Rafa: My Story

4.00 out of 5 (2 ratings)

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Format:: Paperback
Pages:: 320
Publisher:: Little, Brown Book Group
Publication Date:: 07 June 2012
Category:: Biography: Sport
ISBN:: 9780751547733

Description

The Sunday Times bestselling autobiography from the greatest tennis player of his generation No tennis player since Andre Agassi has captivated the world like Rafael Nadal. He's a rarity in today's sporting arena - a true sportsman who chooses to let his raw talent, dedication and humility define him. Rapidly closing in on his friend and rival Roger Federer's record haul of 16 grand slam victories, Nadal is an extraordinary competitor whose ferocity on court is made even more remarkable by his grace off it. This book takes us to the heart of Nadal's childhood, his growth as a player, and his incredible career. It includes memorable highs and lows, from victory in the 2008 Wimbledon final - a match that John McEnroe called the 'greatest game of tennis ever played' - to the injury problems that have frequently threatened his dominance of the sport, to becoming the youngest player of the open era to complete a career Grand Slam in 2010. It transports us from Nadal's lifelong home on the island of Majorca to the locker room of Centre Court as he describes in detail the pressures of competing in the greatest tournament in the world. It offers a glimpse behind the racquet to learn what really makes this intensely private person - who has never before talked about his home life - tick. And it provides us with a story that is personal, revealing and every bit as exciting as Nadal himself.

Reader Reviews

Showing 1-2 out of 2 reviews.

I grew up watching tennis - Connors and Borg, McEnroe and Lendl, but Rafael Nadal rose to prominence on the tennis scene during a period of years when I didn't really watch the sport. I started watching again around the time that much of the book revolves around: Rafa's victory over Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final. Since then, I've begun watching tennis more intensively again and I've also become a big fan of Rafa's. Much of what I like about him is explained in this book, from his graciousness in both victory and defeat, to his even-tempered demeanor on the court.In interviews, Nadal is often an intriguing mix of candid and reserved, and the same holds true in this book. Much is made of his Mallorcan upbringing and sensibilities which keep him balanced and yet also seemingly unable to really relish his accomplishments. The best analogy I can think of is that although he loves the game of tennis and loves to compete, it's still his job. He punches in when he's on the court, becoming Rafa the tennis machine and punches out when he leaves, becoming Rafael the cautious bundle of anxieties. The book alternates between chapters narrated by Nadal and chapters narrated by his coauthor which provide insight into the people around him, and a glimpse into Mallorcan character in general and the Nadal family in particular. Personally, I walked away with mixed feelings about Uncle Toni's coaching techniques and life lessons for Rafa, but it's hard to argue with his success.

4.00 out of 5

ursula
A fantastic insight into the life of my favourite tennis player. I remember watching every moment of that Wimbledon match and it was great being able to learn what he was thinking at the crucial parts. He's as gracious and as good hearted as I thought he was and I adored his book.

4.00 out of 5

ashooles