PLAYER TO WATCH: Rafael Nadal
Guardian Newspapers, May 2003
On the Center Court at Hamburg Rothenbaum, Boris Becker looked back into the past - and at the same time saw the future of tennis. "He is a lot further than I was at that age. He is an incredible character," said Becker when talking about the 16-year-old Spaniard Rafael Nadal, who during the tournament on the Alster also gave a taste of what the world tennis circus can expect from him in the next few years. The biggest sensation was when Nadal beat his own idol, former No.1 Carlos Moya, 7:5, 6:4.
Most of all, the experts were amazed at the incredible courage and unscrupulous way the "Ballermann from Ballermann" (The Daily Mail) faced the trickiest challenges. "I am not afraid of anyone," said the strong young man, who is much more mature than his real age as far as athletic ability and competitive spirit go. According to former Becker manager, Ion Tiriac, he has not seen another player on the courts like him since Boris Becker, "this lad is a real pearl." Even the No. 1 in the world rankings, Lleyton Hewitt, who was also a teenage tennis phenomen, was amazed about the latest, but seemingly also the best Spanish export article. "He is carved from a very special kind of wood. He is on the threshold of a great career."
The nephew of the former Spanish national soccer player, Miguel Angel, first attracted attention at the Tennis Masters Series tournament in Monte Carlo when he eliminated his fellow-countryman, Albert Costa, who is the present French Open champion, in the second round. The way he played to the end of a brilliant game was really impressive as he dominated the match with a series of brutal shots and these were supported by his ambition, his willpower and last but not least his unusual coolness when playing for the big points. "He has the right combination to be a champion, but he has to be given enough time to mature," said the former Spanish Grand Slam champion and David Cup boss, Manuel Santana.
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