VIRAL footage of tennis star Rafael Nadal from 21 years ago shows his work ethic was firmly entrenched in his psyche as a little boy.
A video tweeted by Tenis Central shows one of Spain's most globally-renowned sports personalities had already been humble and focusing on working hard, training diligently, and the values of sportsmanship, at the tender age of 14.
He was just about to compete in the Les Petits As tournament in Tarbes, France, in the 12-14 category, when the youngster from Manacor (Mallorca) was interviewed live on TV.
“What do you think you'll do next?” Rafa was asked.
“Winning doesn't mean you're going to be good - I'll keep training, and then we'll see.” Rafael Nadal before he was famous, aged 14 (photo: @Tenis_Central on Twitter)
His reply could easily have been attributed to his 35-year-old self rather than the grass-roots version of Nadal who was still at school.
“Carry on training,” the lad answered straight away.
“Winning this tournament is important, but it doesn't mean you're going to become really good – I just have to keep training, and then we'll see.”
Rafa, and the rest of the world, did indeed see: The 'King of Clay' has been ATP world number one in three different decades, just netted his 12th Godó trophy in Barcelona, and has won 13 Roland Garros titles – the most anyone has managed in the Open era, in singles, doubles, men's or women's.
If he wins another two to make it 15, Nadal will be the outright record-holder for the most number of titles at the Paris stadium in its entire 130-year history, before and during the Open era and in all categories.
Rewinding back to his teens, though, barely two years had passed since that auspicious interview before Rafael, then not quite 16, won his first-ever match on the ATP circuit against Paraguay's Ramón Delgado.
From here, it would be just over another year before his younger sister, Maribel Nadal Parera, introduced him to her best friend at school, María Francisca ('Mery') Perelló, with whom Rafa began to spend more and more time.
Then, by the time Mery was 16 and Rafa 19, they became a couple – have been so ever since, and married in their home town of Manacor in October 2019.
Now, Nadal's most immediate focus is the Mutua Madrid Open and, with Serbian star Novak Ðjoković's recently-announced withdrawal, is able to feel a little more optimistic about his chances, given that the international star is one of Rafa's biggest rivals and both have to play exceptionally hard to try to win when they are pitted against each other.
Nadal will be focusing on gathering points in a bid to win back his ATP world number one slot.
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