CAMELOT FANTASIES

Paul Gasol is a professional baskletball player with the Lakers. here is what he said about Rafa:

Today a piece about Rafa written by his friend and fellow athlete Pau Gasol appeared in El Pais. As often happens, Genny sent along a translation. (Thanks!)

RAFAEL NADAL. Solidez y confianza. – by Paul Gasol

RAFAEL NADAL.



Strength and confidence.




The mentality and the ability of overcoming of the best Spanish player of all time allowed him to recover his best level and return to the number one of the world.

The truth is that it is really difficult for me to say something that has not already been said to describe Rafa’s season. After seven months sidelined due to an injury and dropping to number five in the ATP ranking, nobody doubts returning to competition is tough, physically and mentally. The return is very complicated, you can have all the desire in the world, but it has to be planned in detail. You know everybody is on the lookout and you wonder if your body will endure the physical demands of competition and if the confidence, that impalpable something, will go on with you. As big tennis fan that I am, and because of the esteem I feel for him, I have not lost any detail of his big year. He reappears in the tournament in Chile in February, where he gathers strength during the week and, without reaching its best, manages to make it into the final. For any other athlete, it may be a success, but it being Rafael Nadal, [reaching the final] tastes very little. In this way, if there were doubts, from this comeback [in Chile] he begins a winning streak with consecutive wins in tournaments in Brazil, Acapulco and Indian Wells that make him gain confidence and, again, the respect of his opponents. The rest of the season continues competing at the highest level, to finish the year winning 10 tournaments, including two Grand Slams (and the eighth Roland Garros!), Five Masters 1000 and regaining the number one of the ATP ranking. As an athlete, there are no words to describe his return to the courts at this level, and as a fan, it is a pleasure to be able to enjoy his achievements again. It’s a real honor to have him as a friend. Congratulations and for many years, Rafa!

Pau Gasol is a basketball player in Los Angeles Lakers.