Rafael Nadal in the final of the Miami Masters against Roger Federer, in 2017. Photo: JCO / Key Biscayne Portal.
I took the photo that accompanies this note covering a final between Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, in 2017, and it is one of my favorites. I see in Nadal’s face his fury to express the game, his left arm thrown to the limit to impose all his technique and effects, his right hand that balances him and stops him, his eyes fixed on the rival. The image explodes with the expressiveness of a player who gave us his energy and genius until the end of each of his battles.
This Thursday Rafa Nadal announced his retirement from tennis and the news spread around the world while great sports figures in all latitudes come together to say Thank you Rafa! for so many years of glory, dedication and never giving up, for always being consistent in good manners on the court and off it.
Rafa Nadal, a true tennis legend, was never able to win in Key Biscayne and leaves that issue pending in his incredible career of success, which could only be summarized with the incomparable record of the 14 titles he achieved at Roland Garros.
In Key Biscayne he played five finals at Crandon Park on the island and lost all five finals: 2005 with Federer, 2008 with Davydenko, 2011 and 2014 with Djokovic, and in 2017 again with Federer.
Rafa was united by an extensive and emotional bond with Key Biscayne, where at just 17 years old, in 2004, and as 34 in the ranking, he beat Roger Federer, world number one, for the first time, thus emerging as a new tennis giant. Since then, both would build one of the most spectacular tennis disputes in history due to the quality and technique of those who today are considered two of the greatest of all time. They faced each other 40 times and Rafa won 24, with 16 wins for Roger.
One of the last finals they met in was that dispute for the Miami Masters title in 2017, in Key Biscayne. Rafa Nadal would once again feel the bitter pill of defeat on the island, and thus a consecration would remain forever pending among us for this warrior, which Key Biscayne today also crowns with its admiration.
Last final in Key Biscayne, in 2017. Federer beats Nadal 6-3 / 6-3. (Photo: JCO / Key Biscayne Portal)
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