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A Word to Rafa

Dear Rafael,
I am not a tennis-lover, but your autobiography with John Carlin must have inspired millions and it sure has inspired me. It made me turn page after page in eagerness to find out which facet of your personality would be unveiled next. And sure and subtly enough, you have got me to know you very well!

I liked the line in 'Rafa- My Story' which said that Wimbledon was one of your favorite tournaments, and the Wimbledon crowd, one of the best spectators. It was added soon after, that for you, it wasn't about the strawberry-cheese (a similar phrase!:) ) crowds, as much as the effort wasn't a 'strawberry-cheese' feeling- it was as real as the crowds and the routine and being both a 'pragmatist' and a 'dogmatist.'

What really drew me in was your fascination for routines. Sometimes, I realize, it is hard to keep up routines and superstitions, but I also realize that they serve the purpose of giving one the kind of certainty, focus and confidence that it becomes instinctive and necessary.

Your recent Final at Roland Garros was a beautifully played one. Neither Thiem nor you let up! Doesn't that fascinate you? To have an opponent as competent as you, and a tough fight? Come on, I know it does! You have let that on in the book often enough!

Roland Garros is clay- a surface that you have grown up on and that has been yours for years in the past decade. Both of you were very robust and focused- and there were moments when the odds were balanced. Thank you for giving spectators and fans such a nail-biting finish! Even though it wasn't a victory this time, it is learning for you. You have given us a lot to hope for, and our hopes still rest on you! (Says Thiem too, it's a once in a lifetime chance with you in the final, I'm sure!)

When there are 2 sides, math says there can be a draw, Victory A or Victory B. Each stage of Roland Garros was so tentative that making it to the finals is a feat in itself. You and Thiem accomplished that feat. 

I know that you can reason this for yourself, but I am only reiterating it for you, in case you blame your routines or your game. Don't change 'nothing' if you believe in it. And what's more- don't change yourself. You're still the Rafa we love- the Rafa you are- the Rafa whom Dominic Thiem takes pride in beating because he is a figure to be reckoned with.

Maybe your health was short, or Dominic had an edge on that front. The probabilities are plenty that are absolutely independent of either of you. That should comfort you.

By the way, could I ask where you are now? Playing soccer. golf, relaxing, or preparing for your next match?

Do write back when you are free.
:)
Warmly,
Aparna Iyer
(for whom you are a role model)
India
_______
P.S.: This letter has been written assuming Rafeal Nadal lost his final to Dominic Thiem at the French Open 2018. Rafa was in fact the French Open 2018 champion- as he has been for several years.

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