Hi Neighbor!
As we ease into warmer weather with more daylight, less time is spent indoors and in front of the TV, at least for this summer-loving neighbor. Bring on the summer solstice! Give me more hours to weed, walk, and sip wine al fresco. Just as I settled into this summer plan, however, Netflix came along and spoiled it. They decided to release Rafa, the documentary outlining the storied career of tennis legend Rafael Nadal. And I was hooked.
Like his legendary tennis predecessors Mac, Andre, Venus, Serena, and even on-court nemesis, off-court friend Roger, Rafael Nadal is also recognized by a one-word name. Rafa. From his unofficial debut at the 2004 Davis Cup where he beat World Number 2, Andy Roddick, the fans have been chanting this nickname for the beloved, personable Spaniard ever since. His story and commitment to his career unfolds in this moving tribute.
Rafa, now a father of two at the age of forty, played into the image of rock star for decades as he competed on the tour, winning twenty-two Grand Slam championships, two Olympic gold medals, and earning himself the unofficial title of “King of the Clay” due to his performances on clay courts. Everywhere he went no matter how he performed or how his body defied him, the crowds chanted – and cheered for him. Rafa! Rafa! Rafa!
No spoiler alerts here because you simply have to watch for yourself. Four captivating episodes will keep you glued to your streaming device as you watch one of the greatest players ever to play the game. He addresses his idiosyncrasies on court(yes, we almost have the order memorized – it starts with tugging on the pants!), his early injuries that plagued him throughout his strong career, and his quest to strive to be better, stronger…the best. Until he no longer could. Yes, I had tears in my eyes throughout.
Even if you are not a tennis fan or a sports fan, this charismatic character will make you wish you could go back and watch him do it all over again. The clips of young Rafa morph into clips of mature Rafa, and the story blends beautifully.
I gave up a few hours of outdoor time to watch a teen become a prodigy, a hero become a legend… Rafa. It’s that good.
In awe,
Jackie
