Is Nadal the greatest fighter in the history of sport?

We’ve seen time and time again the kind of comeback that Rafael Nadal has cooked up. Whether he is in front or behind, the word implosion is not synonymous with Rafael Nadal. For instance, in the 2019 US Open, and 2022 Australian Open, Rafael Nadal fought tooth and nail. Nadal most definitely was not the better player in the second 2 sets of 2019 US open. At this year’s Australian, Medvedev was the better player for most of the match- until he suddenly wasn’t. However, Nadal He just doesn’t not know how to give up, and gritted his teeth to play every point out, and ultimately, won both majors.

When he has every right to throw in the towel during a match, Nadal does not let unlucky net cords, or double faults, or unbelievable out-of – this-  world winners dip his spirit. At worst, there’s a disapproving shake of the head at his play. Then he plays the very next point like he didn’t just lose the last point.

It is this poise- this ability to stay calm and bring his highest level of competition during the most dire stages of matches, which makes for compelling viewing.

His opponent in the semi-final is an anomaly. A man that serves better when facing break points than when opening his service game of the match.

Both players possess an almost eery resemblance in one facet- they somehow play break points better than other points.

It is an uncanny resemblance which is something that is required in the repertoire of a champion.

Another similarity : both are never scared of the occasion . While 99 percent of mens tennis players going into their shell when face the big 3, Kyrgios has an unusual ability to bring his best tennis to the biggest stages. He plays better against the world number 1 than he does against the world number 100.

The upcoming semi-final could not be played by two different people.However,  that is the beauty of tennis, and what makes it so unique.