Rafael Nadal gained 150 positions on the ATP list in 2003, winning two Challenger titles from six finals and scoring some notable Masters 1000 and Grand Slam wins to become the youngster to watch. In the following season, Rafa was ready to attack higher positions, reaching the first ATP final in Auckland and dropping the world no.
1 Roger Federer in Miami. However, his progress was halted after an ankle injury in Estoril in April, staying away from the court until July and needing some time to regain the form despite the first ATP title he claimed in Sopot in August. .
The young man had the opportunity to play against France in the Davis Cup semifinal in Alicante in September, beating Arnaud Clement in a row and hoping to team up for the final in Seville against the United States. Four years after the first, Spain took the second Davis Cup title in front of the 25,000 partisan crowd, with Nadal performing at a very high level to oust the world no.
2 Andy Roddick in the second tire. Carlos Moya sent Spain ahead with a massive triumph over Mardy Fish, with an 18-year-old Nadal entering the field alongside Juan Carlos Ferrero, who was facing an injury.
In his fourth single in the Davis Cup that year, Nadal prevailed on Roddick 6-7, 6-2, 7-6, 6-2 in just under three hours and 40 minutes, pushing his country 2-0 after the first day and starting a big party with his teammates.
Roddick did his best to keep in touch with the young opponent, taking the opening set in the tie and reaching another one at 1-1. Transported by the partisan crowd, Rafa claimed the second and fourth sets in style, prevailing in that third draw to secure victory and bring his country closer to the finish.
Speaking of the game almost 16 years later, while watching it on the ITF Youtube channel, Roddick said it’s evidence that he won a set against Nadal on clay and trusted the 11-year-old to chase 19 major crowns.
“Proof that I won a set against Rafael Nadal on clay.
He was 11 at the time, and there wasn’t much else to celebrate in the next three sets, but those seem irrelevant details from where I sit.
If anything, I gave him the confidence to win 19 Majors, “said Andy Roddick.” I think I claimed victory because the crowd was there to support me; it was essential for me. I have had some noteworthy matches at every stage of my career and this is one of them, especially after that injury.
I played at a very high level; I deserved the triumph after working very hard on the driving range. It has been a difficult year for me and I am thrilled by the way I performed today. Andy serves reached 230 km / h; I am happy with the way I returned them, especially in the most critical moments in the draws.
After the game, I didn’t remember Roddick or McEnroe or anything; all I wanted was to celebrate with my teammates. Today I learned that I have to calm down a bit during the game and become less excited. The Davis Cup is a competition completely different from the others and it has helped me believe that I am a good player.
In addition, I left the injuries behind, restoring confidence in view of the new season. As for doubles, the decision is not on me; we’ll talk to the captain later, “said Rafael Nadal.
