This is just an incredible piece. What a great balance of subject (Nadal) and art (your writing) - both mesmerizing. It makes me feel like such a fool for not having followed tennis religiously for the last twenty years.
Thanks for this nice piece! I have been a huge Federer fan and always hated Nadal for spoiling Federer’s chances of getting to perhaps 25 slams that would have secured his place as the greatest. However, it is impossible to not admire his tenacity and endurance and his simplicity as a human being. I have nothing but deep respect for his accomplishments. His friendship with Federer is just special and it’s unlikely that any other individual sport will see that kind of camaraderie between its top rivals.
Me too. I hated Nole and Rafa because they were mentally stronger than RF. And on every occasion especially 3-4 Grand Slam finals that RF had their number, they overcame through sheer grit, and determination. Today, I respect all 3 and have no grudge in admitting that the younger 2 of the trifecta were greater than Federer. I mean yes there is that essay by David Foster Wallace on RF as a religious experience, but Sarthak, with this essay you have elevated the experience of remembering Rafa and his matches with newfound admiration and that 'never say die' spirit. He is a fighter. In fact it was frustrating to watch him play his last French Open first round match. Why wasn't he calling it a day? But it's about his obssessive grit and love for what he did isn't it, that just didn't let him admit to himself that the end was nigh! There never will be a trifecta like them, but then, if for an infinitesimal moment I transmorphed into Rafa, I'd say 'you sure about the never ever?' Thank you for such an evocative, reverential yet revealing piece on one of the greatest athletes of the modern era. Please do write about Serena Williams as well. Would love to know your take on her, in your gorgeous style. Thank you Sarthak.
Agree that their friendship is incredibly special, and a rather important symbol in an ecosystem where rivalry is an excuse to lose all sense of civility.
Thanks Sarthak for writing this amazing piece. Being a Nadal fan among the trio is hard to explain but this piece puts into words the reason why. Aptly put - he made effort into art!!
Gosh! Such a lovely post. So much to learn from this man. Loved that statement by Nadal, “I leave with the tranquillity of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way.”
This is just an incredible piece. What a great balance of subject (Nadal) and art (your writing) - both mesmerizing. It makes me feel like such a fool for not having followed tennis religiously for the last twenty years.
Thank you, Maanav! If you're starting now, this is a great time too! Keep an eye out for Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz :)
Fabulous, as always, Sarthak! So many superb lines and such a compelling read.
Intro, outro, midro(?) - all terrific.
Thank you, Rohan!
Ooofff what a read this is! Thank you.
Thank you! :)
What a piece. Kudos.
Thank you :)
Thanks for this nice piece! I have been a huge Federer fan and always hated Nadal for spoiling Federer’s chances of getting to perhaps 25 slams that would have secured his place as the greatest. However, it is impossible to not admire his tenacity and endurance and his simplicity as a human being. I have nothing but deep respect for his accomplishments. His friendship with Federer is just special and it’s unlikely that any other individual sport will see that kind of camaraderie between its top rivals.
Me too. I hated Nole and Rafa because they were mentally stronger than RF. And on every occasion especially 3-4 Grand Slam finals that RF had their number, they overcame through sheer grit, and determination. Today, I respect all 3 and have no grudge in admitting that the younger 2 of the trifecta were greater than Federer. I mean yes there is that essay by David Foster Wallace on RF as a religious experience, but Sarthak, with this essay you have elevated the experience of remembering Rafa and his matches with newfound admiration and that 'never say die' spirit. He is a fighter. In fact it was frustrating to watch him play his last French Open first round match. Why wasn't he calling it a day? But it's about his obssessive grit and love for what he did isn't it, that just didn't let him admit to himself that the end was nigh! There never will be a trifecta like them, but then, if for an infinitesimal moment I transmorphed into Rafa, I'd say 'you sure about the never ever?' Thank you for such an evocative, reverential yet revealing piece on one of the greatest athletes of the modern era. Please do write about Serena Williams as well. Would love to know your take on her, in your gorgeous style. Thank you Sarthak.
Thank you so much, Renuka :)
I will write about Serena soon, too. She's absolutely incredible!
Thank you for reading, Mohan. :)
Agree that their friendship is incredibly special, and a rather important symbol in an ecosystem where rivalry is an excuse to lose all sense of civility.
Thanks Sarthak for writing this amazing piece. Being a Nadal fan among the trio is hard to explain but this piece puts into words the reason why. Aptly put - he made effort into art!!
Thank you for reading, Sameer :)
I had a lump in my throat towards the end of this piece! Superb.
I’m going to bookmark this and comeback to this every time I remember Nadal. So good, Sarthak!
Thank you so much, Avinash! Too kind :)
Phew — this brought me to tears. What a lovely tribute. Thank you for writing with so much passion about someone else’s passion ❤️
Thank you, Pritam! :) So glad you liked it.
Gosh! Such a lovely post. So much to learn from this man. Loved that statement by Nadal, “I leave with the tranquillity of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way.”
Thank you, Binu! And indeed :)
Excellent! Sarthak. No praise is high enough for this piece.
Thank you so much, Sanjay!
Great piece. Couldn't agree more.