A sports biography of Rafael Nadal. The book recounts the sporting career of the Mallorcan tennis player. Furthermore, as the subtitle suggests, it explores the history of the Roland Garros tournament, the venue where Nadal has triumphed 14 times. The book focuses on the sporting aspect and does not delve deeply into the subject’s personal life, although it does, at times, reveal the athlete’s more human side. It is often impossible to explain the nuances of the game without referring to the person as a whole.
The book is written by a journalist who has been covering professional tennis for over 30 years, which adds to its value. The author spoke with Nadal on numerous occasions, not only in the immediate run-up to the book’s publication, but throughout the three decades of the tennis player’s career. The number of interviews with people in Nadal’s circle is also impressive: other tennis players (such as, of course, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic), coaches, as well as his driver and tournament officials. The narrative is lively and engaging. While the author rarely includes details that would be of particular interest to die-hard tennis fans, the book will generally appeal to a wide audience.
The book’s main merit lies in highlighting Nadal’s virtues, among which I would single out his fortitude and humility. The author shows how his uncle and first coach, Toni Nadal, helped Rafa to internalise the attitude that difficulties are not problems but splendid opportunities to grow as an athlete and as a person. One aspect of his humility worth highlighting is his detachment from the outcome of his efforts and the considerate way he treats the unassuming people who assist him in his work. A notable anecdote involves the driver who has accompanied him to Roland Garros for several years, to whom Rafa would often show a small gesture of kindness, such as giving him a bag or a pair of his signed trainers.
Overall, a well-written book about a remarkable person, which encourages us to emulate his virtues not only in sport but in life.