The court is set for play. The ball is in the court. We are on the edge of our seats. The echo of ‘Vamos’ resonates through the stadium every time a point is won. A tennis sensation who plays every match like it is his last. The Raging Bull aka Rafael Nadal  is a name to reckon with.
Having dominated the tennis circuit from 2005 till 2014, some claim Rafael Nadal to be the greatest tennis player of our times but many and let me write it again, many beg to differ. His fans simply love him and others simply love to hate him.
However, if were to look at Rafael Nadal’s recent performances, the statistics have a different story to tell. The current world number five’s last Grand Slam win was in 2014 and since then he has not been able to surpass beyond the quarter-finals of any Grand Slam tournament. Astoundingly, 2015 is considered to be the Spaniard’s worst year in the last decade. While critics and cynics have written him off, Rafael Nadal has time and again proven them wrong, so here are 10 reasons why we want ‘The Spanish Matador’ to make a comeback this season.
1. He is ‘The King of Clay’
In 2005, at the age of 19, Rafael Nadal became the youngest teenager since 1990 to win a Grand Slam by winning the French Open. Nadal’s dominance over the red soil is unquestionable. He has won the French Open a record of 9 times and has lifted the trophy twice without losing a set ever.
2. Â He is the youngest to complete a Career Grand Slam
When Rafa Nadal was just 24, he achieved the unthinkable, he completed a Career Grand Slam. For all those who aren’t familiar with what a Career Grand Slam is, it’s when a tennis player wins all four Grand Slam Titles- The Australian Open, Roland Garros, The Championships Wimbledon and The U.S. Open. With a Career Grand Slam in his kitty, Rafael Nadal became the youngest player in the Open Era to do so.
3. He has won 14 Grand Slam Titles
With 14 Grand Slams under his belt, Rafael Nadal equalled Legend Pete Sampras’s record.  Rafael Nadal is second in tow after Roger Federer, who boasts of 17 Grand Slam Titles.
4. Rafael Nadal is an Olympic Gold Medalist
The Golden Slam for the golden boy of tennis. Rafael Nadal achieved new heights when he won the Singles Gold Medal at 2008 Beijing Olympics. He is the second player only after notorious Andre Agassi to do so. An achievement which has even eluded the humble Roger Federer.
5. Who doesn’t miss Nadal- Federer rivalry?
We miss Fedal (Nadal and Federer rivalry). When these two stroll on to the courts, we know that we are in for a nail-biting match. Who can forget the jaw clinging 2008 Wimbledon final? They have faced each other a staggering 34 times. The Spaniard leads the encounter with 23 wins against the Swiss Master. Yes, Djokovic fans, Nadal does trail behind the Serb but we can’t deny that there is something extra special about a Nadal vs Federer match.
6. He has won a Grand Slam for 10 years straight
The blazing tennis star is also the only player who has won a Grand Slam consecutively for 10 years between 2005-2014.
7. He plays every match as if it is his last one
Rafael Nadal plays every match like it is his last match. His trademark topspin ground strokes, fast footwork and excellent court coverage and the sheer raw energy he brings to each and every match he plays, makes Rafael Nadal one of the best defenders on the tennis court.
8. He has immense respect for the game
Nadal’s respect for the sport is evident in his sportsmanship. One of the most respected player on the circuit, Nadal, unlike his peers, who have often been seen smashing racquets in frustration, or heard shouting angry expletives, has never done that. Well, Rafa does take an awfully long to play between points. But, hey, that is hardly a crime.
9. Rafael Nadal’s defeats don’t defeat him
The Spaniard has been written off many times especially after a grave loss, but he has managed to bounce back time and again to prove the critics wrong. More importantly, immense self-belief and his undying determination lead us to believe that he has a long way to go before decides to give up.
10. A 10th Grand Slam win wouldn’t be so bad
Because a 10th French Open Title wouldn’t be so bad. After all, it is The Spaniard’s favourite surface. ?
Vamos Rafa!