Nadal as an Amazing Experience
by bluebird
“Almost anyone who loves tennis and follows the men’s tour on television has, over the last few years, had what might be termed Nadal Moments. These are times, as you watch the young Spaniard play, when the jaw drops and eyes protrude and sounds are made that bring spouses in from other rooms to see if you’re O.K.”
Thus wrote the late David Foster Wallace in August 2006. I’ve just updated the paragraph by changing the two highlighted words from, ‘he who must not be named’ the Voldemort of VB, as well as the country from which he hails…you get my drift, no?
The author wrote this ‘critically acclaimed’ piece “Federer as a Religious Experience” after the Roger won Wimbledon at the age of, um, 25. The author praised him for his “mental toughness and good sportsmanship” as well as for his “kinetic beauty.” Why do I imagine that a well-worn copy of this article is tucked in a certain Swiss player’s attaché and referred to frequently? I suppose if you read all your good press and take it to heart, you might begin to think you’re a god, no?
While the article (ten typewritten pages when you copy them) that appeared in the New York Times worshiped at the altar of Federer, there was ample space to call 20-year old Rafael Nadal “mesomorphic and totally martial” and that well-worn term “a clay-court specialist.” Wallace also wrote that Rafa “walks the baseline, like a convict expecting to be shanked.”
I’ll venture a guess that those mental images of Rafa were greeted with glee by Federer’s fans, but speaking for myself as a Rafa fan, pure disgust … a convict? C’mon! as Rafa would say.
Two years after that long piece much has changed. First, I don’t believe sports figures provide us with ‘religious experiences.’ They are merely human and have their ups and downs like the rest of us mere mortals.
What I do think (no, I know this) is that Rafael Nadal provides his fans with an “AMAZING EXPERIENCE.” I can count many positives that have come from following this young man’s game.
NADAL AS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. My three reasons this is the true:
1) Rafa is sportsmanship personified. I’m thankful for his example to young people…heck, I’m thankful for his example to me! He provides lessons in dealing with adversity, in looking for positives where only negatives seem to lurk, in working hard and striving to improve. His mantra is never ever give up. Remember, as elise’s avie says: "Never, ever, under any circumstances, on any surface, underestimate Rafael Nadal."
2) His humility is one of his most endearing qualities, his sense of humor can be wicked, and his respect for his opponents and fans is always at the forefront. The young man gives me hope for the future. It confirms that there are young people being raised with excellent family values, being taught right from wrong. His fine character shows respect toward his peers and elders rather than chest-beating and arrogance.
3) Rafa is beautiful to watch. In more ways than one, no? I like to see sweat and (appropriate) tears. I like to see superhuman effort, and excellent preparation rings my bell. I like passion and excitement and rising to the occasion. I like shots that are called “Unbelievable…how did he make that shot?!?” I also like to see biceps, but that’s another story! Rafa’s physical attributes are well known and duly noted on VB; but Rafa is oblivious to his obvious sex appeal which makes him even more precious.
OK there are 3 reasons but here’s one more…the icing on the cake…. vamosbrigade.com
4) If you’re a Rafa fan and your family and/or friends subject you to ‘eyerolling’ and they ‘just don’t get it’ you know you can find support and sustenance and lots of good pictures on vamosbrigade.com. Rafa has legions of amazing fans – especially on VB. Name me another fan site where respect and fun are the rule rather than the exception. Where rude language is not tolerated. Where cheering threads are full no matter what world time zone you’re in. Where creativity reigns and friendships blossom. Where you become friends with fans from England to Macedonia, Spain to Germany, the Philippines to Ireland, India to Brazil, and all across the USA. Yes indeed, it’s an AMAZING EXPERIENCE and the common thread is a 22 year old from Manacor, the world’s number one tennis player …
Thus wrote the late David Foster Wallace in August 2006. I’ve just updated the paragraph by changing the two highlighted words from, ‘he who must not be named’ the Voldemort of VB, as well as the country from which he hails…you get my drift, no?
The author wrote this ‘critically acclaimed’ piece “Federer as a Religious Experience” after the Roger won Wimbledon at the age of, um, 25. The author praised him for his “mental toughness and good sportsmanship” as well as for his “kinetic beauty.” Why do I imagine that a well-worn copy of this article is tucked in a certain Swiss player’s attaché and referred to frequently? I suppose if you read all your good press and take it to heart, you might begin to think you’re a god, no?
While the article (ten typewritten pages when you copy them) that appeared in the New York Times worshiped at the altar of Federer, there was ample space to call 20-year old Rafael Nadal “mesomorphic and totally martial” and that well-worn term “a clay-court specialist.” Wallace also wrote that Rafa “walks the baseline, like a convict expecting to be shanked.”
I’ll venture a guess that those mental images of Rafa were greeted with glee by Federer’s fans, but speaking for myself as a Rafa fan, pure disgust … a convict? C’mon! as Rafa would say.
Two years after that long piece much has changed. First, I don’t believe sports figures provide us with ‘religious experiences.’ They are merely human and have their ups and downs like the rest of us mere mortals.
What I do think (no, I know this) is that Rafael Nadal provides his fans with an “AMAZING EXPERIENCE.” I can count many positives that have come from following this young man’s game.
NADAL AS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. My three reasons this is the true:
1) Rafa is sportsmanship personified. I’m thankful for his example to young people…heck, I’m thankful for his example to me! He provides lessons in dealing with adversity, in looking for positives where only negatives seem to lurk, in working hard and striving to improve. His mantra is never ever give up. Remember, as elise’s avie says: "Never, ever, under any circumstances, on any surface, underestimate Rafael Nadal."
2) His humility is one of his most endearing qualities, his sense of humor can be wicked, and his respect for his opponents and fans is always at the forefront. The young man gives me hope for the future. It confirms that there are young people being raised with excellent family values, being taught right from wrong. His fine character shows respect toward his peers and elders rather than chest-beating and arrogance.
3) Rafa is beautiful to watch. In more ways than one, no? I like to see sweat and (appropriate) tears. I like to see superhuman effort, and excellent preparation rings my bell. I like passion and excitement and rising to the occasion. I like shots that are called “Unbelievable…how did he make that shot?!?” I also like to see biceps, but that’s another story! Rafa’s physical attributes are well known and duly noted on VB; but Rafa is oblivious to his obvious sex appeal which makes him even more precious.
OK there are 3 reasons but here’s one more…the icing on the cake…. vamosbrigade.com
4) If you’re a Rafa fan and your family and/or friends subject you to ‘eyerolling’ and they ‘just don’t get it’ you know you can find support and sustenance and lots of good pictures on vamosbrigade.com. Rafa has legions of amazing fans – especially on VB. Name me another fan site where respect and fun are the rule rather than the exception. Where rude language is not tolerated. Where cheering threads are full no matter what world time zone you’re in. Where creativity reigns and friendships blossom. Where you become friends with fans from England to Macedonia, Spain to Germany, the Philippines to Ireland, India to Brazil, and all across the USA. Yes indeed, it’s an AMAZING EXPERIENCE and the common thread is a 22 year old from Manacor, the world’s number one tennis player …