He’s relentless. He’s fearless. He never gives up.
These are just a few words that describes soon to be(?) world number one, Rafael Nadal. He has just beaten the talented Italian, Fabio Fognini after being down 6-2 4-2 and game point at the China Open quarter-finals. The game at 4-2 in the second set seemed to decide the match, Nadal fought like a tiger throughout and although Fognini managed to get rid of three or four break points through his lethal forehand, it felt like it would be Nadal’s game. Finally, Nadal broke and that deflated Fognini completely who only won one game after that as Nadal rushed to a 2-6 6-4 6-1 win. It was another “nail in the coffin” for Fognini’s mental stamina, which is usually his downfall, and another glorious star for Nadal’s fighting instinct.
Did he put in something a little bit extra because the number one title is at stake in China? Possibly, but the fact is that Nadal is the one player who plays best under pressure, the one that truly never gives up. What an inspiration he is! And not only for other tennis players, but for everyone, in any walk of life.
To Fognini I can only say, learn from your opponent today, practice your mindset harder than your forehand and the wins will eventually come your way. The talent is there, there’s no doubting that.
