From this Thursday, tennis fans can buy Sebastian Fest’s book, “Gracias, Rafael Nadal’s Legacy.”
THE MAN BEHIND THE LEGEND: THE FASCINATING STORY OF THE GREATEST SPANISH ATHLETE OF ALL TIME.
Journalist Sebastián Fest has spent nearly thirty years writing about the world’s most elegant sport. In this book, he recalls dozens of conversations with Rafael Nadal about tennis and life on and off the court.
In Mallorca, Paris, Madrid, London, New York, Miami, Acapulco, Buenos Aires, Shanghai, Melbourne, Dubai, Athens and other stages for the world’s biggest tennis tournaments, Fest has had ample time to study the character of the fourteen-time Roland Garros winner who, along with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, led a new golden era for the sport.
At once familiar and critical, this meticulous and surprising account is a journey through the world of tennis, sprinkled with exclusive interviewers with rivals, friends and others close to the superstar from Mallorca. It is a fitting tribute to the story and prodigious accomplishments of a player unlike any other, and to which the sport of tennis and Spain owe so much. For these, we thank you, Rafa.
Although currently only available in Spanish, the first chapter, titled “Rafael Nadal’s Legacy and the Dinner that Carlos Alcaraz Choked On,” has been translated into English, and you can read it here.
In an interview with Spanish radio El Larguero, Fest explained the inspiration behind the book’s title:
“Part of the fact that, from my perspective, Nadal has been the athlete in history who has said GRACIAS (THANK YOU) the most times. He has never forgotten about manners, hence the name.”
During the interview Fest also uncovered fresh insights about Rafa, delving into discussions with Rafa, his uncle Toni, and others. According to Toni, our champ initially possessed an elegant playing style as a young player. However, over time, Rafa realized that his current style, marked by powerful shots and strategic point finishes, would bring him victories and obviously he was righ, because it was the key to securing 22 Grand Slam titles.
You can catch the entire 15-minute interview with Sebastian Fest in the video below, beginning at 1:10:37. If there are any key points we overlooked in the interview and you’re fluent in Spanish, please feel free to share them in the comments.
Rafa has always been kind and courteous… a gentleman in every deed he does. I have never seen him show disrespect or being rude to any person be it another player, umpire, paparazzi or business people. Vamos our great Champion and Hero. ☘☘🇪🇦🇪🇦
So very true. In his autobiography he said his family always told him that winning wasn’t important. Being a “good person” was. I’ve occasionally seen Rafa angry on court, but never, ever out of control. A week or so after he lost at RG in 2021 his Academy’s graduation was held and Rafa was, as usual, the speaker. When he put his sheaf of notes down a gust of wind blew them away and Rafa hurried about, collecting them, saying quietly “This is a disaster! Like my last match.” Rafa’s ability to smell the roses and roll with the punches has been amazing throughout his career, and quite probably his life.
Looking forward to owning a copy. Love the front cover!
❤️