The beginning was devastating: he won the ten first games, burning Alberto Mart�n with a "bagel" in the first set of the match. The Spanish veteran feared a historical "double-bagel", and showed, despite his experience, a loss of control when he threw his racket on the ground in the first set of the match. Meanwhile, those present in the bleachers complained about the decrease of competitiveness in the match.

Rafael Nadal, who complained of tiredness, had requested medical service during the match against Ricardo Mello in the semifinal of the tournament. But what could now be seen on the center court of the Complex of Sau�pe, which houses the Brazil Open, was a showing of technique, physical disposition and heart at the tip of the racket. Incredible balls were got to, and afterwards the traditional "Come on" was echoed. And it is interesting that, despite being young, he has already incorporated typical tennis �skills" into his game. On important points, the Spaniard spends an "eternity" drying his face, arms and racket, which irritates his opponents a lot. He also knows how to use such "tricks" in difficult moments. Like the first game of the match, in which he served into a disadvantage of 0/40. He recovered and closed out his service game. His maturity and psychological consistency are frightening.

But, let�s admit, Nadal is privileged, in terms of tennis, for having been born in Spain, since this country is known for its organization and power in this sport. It is necessary just to mention how many talents win on the courts of this world: Carlos Moy�, the mentioned Alberto Mart�n, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Feliciano Lopez, Tommy Robredo, Albert Costa, Corretja, Verdasco, and the very new sensation Rafael Nadal. And even with Moy�s �support�, who "adopted" the young Spaniard, with whom he practices in Majorca, Nadal�s development was more precocious. At 17 years old, he got to the best ranking of his career: an impressive position of number 34 in the ATP entry ranking. At 17/18 years old, Brazilians are in the neighborhood of the thousands in the rankings.

According to the Spaniard, he intended to win 200 points on the South American clay tour. With the title at Brasil Open, he already has 215. Already this year he reached the quarterfinals in Buenos Aires and Doha. His objective is to: win the maximum of number of points to go into Roland Garros as a seed, which would avoid an early meeting with some top player. If he continues at this stage of growth, his goal will be achieved easily. Within two years, Nadal certainly will be among the top ten players, fighting for the privileged position of number one. And there�s a difference: unlike other Spaniards, Rafael Nadal plays well on all kinds of surfaces.

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