Today’s Flashback Friday is dedicated to Davis Cup. 10 years ago Spain faced the USA in final on the red clay of Seville. Carlos Moya defeated Mardy Fish in straight sets in the opening rubber. The lowest ranked Spaniard at that time (No. 51), Rafael Nadal had only been expected to play the doubles alongside Tommy Robredo but he was named to replace Ferrero in singles. The Spanish captain Jordi Arrese’s decision proved to be the right one as Rafa beat world number two Andy Roddick 6-7(6) 6-2 7-6(6) 6-2.
“I have had a very tough year, especially after the injury,” Rafa said. “I have been training very hard, and I think I do really deserve this victory. This has certainly been the match of my life. I think 50% of the victory is because of the fans.”
In the Saturday doubles, Bob and Mike Bryan beat Tommy Robredo and Juan Carlos Ferrero. Mardy Fish later made it 3-2 with a 7-6 6-2 victory over Tommy Robredo in the dead rubber. Moya’s victory over Roddick made Rafa the youngest player to help win the Davis Cup. Aged 18 years and 185 days, our champ beat the record set by Australia’s Pat Cash in 1983 by 30 days.
Sources: New York Times, Tennis Buzz // All photos via Tumblr/weiledudrink
I love to see so “old” photos..Rafa is such a great person. Wish him always the best and 2015.. he will come back very strong!
It’s great to see such lovely pics of RAFA NADAL on his young days and playing such marvellous tennis then , and has gone from strength to strength.what success Rafa. Carry on the great work in everything u do. Fan.
Yes its so good to go back in history of Rafa what a happy looking young RAFA and breaking history 10yrs back.VAMOS CHAMPION.
Bravo Rafa ! Que de chemin parcouru ! Il est un très bel homme , mais ce gamin sur ces photos qui datent de 10 ans ! Ouahhh !Il était beau à tomber
VAMOS RAFA !!!
Thanks for the “memory lane” photos and article! Here’s to our No.1 Champion, Rafa!!! VAMOS RAFA!!