CAMELOT FANTASIES

I just re-watched the Tribute To Rafa: Best Comeback Ever. Nadal is the most exciting player that I've ever seen. His mental strength is beyond comprehension. I'm not just talking about on court, but off court as well. From the beginning he has been one of the most maligned champions in history. First as an upstart who dared to defy Federer, the undisputed #! and media and fan darling.

Rather than focusing on the actual tennis played, the commentators and media chose to talk about his quirks and lack of English speaking skills. But the root of that was anger, that by his actions he was showing that he was a worthy champion. After all, hadn't they told us that we had witnessed the greatest to ever rule the court? How dare this usurper prove that there was another level and that the match wasn't over until the final point was entered into the books.

No matter that he has always given credit to his opponents, they say he is fake and pretending to be humble.

When he gets injured, they say he is faking that too, but in the next breath they say he is often injured and his career won't last past age 25.

They say Toni is coaching, but never label other players whose coaches also talk to their players. When those coaches get caught they treat it as an one-off, but if you've ever attended tennis matches and have the luxury of getting great seats, you'll know that many coaches yell out instructions to their players out in the open and don't try to hide it in the least.

Re the coaching, you have to wonder why the coaches box is miked yet they have not exposed this "dirty trick." Isn't it on tape? Or is it another red herring?

Still, despite the flaming Nadal goes on about his business playing for himself and history.

And there are millions of us who appreciate him and look past the carefully constructed PR machine that is now on its last legs.