.

Throughout the clay-court season it was evident that Nadal was not himself. Although only one loss accompanied him towards the beginning of French Open, the exuberance of victory during his three previous titles had dissipated. The glimmer of the “W” had been clouded by the “personal” issue.

During his junior days, a cleared headed Rafa made the strong-nosed decision to stay put. There would be no frolic towards the tennis heaven of Barcelona. His family was in Mallorca, and so remained his tennis training. Moms cooking, and the war stories shared with his father were of greater value than any trophy or accolade he would ever capture—the sync of a healthy, and together family meant everything.

The years of triumph followed suit. After every practice and every win, a phone call home would be dialed by the meticulous and methodical Spaniard. The thought of two phone calls never entered his mind.

His legion of fan’s would cheer his efforts; the players box contained two supportive parents.

Rafa’s greatest reward would be based on his support system, which was vital to his success. Not the precise positioning of his water bottles.

Now the time has come, and Nadal’s toughest challenge awaits. He will enter his next tournament and the rest of his professional career with the thought of domestic disturbance. Rafa may have his parents at his next Wimbledon or French Open final, they will not be cheering together, but separate.

How will the dark blanket between his parents effect the Spaniard going forward? Will his unbridled desire to win stay in tact? For the moment that answer awaits in the bounds, much like whether or not to tape up his knees.

One fact remains ever clear, Nadal will make his much anticipated return to tennis in Montreal latter this summer. Similar to the legacy which is as strong as the arch on his serve, every point will be taken for what it is, every emotion withheld and explored. Rafa will be back there is no doubt, for worse, or simply because he loves the game.

Although many pundits and experts will blame his knees for his recent set back, a greater introspection is required in order to digest the utter pathos which the Spaniard is enduring. No matter how many times his biceps bludgeon through a ball, the scorn outlook of a divided family troubles Nadal the most.

The future is uncertain, that’s how it goes. Nothing lasts forever, even for those who have it all. But in the wake of devastation comes the essence of what truly builds character—you find out what you’re made of when the count is at nine, and the rope becomes your only crutch.

The bandanna and grunt will be on court soon enough, August 10th to be exact. A new chapter in the already lauded achievements of the Spaniard awaits.

Should be a great fight.

Join our RSS feed and mailing list to be up to date and entered into our contests.
(We do not sell or distribute your email)

Delivered by FeedBurner