In Spirit And Success, Nadal Is The Hero Who Stands Alone

Nadal’s comeback confirmed the astonishing resolve that has left him unmatched

- Tom Kershaw

Endure, put up with whatever comes your way, learn to overcome weakness and pain, push yourself to breaking point but never cave in – Toni Nadal

After well over two hours on court, Rafael Nadal turns his back to the Rod Laver Arena, dabs in vain at the streams of sweat and stares forlornly as the saltwater pools at his feet. Few athletes have ever epitomised such strength and unbreakable spirit as Nadal but, as the 35-year-old pushes wearily through his preserve rituals, even the most believing have surrendered to doubt. Already trailing by two sets and now facing three break points, the cruelty of age and the excellence of Daniil Medvedev have merged into a force that feels for all the world unstoppable.

When Lance Armstrong was at the peak of his powers, after recovering from testicular cancer and before his downfall and disgrace, the cyclist was asked what he feared more: losing or death? “They’re the same thing,” he replied. It might seem like ridiculous machismo, a sense of drive so consuming it’s in fact dangerous, but such a singularly extreme outlook is what so often separates sport’s true elite. In Rafael Nadal’s case, it was inherited.