“Desire to be better has helped me, Federer and Djokovic in our progression,” admits Rafael Nadal
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer
Rafael Nadal has asserted his dominance in the sport of tennis time and time again. He has done so without ever being arrogant or pompous. In fact, Rafa remains to be one of the most adored players in history. Inspite of his 20 Grand Slam titles, his down to earth behaviour has been inspirational. For a player of his stature to have the insight and to be in touch with reality as he remains beyond commendable.
Earlier this month, Nadal won his 13th French Open title. He downed the World No.1 Novak Djokovic in incredible fashion. Nadal vanquished Djokovic in straight sets 6-0, 6-2, 7-5. The Spaniard recorded his 100th match win at Roland Garros. Additionally, he is the only player to have achieved this feat. Moreover, Rafa has now tied up with Roger Federer. No other man has ever laid claim to more Grand Slam titles than the duo.
Rafael Nadal confesses to feeling a self-obligation to be better everyday
Inspite of earth-shattering records, the World No.2 constantly brings about change in his game. Further, he tweaks his tactics to suit the environment and remains to be extremely successful in the same.
At the age of 34, Nadal has admitted to always trying to develop his game. In an interview with El Periodico, he stated, “You can always be better.”
While Federer and Rafa have 20 Grand Slam titles each, Djokovic is trailing right behind them with 17 to his name. The fierce competition amongst Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic remains in the limelight in the tennis community. ‘The Big Three’ are famed for their reign and innovative tactics to overcome their competition.
Alluding to this, Rafa continued, “Over the years I have lost things along the way. But I have added others to balance the balance. I train with the hope of improving things. That is one of my most important virtues. And I think of anyone who wants to progress. So do Federer and Djokovic. The desire to be better every day has helped us in our progression.”
Nadal is considered to the be the toughest competitor in the history of tennis. The Spaniard fights for every single point like it’s the last. One can never locate any sluggishness in his game. To prepare for this marvellous execution, Rafa works on his mental strength. However, his methods aren’t the ones that the majority use.
When asked if yoga is one of his methods, he said, “I don’t do any of that to train mental toughness. Not yoga, not psychologists or anything. I work differently.”
He concluded with, “I force myself every day to do things well, especially those that I don’t feel like doing. I have always done it since I was little. Self obligation to be better.”
Also Read: “Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are vicious towards Novak Djokovic,” says this Tennis Legend
Chhavi Jindal
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