View Full Version : Rafael Nadal
Presumably the Rafa fans around here have seen this 30 seconds of him?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ky7NNTMA-Q
And this interview too?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=4Dgw2X2a87Y
It seems that Rafa has given a couple of in depth interviews in the last couple of days. Most of the reports are in Spanish or Italian, but here is one in English: http://english.gazzetta.it/More_sports/25-09-2012/rafa-nadal-m-not-worried-ll-be-back-just-as-strong-as-ever-912718555671.shtml
Bluffing Rafa http://www.onthegotennis.com/home/video-meet-rafas-twin-tony.html
I just came here to post that! It's brilliant, isn't it!
RoastLamb
26-09-2012, 19:56
Bluffing Rafa http://www.onthegotennis.com/home/video-meet-rafas-twin-tony.html
:lol: That was really funny!!! Esp. the bit at the end when the English guy asks him if he plays tennis and Rafa says "sometimes".
VamosVixs
26-09-2012, 20:03
:lol:
RoastLamb
26-09-2012, 20:58
I love what Rafa said about Andy in his Reuters interview (taken from Tennis.com ticker):
Nadal also told Reuters that he was happy to see his friend Andy Murray win the U.S. Open.
"What has changed is his mentality," Nadal said. "His game has not changed practically at all but winning the Olympic Games helped him a lot with the victory in New York. Andy is a player with an impressive talent and I always said he would win a Slam, not just one he'll win more than one."
:lol: That was really funny!!! Esp. the bit at the end when the English guy asks him if he plays tennis and Rafa says "sometimes".
The girl who said " we r getting a picture with you just in case " :lol: she wasnt buying it for 1 second , she knew lol
Toni has said (in an interview on Spanish TV) that Rafa will be able to start practising again in 10-15 days' time, although it will be a while before he is ready for competition.
Rafa has conceded it is unlikely he will play tennis again in 2012.
Hope we'll see Rafa back fit and well at the AO. He's really missed. :sad: :pirate:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/rafaelnadal/9598071/Rafael-Nadal-admits-return-from-injury-in-2012-is-unlikely.html
VamosVixs
10-10-2012, 18:00
Can't wait to see Rafa back in action and look forward to that day!!
RoastLamb
10-10-2012, 19:54
Can't wait to see Rafa back in action and look forward to that day!!
Looks like January. Feels like a LONG time away. :crying: Still, good for warding off the winter blues!
david1610
10-10-2012, 20:31
It is not just when he comes back, but how he comes back, of course. I get the feeling he has to follow medical advice very carefully from now on if he is to extend his career for as long as he would like - he will have to be more selective of his tournaments, perhaps just playing AO, the US Masters, then his clay season and minimal stuff after that of course.
RoastLamb
10-10-2012, 21:42
I wonder if he'll try the South American clay swing as well?
supergran
15-10-2012, 12:45
Sporting Greats on SS3 now....Rafa!!
Rafa is down to play Paris and then the WTFs I thought, what's this about him returning in Jan?!!!? :(
VamosVixs
20-10-2012, 10:45
Rafa won't play any more this season. Hoping to be back for the start of 2013.
Sallydaisy
24-10-2012, 15:33
Rafa is in Valencia watching the tennis with Pico Monaco.
Source - one of my twitter pals.
VamosVixs
24-10-2012, 16:01
He posted on facebook that he is going to the tribute for Juan Carlos Ferrero today.
RoastLamb
20-11-2012, 02:18
Rafael Nadal made it into People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive issue this week. Fabulous! The only tennis player to appear, I might add.
The only tennis player to appear, I might add.
Yeah well it Federer wasn't going to appear in a 'sexiest man' magazine was he!! :rolling:
RoastLamb
20-11-2012, 13:59
:lol:
VamosVixs
20-11-2012, 17:26
Rafa back on court for his first practice today!! :swingin:
:dance: :swingin: :swingin: :swingin:
His first practice with journos allowed in, that is - he's actually been practising for several days (as tweeted by his friend and practice partner).
Welcome back Rafa! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :yahoo:
Rafa's Videos from his FBook page............
Os dejo el primer vÃ*deo de mi primer entrenamiento! I leave the first video of my first practice!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4haAB-b4tsg
AhÃ* va el segundo vÃ*deo del entrenamiento! Share with you the second practice video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=K7dOo7JdWis
Fantastic to see Rafa back on the tennis court - he's really been missed. The video appears above but I'm including it here because of his quote underneath.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpPYhmswzMo&feature=plcp
:yahoo:
This was a media event as much as it was a training session, as much about sending out the message that he intends to challenge for the Australian Open title as it was about working on his serve and his lasso forehand.
http://www.thetennisspace.com/five-thoughts-after-nadal-returned-to-the-practice-court/
Rafa looks to me as though he has put on weight or is it just my computer?
RoastLamb
20-11-2012, 23:29
He does look like he's got a wee chin developing. Don't care though. I'm sure he'll be fighting fit come January.
