Rafael Nadal (1) (1986–)

Rafael Nadal’s memoir, Rafa, explores the duality of his life: the driven, champion tennis player and the modest, gentle Mallorcan who prefers the tranquil island life away from any flash of stardom. Each chapter weaves Nadal’s thoughts about his childhood, family life, and rise to the world number one, with the views of those closest to him. The combination of perspectives adds strength to the book, showing his weaknesses, his fears, his internal dialogue, and how he always strives to improve himself, on and off the tennis court. In the end, Rafa is a less about tennis and more about Nadal’s quest to stay grounded and keep his eye on the biggest prize of his life: the love and harmony of his family and friends. For tennis fans, this is in an intriguing read, getting to know a beloved tennis legend in his truest form: a humble and grateful human being.
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