For two decades, the Spanish legend thrilled audiences worldwide and was part of two era-defining rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic
For two decades, the Spanish legend thrilled audiences worldwide and was part of two era-defining rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic
Whenever a favourite sportsperson retires, there is a part of us that dies inside. It did when Sachin Tendulkar bid adieu and it did when Roger Federer waved goodbye. As Julian Barnes wrote in Levels of Life, “What is taken away is greater than the sum of what was there. This may not be mathematically possible; but it is emotionally possible.”
Rafael Nadal’s exit from competitive tennis is sure to leave a similar feeling. For two decades, the Spaniard – winner of 22 Majors, 92 Tour titles, a ludicrously high 14 French Opens, two Olympic Gold medals and five Davis Cups – did not just occupy the court but pervaded every inch of our collective minds. Now, this long-lasting love story will be a thing of the past.
No comments:
Post a Comment