Rafael Nadal and Sergio Garcia Are BFFs Even Though Nadal Idolizes Tiger Woods

First, there was the Tiger Wood-Roger Federer man-crush, and now, not to be outdone, Sergio Garcia has a new BFF: Rafael Nadal. Feel the creepy synergy!

But unlike Federer, who would never waver in his undying devotion to Woods, Nadal is, apparently, less committed to Garcia. When it comes to golf, anyway:

"Tiger is probably my idol," Nadal said. "I never have an idol but he is probably the sportsman who I admire more because I like a lot his mentality.

"I like a lot his eyes when he's going to have the important shot. He is always playing with unbelievable determination in important moments. The last part of the fourth day, only one guy with unbelievable concentration, unbelievable determination and big confidence in yourself. Only Tiger can do something like this.

"I know how tough it is playing having pain, and it is very difficult to have very good concentration when you are, in my case, running or touching the ball and you feel pain. That's unbelievable to win a US Open like this."

When reminded that Garcia was his best friend in the whole wide world, Nadal looked up, shrugged, and could only muster a half-hearted, "it is what it is", before sobbing uncontrollably as he ran from the room.*

Waggle Room makes a salient point, and one I'm sure Garcia has considered (but still bears repeating):

Some of what Nadal saw in Tiger is what Sergio needs to acquire. He hasn't been able to emulate Woods; but perhaps he can emulate his friend Nadal. If anyone can teach Garcia something about raising one's game while chasing after a seemingly unsassailable No. 1, it is Rafael Nadal, who is closer than any observers ever thought he would be to catching Roger Federer.

Real close, in fact. Unfortunately, Garcia -- along with everybody else on tour -- ain't even close to challenging Woods.

* complete fabrication

Hat tip: Waggle Room