Rafa the tennis player, in stark contrast is a decisive, ruthless, super-competitive champion and is the epitome of endurance - something that has been etched into his conscience by his uncle, coach and friend - Toni. It also depicts how these two people are so different from each other - Rafa the human is beset with doubts and insecurities, is indecisive, is scared of thunder, lightning and the dark and is wary and scared of any small incursion that can upset his tightly knit family life.

Open, straight and deliciously honest, this gives a first hand account of both - Rafa the tennis champion and Rafa the human being. It's a kind of self-hypnosis, a game you play, with deadly seriousness, to disguise your own weaknesses from yourself, as well as from your rival.' You have to cage yourself in protective armor, turn yourself into a bloodless warrior.

It was narrow enough, even on his favorite surface in the tournament he played best, for me to know that if I silenced the doubts and fears, and exaggerated hopes, inside my head better than he did, I could beat him. The gap in talent with Federer existed, but it was not impossibly wide. The more bottled up they are, the greater your chances of winning, so long as you've trained as hard as you play and the gap in talent is not too wide between you and your rival. With candor and intelligence, Nadal brings readers on his dramatic and triumphant journey, never losing sight of the prize he values above all others: the unity and love of his family.įrom RAFA: 'During a match, you are in a permanent battle to fight back your everyday vulnerabilities, bottle up your human feelings.

Now he takes us behind the scenes, from winning the Wimbledon 2008 final-described by John McEnroe as 'the greatest game of tennis' he had ever seen-to the family problems that brought him low in 2009 and the numerous injuries that have threatened his career. It begins in Mallorca, where the tight-knit Nadal family has lived for generations.Ĭoached by his uncle Toni from the age of four and taught humility and respect by his parents, Nadal has managed the uncommon feat of becoming an acclaimed global celebrity while remaining a gracious, hardworking role model for people in all walks of life. In his memoir, written with award-winning journalist John Carlin, he reveals the secrets of his game and shares the inspiring personal story behind his success.

What makes a champion? What does it take to be the best in the world at your sport? Rafael Nadal has the answers.

Rafa nadals