mcenroe

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The jury of the Prince of Asturias Award County this morning the most important prize in the sports world

Rafa Nadal was aware that he was competing "with great athletes. And it is a prize to the trajectory so this quiet because I hope, if not this year, will be the next ". These were the words of Manacor before knowing that the Prince of Asturias Sport can move on to swell their trophy cabinets.

It is a recognition not only to this extraordinary 2008 but also has to be seen as a reward for the record, the tenacity, when, as well said his close friend Carlos Moyà, "not to lay down their arms ever" ... When any other would have stopped running, he would have forgotten the number one and would have been contented with beating another kind of records.

But it is Nadal, the Spanish athlete more relevant today. And is that Rafa reflects everything that is rewarded with the Prince of Asturias. In the first instead, their deeds sports: four consecutive Roland Garros, with the double Wimbledon this year (for the first time since 1980) after two late missed, the best streak in history on any surface (81 consecutive wins on clay), the better number two in history (160 consecutive weeks in that post) and, finally, world number one ... Without forgetting that also looks with pride and Olympic gold that was in 2004, 18, the youngest champion in Davis Cup the full story.

A second requirement is his most human side. Rafa remains the same the first day, according to media with a smile and responding to the maximum possible number of requests from fans. There is nothing strange to see him twenty minutes signing autographs at the conclusion of their training sessions. His behavior has not been altered by his ascension to the top. On the contrary.

And the third alternative: its contribution sport. The contribution of the tennis Nadal no doubt because it has become one of the most popular athletes in the world and their presence on the circuit has meant one of the greatest rivalries in history and has brought, as identifies two legends like Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, the most that has ever seen in the final of Wimbledon.

Rafa is at a higher level. Any recognition, as highlighted his own comrades circuit, is more than deserved.

In a final Federer-Nadal, I see Rafa 100% champion

The Californian Brad Gilbert was a player rather discreet, but as a coach has dealt nothing less than Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick. And safely predicts the triumph of Nadal in Wimbledon 2008

What do you think of that might be the third final Federer-Nadal?
First, we have to win the semifinals. I know both are favourites, but, you know, these things must stop. But it seems obvious that we all thought in a final between Rafael (Ralph, said Gilbert) and Roger. And my favorite in that final Nadal would be: 100%.

With so much security?
It was what I said and I repeat: a final against Federer, Nadal to win the 100% chance.

What has seen improvement in the game for Nadal to make a prediction like that?
Overall, I think Nadal is the best player who has given Spain, all I have seen. Later, Ralph has achieved many improvements and all together we have made progress on grass: is banging the ball much harder, with better position within the track. Advancing a step forward with each stroke, increasingly close to the line. The setback also what fails, and remove and la volée are tremendously better. If last year tightly lost in five sets before Federer, almost by a miracle, and these things did not as now, and see why I have so much confidence in him.

And the battle for No. 1?
If Nadal wins the tournament, will be where it should be to be number 1 at year's end. That depends on most circumstances, but on paper there would be no reason not to the outside. Nadal always find ways to do things. You, who worked with Agassi, Roddick and Murray, who waged memorable battles with McEnroe and Lendl, you who has written two bestsellers " tennis ( "Winning ugly" and "Te pillé in the back"), will see that Nadal could be compared with any other player? Boris Becker, for example, said that Rafah is a case apart

I agree. The de Nadal is a dimension or a galaxy apart. And within this galaxy, he has his own star, which is something I love, which I love so much.