RoastLamb
20-11-2012, 23:56
Tennis.com's ticker:
Ferrer: Rafa most down-to-earth star
Matt Cronin | Wednesday, November 14, 2012 David Ferrer praises his countryman Rafael Nadal’s character.
“Not to say that I’m close to lots of stars and famous people, but Rafa is the most down-to-earth and humble star that I know,” Ferrer told the New York Times. “Irrespective of how good a tennis player he is, I think he’s a better person than a tennis player. And I think we’re all lucky to have someone like Rafa, more because of the kind of person he is than because of the kind of tennis player he is. He’s normal. He plays tennis, but tennis is a sport and life goes on, and Rafa handles it really well. He doesn’t give more importance to tennis than it deserves. I see it the same way. Being an athlete is not worth more than another job. It’s just more recognized than most other jobs.”
VamosVixs
21-11-2012, 17:53
Rafa looks to me as though he has put on weight or is it just my computer?
Not surprising since he hasn't played competitively for 6 months. He will be back to supreme fitness in no time. :thumbup:
He's giving up tennis apparently, and grown a beard!
Rafa Interested In Top Side Chelsea. (http://www.football365.com/news/21554/8264717/Rafa-Interested-In-Top-Side-Chelsea)
:big grin:
Nice pic of Rafa with Mo Farah and Paula Radcliffe
http://www.nadalnews.com/2012/11/28/rafalint-november-28th-2/
RoastLamb
29-11-2012, 17:43
Paula looks well chuffed to bits! :rolling:
RoastLamb
03-12-2012, 14:06
OK, so on last night's episode of The Amazing Race (a reality show where duo-teams race around the world for $1m) the final four teams flew from Amsterdam to Barcelona and from there they took an 8-hr ferry to Palma. They had to search for a clue at the castle there (app. it used to be a prison for 200 years). Then from Palma they had to drive themselves to Manacor and to Rafa's tennis club. The host mentioned Rafa - I jumped up and down with excitement causing my two daughters to :rolleyes: and exclaim I was "such a fangirl". :lol: Anyway, the task was to return 20 balls from a high speed ball machine on the clay courts. The whole club was empty except for a bunch of young tennis pros. No Rafa in sight, however. :crying: After that task they drove to some underground caves then to a bullring to pretend to take down 9 matadors with a fake bull. Bit bizarre but there you go. Another task was to fix a windmill. But TAR has never been to Majorca before so this was a first.
Rafa deflecting any pressure that may arise upon his long-awaited return.. ;)
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2012/12/03/sports/tennis/03reuters-tennis-nadal.html?smid=tw-NYTStraightSets&seid=auto
Well, he's just repeated exactly what I said a week ago on the Abu Dhabi thread! (http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?1558-Abu-Dhabi-(EXHO)-27-29-December-2012.&p=112441&viewfull=1#post112441)
Federer feels tennis has been missing one of the greatest championd Rafa from past five months and he hopes soon his rival will be appearing on the court.
http://www.livetennisguide.com/2012/12/06/roger-federer-says-rafael-nadal-come-back-soon/
Federer said something nice! That calls for a :wino:
There is a translation of a long interview on the VB Homepage (http://vamosbrigade.com/).
Sallydaisy
13-12-2012, 18:04
Spoof (and swearing) warning ...........
ATP Players 'reactions' to the news that Rafa (http://tenngranddotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/rafa-convo-1.jpg?w=611) is returning to competitive tennis.
;)
Hilarious! :clap: :clap:
But your link doesn't seem to give the full article - there are a lot more 'comments' - see here (http://tenngrand.com/2012/12/13/tennis-players-react-to-nadals-return-on-facebook/).
Some seasonal advice from Rafa (http://www.vamosbrigade.com/images/podw17dec12_full.jpg)
Sallydaisy
22-12-2012, 09:35
The Times today has an extensive article on Rafa and how he's dealt with the knee injury.
For anyone willing to pay the £'s subscription to read it online the link is here:
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/tennis/article3638813.ece
Here's a brief extract; for anyone wanting more please PM me.
After six months out with a knee injury, the Spaniard is set to take a first step back to competitive action. But, he tells Neil Harman, it will have to be a cautious one
“I have missed the feeling when you go inside the court, competing for something brings you something very special. This is not because you play a tennis match, but you are going to play in front of a lot of people who are cheering for you, who you know are behind you, supporting the sport, and that is something I missed. But I have to accept and await the right moment to be back.
“It will take time [to be the real Nadal again]. The people have to know when you are outside of the competition and haven’t played for a long time, you will have problems to come back to your best, but that is the beautiful thing of life — it gives you challenges, and this is another one. I think I have passed a few before with a very positive feeling and I hope that is going to happen again.”
