By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2018

First published in Literary Yard, April 3, 2021

Intensity personified in every aspect of the game,
Relentlessly attacking, unleashing fury upon the frame,
Producing spins and revolutions without precedent every stroke,
Tenacity and toughness epitomize a style so bespoke,

That not one pro or Hall of Famer can emulate it to this day,
Leaving “Rafa” unrivaled in dominance upon all courts of clay,
Having hoisted eleven winner’s trophies at Rolland Garros throughout the years,
He has shattered all-time and Open era records formerly set by his peers,

Bearing a decisive winning record against a legend of his time,
Rafa defeated the reigning champ of Wimbledon in Federer’s prime,
He has garnered Majors on all three surfaces, adding a career Grand Slam to his name,
Securing his spot as an all-time great and future giant of the Tennis Hall of Fame.