Nadal After All
A day in the sun for the Spaniard
Legacy secure and fortune made, Rafael Nadal came back for more on Tuesday.
It is surely not about the fame or the money at this late stage, probably not even about the titles. How much does it truly matter if you win Barcelona 13 times instead of 12; Roland Garros 15 times instead of 14?
It is about doing what you do best: slide, slice, rip, arrange courtside beverages and, above all, compete. Nadal, with exceedingly rare exceptions, has done that last part to the hilt, and it should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed the man for two decades to observe that he still has the fire, even at age 37.
This is his first tournament since January and only his second tournament in 15 months. His biceps should be covered in rust.