by Rafael Nadal
First published 2011
Rafael Nadal opens his life story on the island of Mallorca, where his family has deep roots spanning generations. From age four, his uncle Toni shaped him into a tennis player while his parents instilled humility and respect. Nadal traces his rise to global stardom, including his legendary 2008 Wimbledon victory that John McEnroe called the greatest tennis match ever witnessed. He confronts the family troubles that devastated him in 2009 and the persistent injuries that constantly threaten his career. The memoir, crafted with journalist John Carlin, explores how Nadal transforms himself during matches into what he calls a bloodless warrior, suppressing human emotions and vulnerabilities to defeat opponents like Roger Federer. Despite fame and success, Nadal never loses focus on what matters most to him: maintaining the unity and love of his family that anchored him from childhood.
Genres: biography, autobiography, sports, biography-memoir
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: family-drama, overcoming-adversity
Setting: Mallorca
Period: 2008, 2009
352 pages · Hardcover · Indicios