Rafa

A thrilling, candid look into the life of tennis's #1 player, covering both his fascinating youth and the year that will cement his place in history.

No tennis player since Andre Agassi has captivated the world like Rafael Nadal. Although he couldn't be more different than a young Agassi, Nadal is known for his discipline, respect, and kindness--he's an incredible personality, as well as electrifying athlete that fans love deeply.

This book, written by Nadal himself with help from award-winning journalist John Carlin, covers Nadal's childhood, growth as a player, and his remarkable career. It includes the highs, such as winning the Wimbledon 2008 final in what John McEnroe called, "the greatest game of tennis ever played" , to the lows, when, in 2009, knee injuries caused Nadal to exit the French Open early and miss Wimbledon altogether.

But Nadal has made it through tough times thanks to his incredible team, chiefly his family, who are endlessly supportive. Perhaps best known is his uncle and coach, Toni Nadal, a former tennis pro that had the revolutionary idea to teach the naturally right-handed Nadal to play as a lefty, guaranteeing Nadal an edge and a phenomenal backhand.

Thanks to his family's support and his incredible work ethic, he returned from injury and in 2010 won the French Open, Wimbledon, and the 2010 US Open, completing a career Grand Slam. The only question, now, is if he will become the greatest player of all time.

2011 will be the year that Nadal will likely take the upper hand against his greatest rival and the current title holder, Roger Federer. Right now, Federer has 16 grand slam titles; Nadal, five years younger, has 9. Tennis fans will be riveted by what will be the greatest year yet of their rivalry, as Federer, still a major contender, attempts to defend his legacy. But smart fans know that Nadal will prove, in 2011, to be the sport's dominant player, both now and in the future, and this book will highlight all of the thrilling drama.