By JOHN MARTIN
One year at the start of the Australian Open, Rafael Nadal introduced a racket carrying a computer chip in its handle.
The chip told players where each stroke was hitting their strings. He invited journalists to hit with him. I took my camera to get some shots.
When one struggling writer laid down his racket beside me, I put down my camera and picked up the Babolat. “Hey, Rafa!” I shouted.
I began hitting him volleys as I walked forward. Rafa returned my shots and I tapped half volleys back. (I love half volleys).
Suddenly, a press agent shouted “Time to go.” Rafa took the cue.
With his strings facing flat he sliced a shot across the net. As I leaned forward to hit it, his reverse spin caused the ball to jump back across the net out of my reach.
Game, set, match, Rafa Nadal!!
