Shark Darcis shows his teeth
After a decade as a professional, the man known as 'the shark' finally showed his teeth as Steve Darcis knocked Rafael Nadal out of Wimbledon at the first-round stage.
While 12-time grand slam Nadal was left to lick his wounds following a maiden opening-round loss at a major, Darcis was left reflecting on his best-ever win. Since joining the main tour in 2003, the 29-year-old from Liege has made little impact on the sport, lifting just two titles - the last of which came in 2008.
He performed like a multiple winner on Monday, though, cashing in on Nadal's apparent lack of fitness to secure a win that stands alone on his resume.
Known as 'the shark' because of his love of the fish - he has one tattooed on his shoulder - recognition has been a long time coming for Darcis, who quickly hailed his finest hour.
"It's one of the greatest wins. It was a great match from the start to the finish," said the world number 135, whose career earnings stand at a little over £1.5million compared to Nadal's £55m.
"I think I served very good. I used a lot of slice and I don't think he liked it very much. He didn't play his best tennis and it was his first game on grass this season. I have played four. I don't know if he was injured. He looked okay but it was his first game on grass and that is always difficult."
Next up for Darcis will be a meeting with Lukasz Kobot as he looks to better his best slam return of a third-round appearance at the 2011 French Open. Before then, though, he has something else to do.
"I will try to catch a DVD of the game so I can keep it at home," he said. "I have one child now and maybe I have more so I can tell the grandchildren. I think a lot of people will talk about this game for a few years. Me too."
Not afraid of wanting to maximise his time in the spotlight either, Darcis has another wish he would like to come true.
"I have a tattoo on my shoulder like the shark, because my star sign is the fish," he said. "I love sharks, my tattoo is in an S like Steve. I did it a few years ago and have done a lot of work on them. I have never swam with sharks, but maybe one day I can now do it."
