Spectator sport: Tennis titan Rafael Nadal
(Getty Images)
From the gifted to the gorgeous, Spectator sport showcases athletes at the top of their game.
Will Rafael Nadal win a fourth consecutive French Open crown and go undefeated in four trips to Paris? After his recent wins, most would say that's a rhetorical question.
The "muscles from Mallorca" may go down as the best clay-court baller in history having won 108 out of 110 matches on the terre battue since April 2005. He recently won in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Hamburg - all important warm up tourneys for the year's second major - and looks like a safe bet to retain his crown. Moreover, he defeated world no. 1 Roger Federer in two of those finals (Monte Carlo, Hamburg).
At only 21-years old Rafa's game and body are well beyond his years.
P.S. - Make sure to check out our French Open preview later this week!
Originally posted by Rich Rodriguez
Posted by Gay.com on May 20, 2008 in Athletes
, Spectator sport
, Tennis
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Arguably the best clay court player EVER! I had the opportunity to watch him play and was stunned at his ability on this surface. It's a hard surface to master and he certainly has. I'm going to be pulling for him to take his fourth!
Posted by: Adam | May 21, 2008 at 05:30 PM
iVamos Rafa! I love you baby :-)
Posted by: Bryan | May 21, 2008 at 06:37 PM
Adam, he may be before your time but I think the title of clay court master has to be Bjorn Borg. What he did on clay was truly amazing!
Don't get me wrong, Rafael is probably my second or third choice, and may ultimately take over Borg's title, but for me, it's still all Bjorn.
Posted by: Jim | May 21, 2008 at 06:45 PM
I'm in a dream looking at him...DON'T WAKE ME!!!
Posted by: Rich | May 21, 2008 at 07:00 PM
All of you boys are wrong! If you looked at ALL tennis players there is one who rises to the top on clay. Chris Evert!!!!!! 7 clay court grand slam titles is hard to beat.
Posted by: Henry | May 21, 2008 at 07:18 PM
Rafael, Matt and I watch you all the time, and we think your one of the best tennis players out there right now. We cant wait for you to be ranked #1 in the world.
Posted by: Brian & Matt | May 21, 2008 at 07:19 PM
I can't believe those muscles! The man is inhuman.
Posted by: Clark | May 21, 2008 at 08:03 PM
my boyfriend and i were having breakfast at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm a little over a year ago and he was there, being followed around by a film crew and an entourage.. cute but seemed really silly.
Posted by: shane | May 22, 2008 at 12:15 AM
For me hi is on second place #1 Djokovic,very good player and very hot:)
Posted by: Dado | May 22, 2008 at 04:46 AM
Like many young athletes who have a dedication for a sport that makes them shine at an early age - I would like to think that he should be compared to other young athletes his age instead of established pros who were the greatest of the sport. Rafael Nadal is definitely a GREAT athlete - No doubt!!
Posted by: Vance | May 22, 2008 at 07:28 AM
The term is "terre battue" (crushed or beaten earth. Terra (Latin for Earth) bateau (French for boat) is gibberish, which makes the author seem foolish rather than erudite.
Posted by: Sheldon | May 22, 2008 at 11:21 AM
oh my gods...im very like to see u...its perfect performance nadal...On spirit for you forever!!!
Posted by: annie | June 26, 2009 at 05:24 AM
He is fucking hot! My cum is flying everywhere!
Posted by: Daniel | June 28, 2009 at 07:00 AM
He was 22 when you posted this not 21, just thought i'd let you know
Posted by: Sarah | July 11, 2009 at 03:20 AM