Not over the net, but around it - and yes, this is legal - on his way to winning the U.S.

That September, in New York, he reeled off the shot of the year. It was his 12th title on the red clay of Paris - more than any player in history has won any major.

That June, he won the French Open - of course he did. In 2019, the world felt it, perhaps the best six-month stretch of Nadal's career, even by his dizzyingly high standards. He's fluent in English but expresses himself more freely in Spanish. Rafael Nadal with correspondent Jon Wertheimįull disclosure: I've covered Nadal for 15 years on the pro tennis tour but this was our first extended on-camera interview. His main coach, Carlos Moya, was once the world's number-one-ranked player himself, and even he struggled. Such is his intensity, Nadal requires two sparring partners. Every bit as dialed in as he is during his matches. We found Rafa Nadal, during his offseason, blasting away at practice every morning, deploying his lefty forehand and double-fisted backhand.

Rafael Nadal still really likes playing tennis.

This relentless approach-all toil and trouble- is strikingly effective and strikingly at odds with the vibe on the Spanish island where he was born, lives now and vows never to leave. But as we FIRST reported last year, Nadal doesn't play tennis so much as he works it, lacing the ball with somersaulting topspin, and imposing his will on the opponent. If he succeeds it will mark his 21st Major victory, passing Roger Federer on the men's tennis all-time list, AND solidifying his case as the greatest male player ever to grip A racket. Now, the same week he turns 35, he will attempt to win the title for a record 14th time.

Nadal first won the tennis tournament as a swashbuckling teenager. In other local news: the Eiffel Tower will attract tourists diners will order wine and the Seine will be wet. When the French Open starts later this month in Paris, Rafael Nadal will defend his title.

Rafa roger