CAMELOT FANTASIES

I think we all agree for the most part.  It is Rafa's level that is not allowing him to compete near his best and allowing players that he had formerly dominated to turn the tables on him.  To get his level back, he must do two things, practice very hard, and win matches against better players to raise his match level.  If he can't do this, then he won't be able to compete and win consistently at the top level, simple as that.

So there are two questions I have that only Rafa, and maybe his uncle and team could answer.

1. Is Rafa healthy enough to work hard, or is there some condition holding him back from training as hard as he would like?

2. If he is healthy enough, does he still have the motivation to work very hard, or has he done so much already, that he doesn't want to devote his whole life to this anymore, and prefers a more normal life? In other words, leaving an hour or two a day to tennis, and then he enjoys his family, friends, and other things.

If he doesn't have either one of those 2 things then he is going to have inconsistent results and we shouldn't expect much more.  Toni said it right, the only way to turn this around is through hard work in practice. There is no other way.  And to do that, you need to be healthy and very motivated.  If he isn't, c'est la vie. 

Here is another thing.  Players even at this level can have off years. He can always come back stronger next year if he puts in the effort.  He is still under 30.

Respectfully,
masterclass

Great post, masterclass.

I'll take #2 for the win. I think he's ready to move on, at least for this year. It's doubtful at this point how long he wants to play. Rafa has always said he'll play as long as he enjoys the sport. He has been adamant that he would not place for history, titles, and achievements. When it's no longer enjoyable he'll hang the rackets up.

Right now I think he's in a period of indecision. He seems to trying out why he's doing this, and if he wants to continue doing this. Personally, I think he's ready to get married, start a family, and work on his foundation. And, if he gets married he's not going to play on the tour. He's always said that; it's either one or the other. Strangely, I understand that. I guess that's why it doesn't bother me that much, because I feel the same way.

When I wrote my book, about a month later I received an email from a purchasing agent from the #2 bookstore in the country. It was a huge honor, but my son was only four years old. At that age he's not going to be self-sufficient and the thought of dragging him all over the country was not appealing to me. I also didn't want to be dropping him off every weekend with friends and family members. So, I chose to let the opportunity go.

When you're doing anything like sports it requires a single-mindedness of purpose. You cannot serve two masters, the other one will be lacking. I'm not ultra competitive but if I do choose to do something I tend to go all out. However, when the disadvantages outweigh the advantages I can easily walk away after a period of indecision.

I don't think Rafa started out with illusions of greatness. He loved the sport and loved to compete, but that doesn't he's going to ignore how he feels inside. In retrospect, this is actually a great year for him, because it's where the rubber is meeting the road and he has to decide which life he wants more. Does he want to come back and add to this legacy, or is what he has accomplished enough for him?

It he wants the former more, he'll come back. If he doesn't he'll ride off into the sunset, similar to Borg. Could Borg have continued to play, yes. Did he want to play, no. It is the same with Rafa. I think he's tired of climbing the mountain.