As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games approach, Spain’s wheelchair tennis players are drawing inspiration from a man who has become a legend at Roland Garros. Just outside the Court Philippe-Chatrier, where the wheelchair tennis competition will take place, stands a statue of Rafael Nadal, a player who has won the French Open 14 times. Nadal’s legacy is motivating Spain’s Paralympic hopefuls as they prepare to compete on the iconic clay courts.
The Deep Connection Between Spain and Roland Garros
Rafael Nadal’s influence on Spanish tennis is undeniable, but the bond between Spain and Roland Garros goes beyond just him. Before Nadal, Juan Carlos Ferrero became a French Open champion in 2003. Today, Carlos Alcaraz, who is coached by Ferrero, is the reigning champion. The legacy of Spanish success at Roland Garros is something that the current Spanish Paralympic tennis players are keenly aware of.
The Spanish team for the Paralympics consists of three players: Daniel Caverzaschi, Martin de la Puente, and Enrique Siscar Mosquer. For them, playing at Roland Garros is more than just a competition; it’s a chance to connect with the history of Spanish tennis and the legends who have made the venue their own.
Daniel Caverzaschi’s Admiration for Nadal
Daniel Caverzaschi, one of Spain’s top wheelchair tennis players, expressed his admiration for Nadal and the significance of playing at Roland Garros. “Roland Garros is iconic for Spanish players,” Caverzaschi said. “It is nice to play here; there are so many role models who have won here in the past. Rafa has been my main role model in sports.”
At 38, Nadal may have made his final appearance at Roland Garros, having recently played in the doubles quarter-finals alongside Carlos Alcaraz. The duo, affectionately known as ‘Nadalcaz,’ captured the hearts of fans despite their loss. “It was pretty cool,” Caverzaschi remarked. “There was huge hype in Spain around that. We thought there would be an epic comeback in true Rafa style, but we loved to see it.”
Caverzaschi’s Return from Injury and Quest for Medals
Caverzaschi’s journey to Paris 2024 has been marked by challenges, including a career-threatening injury that required three wrist surgeries. Despite the difficult road to recovery, the 31-year-old is now feeling confident as he returns to competition.
“It is very emotional for me,” Caverzaschi shared. “I haven’t played here since 2022, and I was injured for a year and a half. Coming back here, it has been a very good year; I’m playing very well, I like the courts, I love the clay. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Caverzaschi’s resilience has brought him to this point, and he is now dreaming big as he aims for a medal in either singles or doubles. “This is the best comeback I could have asked for. I feel I can beat anyone. I need to manage expectations, ideally the Games would be next year. I want to continue this way, if I play well I can do great things. Why not dream big?”
The Advantage of Clay Courts for Spanish Players
Spain’s dominance in tennis, especially on clay courts, is well-known. Caverzaschi believes that the way tennis is taught in Spain, with a focus on clay courts, gives Spanish players an advantage. “A lot of tennis academies have clay courts; we are used to it,” he explained. “In my academy in Barcelona, they are all clay. Several players came to train with me over the summer, it is similar to what we have in Paris. Clay suits a style that is grittier and more physical, it suits intense players who like to grind from the baseline.”
This connection to clay courts is not just about the physical surface but also about the mentality and style of play that Spanish players develop. “Tennis has been taught like that for a long time – the other factor is Rafa and what he has done for all of us,” Caverzaschi added.
Promoting Wheelchair Tennis and Disability Sports
Beyond his personal achievements, Caverzaschi is passionate about promoting wheelchair tennis and disability sports in general. He has founded a marketing company that focuses on adapted sports, aiming to connect commercial enterprises with athletes and campaigns in disability sport.
“I set up a marketing company specialising in adapted sports last year,” Caverzaschi said. “I think there is huge potential for commercial enterprises to connect with athletes and campaigns in disability sport. It has been tough – we’ve been changing strategy as we’ve learnt from mistakes. I founded it with my best friend, it is special to create it with him.”
Caverzaschi sees a need for greater education and awareness around disability sports. “Lots of people don’t understand terminology, they don’t want to offend, so we are looking to do the work and create the content for them. I love it, there is so much potential, but there is so much education we need to do. We need to challenge an old mindset, but I like the challenge.”
The Impact of the London 2012 Paralympic Games
Reflecting on his first Paralympic Games in London 2012, Caverzaschi highlighted the impact it had on changing perceptions of disability. “Perceptions changed there; disability was completely normalised after the Games,” he said. “The UK is a role model for the whole world; in Spain it is improving. We are considered elite athletes, institutions are supporting more. There is an evolution, for sure, but still a way to go.”
A Philosophical Approach to the Paralympics
After enduring “dark moments” during his injury recovery, Caverzaschi is now focused on enjoying his fourth Paralympic Games. He has come a long way from the doubts and frustrations of his injury and is determined to make the most of his time at Roland Garros.
“There were moments when I had done everything I needed, every routine or operation, and I still needed more, when I got angry, sad or frustrated,” he recalled. “Dark thoughts crept in, but I’m proud about how I’ve managed the last two years. There were doubts I’d be able to compete at professional level and here I am. The best is yet to come. But I need to enjoy my fourth Paralympic Games and a place like Roland Garros.”
As Caverzaschi prepares to compete on the clay courts of Roland Garros, he carries with him the inspiration of Rafael Nadal and the support of the Spanish tennis community. His journey to Paris 2024 is a testament to his resilience and passion for the sport, and he hopes to leave his mark on this iconic venue, just as his role model did before him.
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