Never write off Rafael Nadal. A few months ago, a foot injury almost ended his career. A bout of Covid-19 left him "physically destroyed". But yesterday, he stormed to victory in the Australian Open.

His historic win over Daniil Medvedev, coming from two sets down to win in five, handed the Spanish star his 21st Grand SlamThe name given to the world's four top tennis tournaments: the US, Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon.. It puts him ahead of Federer and Djokovic as the sport's most successful player - the undisputed GOAT of men's tennis.

It has been a long and difficult journey for the boy from Mallorca. A rare congenital diseaseA disorder present at birth. Kohler's disease leaves the arch of the foot underdeveloped, causing swelling and acute pain. in his foot has contributed to a string of injuries. Early in his career, he thought about giving up. But instead, he wears an orthotic shoePurpose-built footwear with a cushioned sole. and trains relentlessly.

"We need to fight," he says. "That is the only way to be where I am today."

Two days after his 19th birthday, he won his first Grand Slam. The King of ClayHis nickname for dominating clay courts, where he has won a record-breaking 62 titles. overwhelmed opponents with his left-handed shotsMost players are right-handed, but the young Nadal played with both hands. His uncle encouraged him to focus on his left-handed technique giving him an advantage over other players. and aggressive style. He became the youngest winner of all four major tournaments and won two Olympic golds, breaking eighteen world records.

According to his friend and rival Roger Federer, Nadal's comebacks are an "unbelievable" inspiration. His coach says he has "extraordinary willpower" and Russian player Andrey Rublev thinks this mental toughness makes Nadal "the best athlete in history".

Nadal says he turns his body's weakness "into moral strength". He can't afford to be lazy or complacent and transforms that painful struggle into positive energy: chasing every ball, fighting every point.

Psychologists link this self-control with success. For example, the famous marshmallow experimentIn the study on delayed gratification, children are offered one marshmallow immediately or two if they wait fifteen minutes. with under-fives shows that strong willpower predicts good grades and high achievers.

But what about natural talent? Nadal was coached from three by his uncle Toni, a former professional tennis player. His family were strong and athletic. You don't become the GOAT without greatness in your genes.

Sports science backs this up. Studies show some people are high respondersLow responders have traits that make it harder for their bodies to get oxygen to muscles., performing better after the same amount of practice. In The Sports Gene, writer David Epstein explores how particular body typesElite sport is selecting more extreme body types: forearms in tennis are growing, swimmers' torsos are getting longer and female gymnasts are getting smaller., height and eyesight give elite athletes an advantage in their chosen sport.

Nadal has talent and training, as well as some eccentric habits on the court. He places his drinks in a specific way every time, repeating the same gestures before each serve. Some think he has OCD or believes in good luck.

"I'm not superstitious," says Nadal, "otherwise I would change the ritual with each defeat." His routines give him "focus" and "silence the voices within" - both self-doubt and overconfidence.

Only four other players his age have ever reached a major final. With Djokovic snapping at his heels, he may not hold that unofficial GOAT title for long.

Nadal is relaxed about this. Even if someone else "finishes with more Grand Slams than me, it won't affect my happiness ten years from now". And maybe that balance between positivity and perseverance is the true secret to Nadal's success.

Yes: Natural talent is nothing without grit, determination and hard work. Nadal shows us we are capable of far more than we think - if we dare to try and have the courage not to give up.

No: We always stand on the shoulders of giants. Our achievements are thanks to our genes, family and social background. And not everyone has the same luck or opportunities to succeed.

Or... We shouldn't compare ourselves to elite athletes. They punish their bodies with relentless training and sacrifice so much to achieve greatness. Let's celebrate being happy and being average.