Rafa

By: Rafael Nadal, John Carlin

Narrated by: Bernardo Cubria, Nicholas Guy Smith

Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

What makes a champion? What does it take to be the best in the world at your sport?

Rafael Nadal has the answers. In his memoir, written with award-winning journalist John Carlin, he reveals the secrets of his game and shares the inspiring personal story behind his success.

It begins in Mallorca, where the tight-knit Nadal family has lived for generations. Coached by his uncle Toni from the age of four and taught humility and respect by his parents, Nadal has managed the uncommon feat of becoming an acclaimed global celebrity while remaining a gracious, hardworking role model for people in all walks of life.

Now he takes us behind the scenes, from winning the Wimbledon 2008 final - described by John McEnroe as "the greatest game of tennis" he had ever seen - to the family problems that brought him low in 2009 and the numerous injuries that have threatened his career.

With candor and intelligence, Nadal brings listeners on his dramatic and triumphant journey, never losing sight of the prize he values above all others: the unity and love of his family.

From Rafa:

"During a match, you are in a permanent battle to fight back your everyday vulnerabilities, bottle up your human feelings. The more bottled up they are, the greater your chances of winning, so long as you've trained as hard as you play and the gap in talent is not too wide between you and your rival. The gap in talent with Federer existed, but it was not impossibly wide. It was narrow enough, even on his favorite surface in the tournament he played best, for me to know that if I silenced the doubts and fears, and exaggerated hopes, inside my head better than he did, I could beat him. You have to cage yourself in protective armor, turn yourself into a bloodless warrior. It's a kind of self-hypnosis, a game you play, with deadly seriousness, to disguise your own weaknesses from yourself, as well as from your rival."

©2011 Rafael Nadal (P)2020 Hachette Audio

Amazing Story!

Such an amazing story of one of the worlds greatest players! Love the readers voices! I can totally imagine them reading this book in my mind!

Great Book, ridiculous narrator!!!!!

Its a great book, great inspiring story… but give me a break!!! Why did you choose someone that CAN’T speak english to narrate this book???!!! I know that the point was to have a narrator with a spanish accent, but this was unbearable. There are plenty of people with spanish accent that know the language, instead you chose someone that clearly struggled.

Fantastic

I thoroughly enjoyed it and was intrigued by his insights and story. To be one of the best at anything takes tremendous commitment, sacrifice and determination, He provides a window into his thoughts and vulnerabilities, which was appreciated as a listener and athlete.

I highly recommend it and hope Rafael does another book. Well done!

Amazing book!

By far one of the best sports books I’ve read. Nada’s personality is present and the way the book is structured turnstile it into an amazing story. Lots of value for athletes of any sports and even business.

Inspirador

Gran audiolibro para cualquier amante de los deportes, te muestra cómo es la mente de uno de los mejores atletas de todos los tiempos y la gente que lo rodea.

love this book

great read ! well done! i was sad when the book ended!

left me wanting more!! Rafa is very inspiring!

Rafa is the best

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to RAFA story about his athletic conditioning, and also about his mental understanding of what’s important around him, and how to achieve his greatness, very uplifting story, showing as he would say, the parts are bigger than the hole. Bravo!

An excellent book and life lessons.

Rafa has done it again showing real values of family and keeping a clear head in most challenging times. Many thanks. I loved it.

Great story, horribly narrated

The "Rafa" reader in slow and bad English with "Spanish" accent is really painful, it wasn't necessary

Don’t Listen to the Negativity - Amazing Book

I will firstly start by saying that you should ignore the negative comments about the narrator. If you understand what a Spanish accent is like then you will be fine listening to the book. Aside from that, this book tells an incredible story of the upbringing of an icon, what it takes to become great, and how you can surround yourself with good people. Anyone from aspiring tennis players to businessmen/women and every day people should give this book a listen!