On August 15, 2004, this Saturday 16 years ago, the legend of Rafael Nadal Parera began in the Polish city of Sopot. The man from Manacor, at that time 18 springs, won his first ATP tour tournament there (no one has achieved it younger), knocking down Argentine Nicolás Acasuso (6-3 and 6-4) in the final.
At that time it went from position 71 to 48 in the world rankings and it was just a star project, which more than three decades later has become a volume of living history of this sport. Rafa already has 85 titles, including 19 of the Grand Slam (only Federer, with 20, has more), and accumulates 196 weeks as world number one throughout his career, the sixth most in history. He has won every 1000 Masters series appointments except Miami, Shanghai, Paris-Bercy. Nor has he been a champion in the ATP Finals, but He wears two Olympic golds, one individual (2008) and another in doubles (2016) and five Davis Cup salad bowls.
In wins, his statistics are overwhelming: 990 for 200 losses since he turned pro in 2001. In Grand Slam tournaments the balance is at 275-39 and in Masters 1,000, at 384-79. They are simply devastating data from one of the greats in the history of sport in general. The trophy won in Sopot now shines in the showcases of the Manacor academy, one of the jewels of a legacy that can continue to expand at 34 years of age.
Back to the slopes
At the moment his return to the slopes is a bit up in the air. He has already resigned from participating in the US Open that will start at the end of the month due to the health situation and he has to confirm his presence at the Cincinnati 1,000 Masters. The September land tour is being prepared these days at the Academy with the promising young people that are formed there, including Jaume Munar.
