A 16-year-old Rafa Nadal's tennis dream was both beautiful and powerful.

Asked to identify his goal in the game, watch a young Nadal respond with clarity in this video retrospective by Luigi Gatto for Rafael Nadal the Champion.

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"Well, I guess it would be to go as far as I can," the young Nadal said. "I'd like to become a great tennis player."



The unique combination of humility and desire Nadal has carried throughout his career is evident here.

"At the moment, I'm only ranked 112th in the world," Nadal said. "So there's a long way to go. I've got to continue improving, but it's not going to be easy."

The 20-time Grand Slam champion has certainly achieved his teenage aim.

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve