Rafael Nadal - This is how the international press celebrates him
As expected, Rafael Nadal's 21st triumph in a Grand Slam tournament triggered a euphoric echo in the international press.
by SID
last edit: Jan 31, 2022, 11:50 am
Marca: "Tennis legend Don Rafael Nadal. When they tell you it's impossible, think of Rafa. Rafael Nadal is making history once again and one of the most brilliant episodes in the sport. He's crowned the best tennis player in history. Such a comeback can just make a legend. Nadal should be used as an adjective for such feats. Rafa, in these difficult times you brighten our lives with such heroic deeds."
SPAIN
AS: "You are immortal now. Tennis has a new god. Nadal is the greatest. His tenacity and fighting spirit at 35 are admirable. Nadal joins the club of legends: Phelps, Pele, Brady, Merckx... ... We witnessed one of the greatest sporting moments in history."
Sport: "Nadal writes history in the most epic way. Nadal enters the Olympus of sport, far beyond tennis. Nadal has once again proven what a mentality monster he is."
El Mundo Deportivo: "He is a superhuman athlete. At the age of 35, Rafa Nadal entered the Golden Book of Tennis. Nobody can now question the Mallorcan's merits. What a game, dramatic, unforgettable. His will to fight and win It's in his DNA. Nadal was close to collapsing, but he has that special something that only legends can show."
ITALY
Gazzetta dello Sport: "Infinity, open your arms and welcome Rafael Nadal, the hero without borders who crosses epochs, seems to reach the abyss and then rises again. A thousand times, plagued by injuries, Nadal has fallen and a thousand times he has risen again he broke the laws of time."
Corriere dello Sport: "Nadal has become a living legend. With his warrior mentality, his strategy and tactics, he is the only one who has conquered 21 Grand Slams. Nadal's triumph is a lesson and an invitation not to give up, to try harder and harder every time."
Tuttosport: "The timeless Nadal writes history. With incredible psycho-physical strength, he creates a miracle of energy and stamina."
Corriere della Sera: "Nadal, plagued by countless injuries, wins with the joy of a child playing in the garden. In five hours he sinks a rival who is ten years his junior and becomes the king of tennis Olympus."
ENGLAND
i News: "Wizard of Oz - with a titanic triumph Nadal leaves Djokovic and Federer behind. He proved that there is still a lot of life in the golden generation when after a lost tie-break in the second set he with one of the calmest performances of his two decades career struck back."
The Times: "Rafael Nadal makes history with a comeback for the ages. He breaks down the walls of doubt and shows us the power of true faith."
The Sun: "Rafa Nadal achieves sporting immortality after fighting his way back from the edge of the abyss. The 35-year-old may have ended the discussion once and for all that he is the best player of the Golden Generation."
Guardian: "Rafael Nadal's body may be crunching, but his desire remains unbroken. He was at his best and there could be more Grand Slam titles despite his injury woes."
FRANCE
L'Equipe: "The Martian. Phenomenal Nadal. After a duel that lasted more than five hours, he overthrew Medvedev and conquered his 21st major, an absolute record."
Le Figaro: "Rafael Nadal, the stainless record holder. He once again amazed the tennis world. Starting with himself."
SWITZERLAND
Tagesanzeiger: "With the 21st Grand Slam title, Rafael Nadal is pushing ahead of his rivals. But what is more impressive: his ability to suffer, his insatiable passion and his humanity."
Blick: "After a sluggish start with the focus on the inglorious cause of Novak Djokovic, the Australian Open found a sporting ending that will be remembered for a long time. The 35-year-old Rafael Nadal - after foot surgery and a break of months without great expectations returned to the tour - writes tennis history."