The Tennis Oscars 2017

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 26:  Roger Federer of Switzerland poses for photos during a media day ahead of the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship on February 26, 2017 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates  (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
Never Give Up: Roger Federer has been nothing short of leonine

Hell or High Water: Nadal

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 29:  Rafael Nadal of Spain is congratulated by Rod Laver after the Men's Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Much like the film in question, Nadal’s career in recent years has been quite the thriller. Nobody ever doubted his skill, but the will he, won’t he cliffhanger always remained.

Nadal himself is known for being among the strongest players on court psychologically, which is why the 2016 season was perhaps even more shocking for tennis enthusiasts. But the traditionally tenacious former No. 1 defied every naysayer – and his own demons from the past few seasons this Australian Open.

Rafa admitted that he had been so burned out that he had in the past season seriously considered calling time on professional tennis and retiring from the sport, but soldiered on regardless.

In moving on through hell and high water, Rafa wins an award.

And he also has an academy.

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