Rafael Osuna

Rafael playing tennis (www.tennisfame.com)

Rafael Osuna was born in Mexico City on September 15th, 1938. In his childhood he was a good student but at that age he seemed to get more interested in sports. He was awarded a full scholarship to attend the University of Southern Calfornia, where he met George Toley, a great coach who quickly recognized Osuna's talent.

He was influenced to become an athlete by his family and his coach but also by himself because he was very curious and he wanted to try every sport and tennis was the one that called his attention.

Rafael showing his great skills (www.tennisfame.org)

Osuna had a great personality. He had great perseverance, something I would really like to possess. He had great tennis abilities and skills since he was young but one of his greatest qualities was that he didn't think in terms of losing or winning, he just enjoyed playing.

For all his efforts and the great job he did in representing Mexico as the number one player in his sport, I think he gained Mexicans' hearts. Rafael became an important part of history and society; he was the first man to win in important tennis tournaments such as Wimbledon, US Open Singles and others. He also shows us that it doesn't matter if you're Mexican, African, British, etc. If you fight for what you want, you can make it through and accomplish every goal you set for yourself.

Rafael Osuna is considered by many to be the best tennis player in Mexico's history. He was the first to win in a tournament in the singles category in the Open era. He brought Mexico a lot of victories and in every victory he was proud of being a Mexican player. That and more are the reasons I really admire Rafael Osuna.