This unique book, embellished with choice photos, tells the story of this 22-time Grand Slam champion in a new and original way, through the words of others and the many speeches made in his wake. 

Over time, Rafael Nadal succeeded in winning the hearts of the French. For over twenty years, he gave his all next to the Porte d’Auteuil, right up until the breakup. The 14 titles he earned at Roland-Garros have guaranteed Nadal a special place in the history of this tournament, and a record that will be difficult to break.

As the end of his career draws near, this book pays homage to the incredible fate of this young Majorcan. Having wavered between a career in football and the one he is known for today, Rafael Nadal is nothing less than a complete athlete. In this work, we give voice to those who have crossed his path, on and off the court. A wide range of accounts paints a portrait in counter-relief of a one-of-a-kind champion, which can be labeled “the greatest of all time” without fear of sycophancy. Fabrice Abgrall, the voice of tennis at Radio France, and François Thomazeau, a major sports journalist in his own right, have been following Nadal since the beginning. A few years ago, Abgrall had the bright idea to write down the player’s post-match statements in pocket-sized notebooks, as well as those of his opponents and privileged onlookers. Captured in the heat of the moment, today these remarks shed light on the personality of this great champion. He hasn’t always enjoyed unanimity, and has even made a few enemies, but has ultimately left a permanent mark on his sport.