Nadal

Rafael Nadal, Australian Open 2009 Champion.

Nadal has never been my hero, but he inspired me for the last few days of the Australian Open tennis series.

He beat the guy who tried harder than him - Fernando Verdasco in a 5hr 14min semi-final. The Nadal Verdasco match was so tiring to watch because it reminded me of running a marathon - if I were to be able to do it in 5hr 14 mins, it would have been a great achievement - and these guys were slugging balls for 5hrs + !!! Ferdasco tried harder than Nadal - the match statistics showed he had twice the winners 90+ winners but also twice the unforced error of Nadal. What does that tell you? Trying harder once is never good enough, talent is never good enough. Perseverence, and above all being stronger and being never to lose mentally is the key...

He brought Federer to tears. When you have tried so hard, and the opponent such as Nadal refuses to die -- what more can you do? When your opponent gives you a hug and says you are a great champion but I am sorry.... I would have given way to tears just like Federer would.

If you were a non tennis fan, I hope you saw the match and was converted.

But most of all, I was inspired by his "never say die" and "chase every ball" working attitude... (it reminds me of someone... - me - except I have not reach number one!!!)