Every sport has its list of legends. In the tennis hall of fame, Rafael Nadal's very own palatial space is prime property. On Sunday, the Spaniard also stepped firmly into history books by becoming the first player ever to win the same Grand Slam eight times - French Open - when he defeated compatriot David Ferrer.
Nadal had heaped praises on Ferrer in the build-up to the men's singles title clash. On Sunday though, admiration on his face was replaced by determination and sheer focus on the trophy. The third seed in this tournament, Nadal won the first set 6-3 before cruising to a 6-2, 6-3 in the next two to seal the match.
Making his way back this year after an injury lay-off, Nadal has been on a campaign to get his game back on track. He had said that French Open was his title and many saw his win at Rome Masters as a sign of things to come. The 'things' came and in style on Sunday. It was not just talent but perseverance too as to reach the final, Nadal had to fend off many formidable foes including Novak Djokovic in a 5-setter semifinal.
These are the qualities because of which Nadal commands a huge fan-following and his career only justifies why he is bestowed with titles, laurels and fan adulation. The former World Number 1 has won now twelve Grand Slam singles titles. It has been a result of a natural talent for the sport and an unforgiving attitude even against stronger opponents (at the start of his career).
When one starts playing a sport at the age of three, he may or may not be deemed as a prodigy. The skill though was clear in Nadal as he took to the sport with passion. Introduced to tennis by his uncle - Toni Nadal- who himself was a professional tennis player, Nadal made his family's incline towards sports to work in his favour.
The results began pouring in soon for young Rafa. He won a under-12 regional tennis championship when he was eight and followed it up by claiming Spanish and European tennis titles in the following years.
Nadal at age 12 was also playing football but his father, it is believed, asked him to choose between football and tennis. The choice made is now only too well known.
Rafa turned pro at age 15 and made it to the boys' semifinal at Wimbledon a year later.
The biggest achievement in his formative years came a year later when he defeated Roger Federer and became the youngest man to reach the third round of Wimbledon. Glorious achievements began falling into his kit-bag in a rush from here.
Nadal won his first title at the Roland Garros while was still 19. It was also his first outing at the Roland Garros but it mattered less as he marched towards the title, leaving a trail of a million tennis lovers gaping in utter devotion.