My name is Rabia and I collect Rafa hats. It all began on the day I was waiting for Rafa to sign his autobiography for me. Hat and book in hand, I was just expecting him to sign the book, but to my surprise, he signed the hat as well. I hadn’t anticipated that. As I glanced around, I noticed fans clutching all sorts of memorabilia—tennis balls, photos, shirts. And hats. So many colorful hats. It was 2013, and that’s when my collection began.

In 2007 (two years before the first Rafa hat was sold), at the then Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells, I found myself captivated by a young man whose powerful game and dimpled smile would change the course of my tennis fandom forever. I had gone to the tournament to watch Roger Federer, as one does. But amidst the desert sun and the pristine courts, it wasn’t Federer who would steal the show for me—it was Rafael Nadal. With every blistering forehand and relentless sprint to chase down shots, he pulled me in. I watched him practice, then play twice during my short stay, and by the time he hoisted the trophy, I knew this was the player I’d follow for life. Just like that, I became a Rafan.

As the years went on, I had the privilege of seeing Nadal play at various venues, each time reinforcing my admiration for his grit, determination, and sportsmanship. But of all the seasons I’ve witnessed, 2013 stands apart as my favorite. It was the year when Nadal, after a layoff due to injury, stormed back onto the tour with a vengeance, winning ten titles, including the US Open. That summer in New York remains a golden memory for me. The intensity of his matches, his ability to outlast opponents, and the emotion in his victory reminded me of why I had become a fan six years earlier.

Those memories, especially from the US Open, are now a precious part of my Nadal journey—moments that I’ll carry with me always. Rafa’s career has been one of remarkable highs and resilience, and I’m lucky to have witnessed so much of it firsthand.

I'm an adventure seeker, a tennis enthusiast, an utmost lazy gym lover, voracious traveler, and a dedicated collector of Rafa Nadal hats. I thrive on the thrill of the next great experience—whether it's exploring new destinations, catching an exhilarating tennis match, or indulging in the latest culinary discovery. Based in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area with my two very crazy dogs, I’m always ready to dive into discussions about travel, tennis strategy, culture, mouthwatering food, or, of course, must-have Rafa hats. Let's just not talk about his retirement for now, though. Too soon.

Hey there! I'm Mike, hailing from Poland—a country in Central Europe where Rafa Nadal clinched his first ATP singles title back in 2004. Somewhat unorthodoxly, I discovered him nearly a decade later through his inspiring autobiography (before I even saw him hit a single tennis ball). Since then, I have been an ardent supporter, cheering him on through every match.

My passion for Rafa is evident in my growing collection of the Rafa bull logo caps. It all started on Saturday, August 30, 2014, when I bought my first Rafa Bull Logo Cap in black with the white logos [398224-010] (the one you can see me sporting in the picture above). Initially, I aimed for just two staples in black and white, but as my enthusiasm deepened, so did my collection. Before long I moved to owning a matching hat to every Rafa kit I had. By 2017, I made it my mission to grab every new Heritage86 cap released, and by April 2023, I proudly became a completist and a bit of a brand-new-with-tags fetishist.