Rafael Nadal

[patrick]

https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/ ... end-season

[ponchi101]

There can be a discussion about Clay GOAT, because Borg retired so early. But even so, I would say Rafa was the GOAT on clay.
The GOAT discussion is over, to me. But #2 is something that can also be debated. Sure, he has two more than Roger, but zero YEC's. Anybody making the claim for Roger has enough arguments.

One of a few players that never gave up, not even in a single point. Him, Roger, Ferrer, Sampras, Edberg, Borg come to mind. That is an accomplishment.
One of the real gentlemen on court.

I gather he will never be replaced.

[ashkor87]

A giant, no question

[patrick]

Winning 14 French Open is a record that will be very difficult to break.

[ponchi101]

That one is set in stone. In fact, all his records on clay are set in stone. Good quality granite.
(But that's what I said about Borg's 6 RG's)

[ashkor87]

His utter total dominance on clay! When he played, whomever, the idea of anyone being better than he was, was simply absurd.
That cannot be said of any other player, on any surface

[MJ2004]

Mil gracias Rafa. It's been a long time coming, he deserves a very well earned rest. (He'll always be #1 in my heart).

[ti-amie]

As some of you here know I started stanning Rafa before he became "Rafa", back on the old ESPN tennis board. He was 18 or 19 at the time. He's now 38 so I've been a fan for 20 years and never regretted it one bit.

Even though I knew it was coming, it was obvious to anyone but Rafa that his body couldn't take it any more, I am still devastated. Now that he has accepted that it's over, I think he will be fine. He has always had great family and friends around him, and gave the sport of tennis all that he could.

I am still a tennis fan but I don't see anyone getting my complete focus like this man did.

Thank you Rafel Nadal-Parera.

[ponchi101]

Same feelings I have for Sampras. Was a fan of Roger and Rafa, but never like Pete.
And I am still looking for that special player to root for.

[JTContinental]

Congrats on a stellar career. He had the most appealing personality to me of the big 3, but even so, I’m not sure I’ve ever watched a complete Nadal match.

[Owendonovan]

Glad I got to see it all!

[ti-amie]

From Wimbledon 2008, the greatest match in modern tennis.

[ti-amie]

[ti-amie]

[ti-amie]