Blog - Belgians back Rafa
By Richard Fleming in Charleroi
Rafael Nadal fans come in all forms; old or young, male or female – and this weekend – Spanish or Belgian. Watching Rafa-mania is a sight to behold. The only person I have falling at my feet is a chiropodist. Rafa, meanwhile, has people falling over themselves for just the briefest of moments with their hero.
One young Belgian boy, with “Rafa’s #1 FAN” painted across his forehead, was almost bursting as he called out to his idol. Middle-aged women (one I heard had an English accent) wore their “Vamos Rafa” t-shirts with pride. Kids lurked by the team bench, pens and programmes in hand.
And there were pushy mums, cameras in hand, eager to snap Rafa with their kids, while testing the patience of security. Thankfully, Rafa is a patient man, with time for his fans, and happy to stand and smile as the flash bulbs pop and the cameras click.
He was also aware that his presence had caused quite a stir, and was humbled by it: “To all the Belgian fans, I say thank you. It’s been like playing at home and probably the best support we’ve had outside of Spain.”
Davis Cup is like no other men’s event. It thrives on nations coming together to back their boys, creating a special atmosphere. There’s been an extra special atmosphere in Charleroi, due to the Rafa factor.
Few sports men or women have quite the same effect as the world No. 1. He is a wonderful ambassador for Spain and for tennis – just ask the Charleroi crowd.