It’s been a happy and glorious 29th birthday for Rafael Nadal who is popular as the “King of Clay” for his spectacular performance on clay court. Born on 3rd June 1986, 6 feet 1 inch tall ‘Rafa’ is also known for his style statements (his stylish capri pants and matching bandara on his forehead) which has captured the eyeballs of world over Tennis fans. His peculiar style of biting the trophy he has won covered the Sports pages of the newspapers time and again.
Happy Birthday Rafael Nadal
Nadal’s coach, his uncle Toni Nadal trained him for the sport of Tennis when he was just 3 years old. Nadal carries an equal passion for Tennis as well as for Football. Probably the passion for Football descends down in his blood from his another Uncle Miguel Angel Nadal, who is a retired professional footballer. Uncle Miguel had represented his Spanish National Team and had played also for popular club FC Barcelona. Rafael Nadal is ambidextrous although he is a left-handed player on court.
Apart from dreaming of a ‘Career’ and ‘Golden Slam’, every tennis player dreams to win the prestigious Wimbledon Title in London which is one of the most prestigious Grand Slams in Tennis out of the four (French Open, Wimbledon, Australian Open and US Open). Rafael Nadal had his dream come true when he defeated the most earnest and unfaltering player-Roger Federer in the year 2008. In terms of time, this was believed to be the longest match of Wimbledon final on court; where in between the showers of rain which tried to stop the match Nadal won the fifth set and rose to victory! The year 2008 was special to him for yet another reason. He won his first Olympic Gold medal by defeating Fernando Gonzalez of Chile in the Beijing Olympic 2008.
Nadal had won his first French Open title when he was just 19 years old. Records speaks that this is a feat not accomplished in Paris for more than 20 years. Injuries are the biggest enemies of any sportspersons. Just like how a fast bowler in the game of Cricket is advised to take precautions as they are bound to shoulder injuries, Rafael Nadal has also gone through that tough time. Sometimes it was knee injury while at times it was wrist injury.
But he has sailed healthy as he faces today the world no.1 Novac Djokovic at the Rolland Garros, all the RAFA fans are hoping and praying for his victory to reach the semi-finals and then the finals and emerge victorious as the 10th time Champion on the clay court.
Wishing Rafa a very happy birthday and may his birthday be more wonderful as the ‘King of Clay’ walks on the clay court today with an aim to reach the acme of Clay Court!
Tags: Australian Open, French Open, Grand Slam, King Of Clay, Rafa, Rafael Nadal, Sports, Tennis, US Open, Wimbledon
