By Sarah Alvanipour
Exclusive to Vamosrafael.com
June 3, 2024
Hype, fluff, talk. That is all that has surrounded Rafael Nadal since he broke out at the NASDAQ-100 Open in late March to reach the final of his first Masters Series event and give the World No. 1 Roger Federer a run-literally-for his money by taking a two-set-to-love lead before surrendering in five sets. The buildup to the French Open continued with more impressive victories-an 18-match winning streak-highlighted by three clay court titles including one on home soil, Barcelona, book-ended by two Masters Series Shields in Monte Carlo and Rome. But cynics and doubters touted that the youngster from Mallorca would buckle under the pressure in his French Open debut. Whispers amongst fans and predictions from commentators littered the grounds of Roland Garros on the eve of the next Nadal/Federer match up, which came appropriately in latter stages of the tournament, the semifinals, in which the winner would be the heavyweight favorite in Sunday's final versus Mariano Puerta, thought to be a mere formality of sorts by many.
But in two hours, 47 minutes, the birthday boy who turned 19 today erased all doubts with one word: substance. Clad in his trademark white pirate pants and a lime green sleeveless shirt that accents his bulging biceps (some argue that his biceps have biceps), he appeared like a warrior on court, his hair tied back Rambo-style with a headband, determined and hungry with a familiar gaze in his eyes and ready to battle for a spot in the coveted final and fight for every point as if his life depended on it.
Throughout the match, his game was strong, his shots massive, the angles acute, and despite a hiccup in the second set, his nerves clinked of steel. The only sign of his youth was speckles of teenage acne, which had literally appeared overnight, perhaps a sign of stress or the aftereffects of the ice cream he enjoyed yesterday prior to a photo session with Federer to feed the hungry media that was salivating at the thought of this match.
The Spaniard opened the match with a winner off of Federer's serve and went on to break the No. 1 seed at 15-40 and hold his own service game for a 2-0 lead. Nadal secured another break in the fifth game of the opening set to go up 4-1 after the Swiss tossed in some unforced errors, a stat that would continue to grow throughout the match, particularly from his stronger and more consistent forehand side. But the seasoned pro, who entered his event as the reigning World No. 1 for the 70th consecutive week, broke back in the next game only to exchange breaks once again with his young opponent. Overall, Nadal broke Federer four times in the first set to win it 6-3.
Although he had the advantage of serving first in the second set, Nadal had the disadvantage of being nineteen and playing Roger Federer. Some lapses in concentration and dampened conditions as well as improved play from the twenty-three-year-old cost the fourth seed the second set. But it would be the last he would concede today.
A one break of serve differential had decided the second set and it was the same case in third when Nadal broke Federer for the seventh time in the match to clinch the set 6-4.
As darkness fell over Court Felipe Chatrier, perhaps symbolizing the end of his Roland Garros run, Federer regrouped to earn an early break, which he guarded with crisp volleys and deep ground strokes, showing the Spaniard that he was not to be outdone. But Nadal dug deep to earn the break back and secure another at 4-3 in the fourth set just as Federer let out a scream of frustration as his backhand down the line sailed wide. The match rested on Nadal shoulders now and it was no time to retreat. An overhead crosscourt smash set up double match point. Nadal watched as the ball sailed long at his feet before collapsing in victory.
A gracious Roger Federer congratulated the sweat-soaked Spaniard who now glistened as he wore the Terre de Battue.
Both players received a well-deserved ovation as they left the court. For Roger Federer, it was the end of a great run but also a vindication of his hard work and dedication to perfecting his clay game which saw him through to the last four of a major for the second time this year. A Career Grand Slam awaited the Swiss stylist should he have prevailed by winning the French Open, but the feat is mighty and though many have attempted to scale that mountain, few have succeeded in so little time. But for one the greatest players to ever grace the court, the almighty Slam is well within reach and if anyone can attempt this feat, it is Roger Federer, who with his extraordinary performance over the last two weeks (he had not lost a set en route to the semis) proved that the mountain will be climbed one day and atop it will rest the Swiss flag.
For Nadal, you will be hard pressed to find a grander birthday gift than such a victory over a tennis hero during such intimidating circumstances. However, the journey is not over as a valiant opponent in Mariano Puerta awaits Nadal on Sunday for the ultimate spoils, but Nadal has traveled a great way in this fortnight and though his Roland Garros dream has not yet been fulfilled, his journey from boyhood to man is now complete.
On Sunday, Spanish will again be the language of choice though the crowd had hoped for the possibility of an acceptance speech in French. Nadal will take on unseeded Mariano Puerta and attempt to close the "door" on his run at Roland Garros.
So feliz cumplea�os y felicitaciones Rafael. Buena Suerta to both the Argentine and the Spaniard y hasta el Domingo, adios�um�au revoir.
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