Nadal doesn't hide his emotions. (www.vamosrafael.com)
What did you get for your 19th birthday? Let's think. Home from college. Probably some money, right? Maybe some clothes and clean undies. For Rafael Nadal's 19th birthday today he received...wait, let me rephrase that. He didn't receive anything, at least not on the tennis court. He took a semifinal win from Roger Federer, the best player in the world by far, at the French Open in four tough sets.
If you haven't seen Nadal yet get ready for the real deal. He has everything. Solid serve, great groundstrokes, decent net game and the speed of a greyhound. Brad Gilbert, ESPN commentator and ex-Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi coach, proclaimed earlier this week that Nadal 'will win 7-10 Slams...6 of them could be at the French.' Now thats saying something. Gilbert knows what he is talking about. He said all week Nadal is 'all substance.'
Age 19. First French Open appearance and a French Open title. Wait, he still has to play a match on Sunday? Who can be left after the best player in the world was handily beaten? That would be Mariano Puerta of Argentina who advanced with a 6-3, 5-7, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory against Nikolay Davydenko. Puerta was down 4-2 in the last set and fought back to win. Congrats on getting to the final of the French Puerta. Now take a back seat to Nadal because he is going to lay a whipping on you Sunday like no other.
This Spring has been the Year of Nadal. He has won Master's Series events in Rome and Monte Carlo. He lost in the final in five sets at another Series event to Federer in Miami after being up two sets and a couple match points. Last fall, he helped Spain win the Davis Cup by destroying the USA's Andre Roddick. Realize Spain also has Juan Carlos Fererro, ranked #1 in the world for a bit last year; yet Nadal was picked, at age 18 none the less, to represent his country in the Davis Cup finals.
Another top 18 year old, Richard Gasquet, of France, faced Nadal in the third round. Gasquet has been on the covers of tennis magazines in France since the age of 9. He's the real deal and has all the tools to become a top player in the world. Nadal beat him 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. After the match, Gasquet came off the court and said 'I feel like an 18 year old junior and Nadal is an 18 year old senior.' Hard to believe, but it's true. Nadal has all the physical tools and plays mentally like he is 25.
Nadal isn't a one trick pony. Not since 1982 (Mats Wilander) has a player won the French in their debut. Nadal is three sets away. He's won 23 straight matches which ties him with Agassi for most wins in a row by a teenager. Expect this kid to be at the top of the tennis world for a long time to come.
My Top Eight Reasons Why Rafael Nadal Will Win Ten Grand Slams.
1. He's a lefty -- There are no other top lefties. Not only that but he hits such a heavy ball deep in the court with tons of spin. Federer couldn't handle it. If he can't, who can?
2. Focus -- He plays every point like it's his last. He gives nothing away.
3. Speed -- If you've watched Nadal he's everywhere. First point of the match vs Federer he had to hit a return way out wide, run to the other corner just to get a ball that would normally be a winner against anybody else. He hit a winner down the line.
4. Forehand -- Depth + heavy spin = hard to beat.
5. He's 19 -- Most players reach their prime at 26-27. Now that's scary.
6. Backhand -- He is always set and ready to rip it.
7. The Dropper -- Nadal has the most amazing drop shot. Not only does he hit it with great spin, but he also runs in behind it to cut down any angle that his opponent might have if they do get to it.
8. His hands -- They are fast as lightning up at the net. Racquet head never drops. Remember that kids...when up at the net...KEEP YOUR RACQUET UP!
8a. The clamdiggers -- the capri's, or shorts past his knees, are awesome. He sets trends too.
