Rafael Nadal is a name in the tennis world that needs no introduction. The Spaniard, throughout his time as a professional tennis player, has sent shockwaves throughout and made everyone dance to his special moves. However, just like any other player, the 22-time grand slam winner has his own superstitions that he follows right before the start of any match.

Sharing his views on the same, Nadal recently opened up on his pre-match rituals that helped him face any obstacle right before the start. The ritual, which had all his close family members, including his girlfriend-turned-wife helped him deal with any challenge on the court.

Rafael Nadal shares a special routine while going out for any match

In his book, “Rafa: My Story,” tennis star Rafael Nadal came ahead and shared his unique pre-match ritual. After getting ready for the court, he usually used to look for his family in the crowd, noting their exact spots in his mind. This included his parents, uncle Toni Nadal, sister, and more. Even though he focused on the game at hand during the match, knowing they were there brought him peace and helped aid his success.

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“At the other end of the court to my left, are my father and mother and my uncle Toni; and diagonal and across from them, behind my right shoulder, my sister, three of my grandparents and my godfather and godmother, who are also my uncle and aunt, plus another uncle,” writes Nadal.

He also looks for his professional team, like his agent Carlos Costa and press chief Benito Pérez Barbadillo. His girlfriend-turned-wife María Francisca. While his then-girlfriend did not attend his matches in person, she used to watch them at home while cheering for him.

“I could also see, in my mind’s eye, my paternal grandfather and my girlfriend, María Francisca, whom I call Mary, watching me on television back home in Manacor,” said Nadal in the book.

Thus, just like any other player, Rafael Nadal had his own pre-match rituals that he used to follow right before any match. This helped him to gain some much-needed confidence and overcome the challenges that he faced on the tennis courts.

Rafael Nadal has a very special relationship with his wife. Despite her absence on the tennis courts, he always remembers her. This eventually gave him the strength to succeed.

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