Rafael Nadal: Domestic Disturbance

by: Nima Naderi

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 one’s 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 a 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 accordingly each and every possible obstacle which has been thrust his way—the backhand pass is 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 the 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 his success was driven), has always been about his family. The synergy and comfort which Rafa had fed off for 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 was 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 was 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 toward the beginning of the 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 clear 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 followers 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.

The time has now come though, 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 affect 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 however remains clear as ever: Nadal will make his much anticipated return to tennis in Montreal later this summer. Similarly to his 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 better or 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 truly 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.

Rafa Nadal’s Parents To Divorce

Well, it seems like just as quick as your life can seem great, a lot of things can come crashing down just as quickly.  Not only did Rafa lose early at the French, which was his first loss in four years at the event. Not only did he withdraw from Wimbledon, as the defending champ—It was released earlier this week that his parents have gone public about their pending divorce.  Rumbles of the problems between the two have been heard for more than two months now, with Sebastian and Ana Maria going public about the news yesterday. 

Obviously Rafa has always said how important family is to him, with the news obviously affecting his mental state.  A source close to the Nadal camp said, “Rafa is devastated. All through the past couple of months he has been trying to get his tennis back on track, but his heart has been elsewhere. In public he has put on a brave face, but in private he has been hoping for a reconciliation and fervently wishing this wasn’t happening. Now he has returned home and is catching up with his family. He talked about resetting his body after withdrawing from the championships and yet he has a more difficult task.”

The scorn champion will now have to put the sad news about his beloved family on the sidelines (if possible), and begin the concentrate on regaining his world number ranking which he will likely lose after The Championships.

More news on this topic in the up coming days.