The Monthly Maestro #26 - 5 Things Rafa
I miss No 4.
Just over a week ago, Paris gave Rafael Nadal the farewell he deserved. On Court Philippe-Chatrier, the king of clay stood surrounded by his long-time rivals: Federer, Djokovic, and Murray. The traditional Big Four, reunited. It was emotional, yes, but also fitting. Because Nadal didn’t just retire.
He closed a chapter of tennis that may never be written again.
To me, Nadal’s contribution to tennis was never just about the numbers (though they are staggering). Fourteen Roland Garros titles, 22 Grand Slams in total, two Olympic gold medals, and a double Career Slam (aka winning all four majors at least twice). But beyond the stats, it was the way he played and behaved.
So what exactly will we miss now that Rafa has stepped away?
1. His habits
There was something oddly comforting about Nadal’s routines. The precise placement of water bottles, the tugging at his shorts, the order in which he rid his ears and nose from sweat before each serve. To some, these were quirks. I think they were signs of a player so deeply in tune with his process that every detail mattered.
2. The lefty tactics
That bully forehand was a nightmare for opponents. Especially for right-handers like Federer, who often found themselves pinned in the weaker backhand corner, scrambling to counter the spin. The majority of players on tour hated playing Nadal the most of everybody because of that forehand.
3. His grit
Few players embodied resilience like Nadal. He played every point as if it were match point, chasing down balls others would let go, turning defense into offense with a single stroke. His determination was infectious, reminding us that effort often trumps talent (something his rivalry with Federer often symbolized, though Federer has mentioned he always had trouble with being called “gifted”).
4. The rivalries
Nadal’s battles with Federer and Djokovic were epic, that’s the only word I can think of to describe them. With Federer, it was artistry versus athleticism, grace versus grit. Their 2008 Wimbledon final remains, in my opinion, the greatest match ever played. With Djokovic, it was a test of endurance and willpower, two men pushing each other to the brink. These rivalries elevated the sport, giving us moments I believe will be replayed for generations.
5. His mindset
Nadal once said:
Losing is not my enemy. The fear of losing is my enemy.
That mindset defined his career. He wasn’t afraid to fail, and that fearlessness allowed him to succeed. It’s a lesson that extends beyond tennis, reminding us to face challenges head-on, without hesitation.
As the sun sets on Nadal’s career, I find myself reflecting on the void he leaves behind. Not in the draw, but in the spirit of the game of tennis. The rituals, the rivalries, the hard work no matter what: they’re all part of a legacy that I hope will inspire future generations.
Thank you, Rafa, for the memories, the lessons, and the passion. The court won’t be the same without you.
This Month’s Maestro
I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again: with Rafa’s goodbye in Paris, it feels off to name somebody else this month’s Maestro than the Spanish King of Clay. You can watch the part where Federer, Djokovic, and Murray enter the stage to pay their respect here (try not to cry at some bits in the end).
Meanwhile, Sinner and Alcaraz are through to the second week of the French Open. The odds seem to be in Alcaraz’ favor, but to me it’s a coin flip who will win this major. While we wait to find out, I couldn’t resist and leave you without last year’s Maestro visiting our new Pope.
AI Agents
Lately, I’ve been stuck in somewhat of a rabbit hole concerning the rise of AI agents. Now 90% of people use ChatGPT at least weekly, the things agents can already do have really blown me away.
Although I certainly use ChatGPT to outline and review my articles and written posts, I try to stay far away from letting it do the actual writing. As I mentioned in the very first edition of this newsletter, writing clarifies and structures our thinking. To let AI replace this process, is to stop thinking.
What surprises me about AI agents though, is that they can already with scary results think ánd act better, faster, longer, and way more thorough than us. It’s something I as an entrepreneur want to learn more about, as a writer feel deeply intimidated by, and as a reader feel a bit lied to by. I’ll promise here and now that, though I’m going to experiment with the tools available to build agents for my company, the ideas you’ll read in this newsletter will always be my own.
Links worth checking out
MrBeast vs. Serena - The most popular Youtuber on earth decided to make a video about trying to beat professional athletes in their own game.
Bracket.tennis - Fun way to keep an eye on your favorite players during tournaments and maybe place a modest bet here and there (not affiliated whatsoever).
Kickstarter Tenniix Pro - A promising crowdfunding project with a portable AI Tennis Bot (again, not affiliated).
Best,
P.S.: Wrote this edition with this playlist on the background (vibes).