ARTICLES:
McEnroe: “All of a sudden things have fallen into place for Rafa who has to be the humblest, classiest champion of almost any athlete I’ve ever seen in any sport. It’s well-deserved for a guy to do this like Rafa Nadal, you can see how much it meant to him to get to the finals again.”
Becker: “What a legend of our sport. Two months ago it was uncertain whether he would be able to continue playing at all after his serious ankle operation – and then he comes to Australia and plays his best tennis. I don’t think Nadal was thinking about his 21st Grand Slam title before the semi-final. He is more relaxed about it than Novak Djokovic.
“He says, I’m happy that I still can play tennis and that I’m in the final in Australia. But that will change now. Rafa has two nights before the final and he will be thinking about the 21. However, Rafa is an absolute superstar and will be able to handle it.”
- Berrettini: ‘I Will Learn From Rafa Defeat’ | ATP Tour
With 20 Grand Slam titles under his belt, Nadal is an obvious role model for Berrettini in his pursuit for further success. “Just look at the numbers,” said 2021 Wimbledon finalist Berrettini. “I don’t know how many semi-finals Rafa has played, but I know that he has more experience in this.
“We chatted a little bit in the locker room. He told me that it was a great run, and I told him again, bravo. It’s just really nice for me to talk to him and have this kind of conversation, because I’m still learning from him, and it’s good.”
VIDEOS:
Rafa was crying in his hand trying to hide it. You could see how much this meant to him. We heard him say: “I wasn’t sure if I was able to play tennis again.” You could see that come pouring out of him. I love the match he played.
Lindsay Davenport
Social media related to Rafa:
Rafa is the player who enticed me into watching tennis tournaments. Previously, I was put off by some players who behaved like hooligans. I was happy whenever he won and heartbroken whenever he lost. There were years when I thought his career was over and I thought to myself that when Rafa retired from competitive tennis I too would retire from watching tennis tournaments on TV. When Rafa was down two sets and seemed likely to lose the match my heart literally turned cold. But deep in the depths of my heart a small fire of hope remained. It seemed an impossible probability. Injured and out of competition for so long he faced an implacable player, a man 10 years younger, and who is reputedly a genius. But Rafa’s heart proved to be more formidable than his opponent’s brain. Despite at one stage having virtually no chances at all, Rafa triumphed not only over his opponent but also over his own shortcomings. His win was not easy and as he had said he was no longer 21. He thoroughly deserves his epic win. I hope he will have more Grand slam successes this year and in future years. Vamos Rafa!
A complete athlete & super champion that have been totally misunderstood by a large number of followers for long. Rafa is an enigma that epitomizes true role model
So overjoyed on Nadal’s win! I have watched him through his whole career( my husband calls him my boyfriend) and he has always been my favorite! What a class act! I have also been a BUCS fan since they started in 1976 and when we got Brady I knew we were gonna get another Superbowl! But after Nadal’s win and I heard the news media comparing Nadal to Brady, I was already there! Both have unbelievable work ethics and know how to be classy after losses and of course know how to keep winning!?
No doubt they earned the 🐐of their prospective sports!
What a champion! Rafa, you deserved this like no other! So happy and proud! History is made! 21 in 2022.Will always be A Legend!❤️❤️
Absolutely amazing match! Yo serve to strive and not to yield! That’s Rafa!
Rafa forever my Hero God bless From South Africa
Am overwhelmed like you, Nadal fans! Cheers !
Congratulations to us, yes. We carried him through. Well deserved Rafa…Much love ❤. See you all at the French Open
LOL to the haters!🤭
Overjoyed for Rafa, his family, and team and of course to us, his fans, real ones, not the fake ones.👌
From 2 sets down! What a beautiful thing our champ has done today!
The resilience! Rafa had no business winning this match today, but somehow our champ has done the impossible!
This 3 break points saved in the 3rd set, to me, that was the turning point!
My fellow Rafans it’s been amazing sharing this experience with you all today!!
I am done ! This relief ! my room is not big enough to hold my tears ! Goatttttttt , legend,icon THE MAN
OMG! I’m in tears 😢 😭 🤧
Wow wow wow! Wow! I’m in tears!
Rafa was 4% chance of winning this at one point after the 2nd set!
Mwah! Love you champ! You really messed with us this time…
Congratulations to our Rafael Nadal!
Congratulations for achieving the almost impossible only you can do it my dear Rafa
3 championship points!
Love you all of you Mac Mimi, Margo
Really love you guys
Congratulations
Soaked in tears
I have accepted my friends party if Rafa wins I owe them now
1 point to history
Nerve-wracking, no more nails left…..Stand and deliver
Rafa breaks right back!!
Come on champ, this time serve it out please!! Please please pretty please CHAMP!!!
Oh boy. Rafa Rafa Rafa…
What are you man
Are you a human being or Robot Rafa
He has broken back again and will serve for the match again