Monster Nadal is inspired by family beast

Teenage tennis sensation Rafael Nadal has claimed the mantle of Majorca's favourite sporting son from someone close to hand - his uncle Miguel.

Three months ago, a hero of Majorca decided his time was up. Miguel Angel Nadal, the best footballer ever to be groomed on the island, announced that, at 38, he no longer felt able to play to the standard his local club, Real Mallorca, needed and that he was retiring immediately.

The decision caused a few grumbles from ex-players who thought the former Spanish captain should have stayed on to aid Real's relegation battle in La Liga. Mostly, though, the island simply offered applause for a grand defender, with a few hundred fans saluting him at a special presentation before one league game.

As send-offs for a great sporting career go, though, it couldn't have been much quieter because at about this time, the return of his teenage nephew, Rafael, having just won two tennis events across the Atlantic, was pre-occupying the island rather more.

It was almost like an official passing of the baton from one 'Beast' to another, Nadal recognising that the role of Majorcan sport's ruling deity should now go to 'Rafa', this extraordinary young monster of the court who once saw Uncle Miguel as his ultimate hero.

What has followed has been quite historic. Rafa, with his muscles, sleeveless tops, bandannas, piratical trousers and preposterous top-spin, has swashbuckled his way through the game, becoming at the French Open the first teenager since Pete Sampras to claim a men's Grand Slam singles title.

Aged just 19, a home bird has rocketed into international superstardom.

Which is where Uncle Miguel comes in. The whole basis of young Nadal's success is his close-knit family background. His parents, Sebastian and Ana Maria, have financed his career, his uncle and coach Toni has moulded it but Miguel, the strong, silent type who they say most resembles Rafa, has been a guiding light.

When they watched from the Roland Garros stands as Rafa collected the trophy the other week from Zinedine Zidane, it was Miguel who probably recognised best that the lad was about to experience the culture shock of becoming a Spanish icon.