Roland Garros 2005

Nadal: a bull in the ring

A bull entered into the ring of the centre court on 12 June 2005. Rafael Nadal, haughty in bearing, with muscles bulging, at the age of 19. And all this confidence already. Absent for the two previous tournaments due to injury, the Spaniard’s achievement was to reach the final the first time he takes part. Yes, the pirate with the bandana was not unknown on the circuit. He had already filled column inches in Monte Carlo and Rome. During the fortnight, this hard court predator with the devastating forehand slice polished off Frenchman Sébastien Grosjean and the Spaniard David Ferrer. In the semi-final, against world No. 1 Roger Federer, the young tearaway sent the master back to study his books. For the Swiss player, Rafael Nadal is more than simply an adversary. He is a thorn in his side and he can no longer manage to beat him on a hard court.Amazing! In the final, facing the Argentinian Mariano Puerta, Rafael Nadal, a little over-awed by the occasion, ceded the first set, losing it in the tie-break. But with his hot-tempered fist and dark eyes, the young Spaniard who punctuated every point won with a cry of “Vamos, Vamos”, returned to the attack. His warrior-like temperament envied by the whole circuit was fully expressed. He overwhelmed the Argentinian and won his first tournament at Roland Garros in four sets (6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 7-5). A star was born! An engaging moment: Zinedine Zidane, playing for Real Madrid at that time, presented the Catalan player from Barcelona with the attractive winner’s cup. As was his usual habit, Rafael Nadal bit hard on to the trophy. His insatiable appetite would never fail again. Since 2005, he has remained unbeatable at Roland Garros.