Sallydaisy
28-12-2012, 15:09
Linda has already posted that Rafa has withdrawn from Doha with a stomach virus but there's now news that it's affected his prep for the Oz Open and he's not going to Australia either!!! This from a normally reliable source on twitter:
Simon Cambers @scambers73 (https://twitter.com/scambers73) Bad news for @RafaelNadal (https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal) as he pulls out of Aussie Open, saying he can't go into a slam under-prepared.
Now set to start 2013 in Acapulco
Yes, it's what I've been expecting. :sad:
VamosVixs
28-12-2012, 15:26
:crying:
Rafa has confirmed it himself on Facebook. The first tournament he will play in 2013 will be Acapulco.
Very disappointing news :sad: He's right to be cautious, but was really looking forward to seeing him play again.
RoastLamb
28-12-2012, 16:04
When is Acapulco? I'm glad that he's starting back on clay. I hope he misses IW and Miami too and just concentrates on the clay then grass.
Acapulco is at the end of February. A whole two months away :sad: but I do think it will be better for him to make his comeback on clay.
Sallydaisy
15-01-2013, 12:05
Good news for fans of Rafa Nadal:-
Christopher Clarey @christophclarey (https://twitter.com/christophclarey) Brazilian media reports #Nadal (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Nadal&src=hash) tol return to #tennis (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tennis&src=hash) after nearly 8 months in Sao Paolo event on Feb. 11. Unconfirmed via @enricomariariva (https://twitter.com/enricomariariva)
Rafael Nadal's camp has confirmed to me that he WILL return to #tennis (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tennis&src=hash), after nearly 8 months, at Sao Paolo event starting Feb. 11 #ausopen (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ausopen&src=hash)
Nadal's appearance in Sao Paulo would be his first since he won the tournament in 2005 at age 18 #tennis (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tennis&src=hash)
There is also the possibility that Rafael Nadal could return even earlier than Sao Paulo. Unclear for the moment #tennis (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tennis&src=hash)
Rafa is definitely playing Sao Paolo and Acapulco. He's definitely not playing Buenos Aires. However his team are still in negotiations with Vina del Mar so he could appear there as well.
Sallydaisy
15-01-2013, 20:01
Rafa is definitely playing Sao Paolo and Acapulco. He's definitely not playing Buenos Aires. However his team are still in negotiations with Vina del Mar so he could appear there as well.
Those are the same tournaments as Pico Monaco who is also skipping BA.
2 WC's have already been announced for Vina - Massu who might be playing his last ever tournament there and a 16yr old Christian Garin. So there might be a Wildcard to spare for a suitable top 10 player.
;)
Andy might play Delray Beach since it's on his doorstep during his training in Florida in February.
I think it wouldn't harm his prep for March to play another tourney over in the Americas - Memphis is a 500 but indoors or he could go give Rafa a workout in Acapulco.
:p
Vina del Mar say they have got the sponsorship to get Rafa. He is currently practising in Barcelona under the eye of Dr Cotorro.
So Andy might play Acapulco too? If they both get to the final (which is highly probable as I don't think Nole will be going) we could have a nice Andy-Rafa match to watch :)
banskogirl
15-01-2013, 20:52
Exciting to think we might be watching Rafa again soon! Would be nice for him and Andy to get together too, have they even seen each other since Rafa's been out and Andy's got his Medals?
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21036474)- Rafael Nadal to make comeback from knee injury at Brazil Open
RoastLamb
15-01-2013, 20:57
Ooh how exciting!!! :yahoo:
Sallydaisy
15-01-2013, 21:00
Vina del Mar say they have got the sponsorship to get Rafa. He is currently practising in Barcelona under the eye of Dr Cotorro.
So Andy might play Acapulco too? If they both get to the final (which is highly probable as I don't think Nole will be going) we could have a nice Andy-Rafa match to watch :)
Mild speculation on my part I'm afraid ...
Andy has said he'll deffo be training with Ivan Lendl in Florida between the AO and Indian Wells/Miami and hinted that Delray Beach could be a consideration since it's played so close to his home base. I just wonder about Lendl's plans (given that he was a very good claycourt player and won the FO a few times) for developing Andy's talent on clay. Also that since Andy isn't going to play either Rotterdam or Dubai he'll be missing an ATP500 from his spring schedule. Sooooo I guess my mind ran on a bit.
:shamed:
According to an Argentine journalist, Haas asked for a wildcard to Vina del Mar but was told they are keeping it for Rafa. Rafa is expected to announce today whether he will play there or not.
RoastLamb
16-01-2013, 16:31
Fingers crossed, Linda.
Meanwhile got a tweet from Tennis Canada this morning about one of our junior players practising with Rafa:
Tennis Canada@Tennis_Canada
"@diezmonge: Good training session this morning with @RafaelNadal. It's been an honor to train with him. pic.twitter.com/eNL0Gemp" Wow!!
Rafa has just posted on his Facebook that he's returning soon to Brazil - I don't know whether that's his way of saying he won't be at Vina del Mar.
VamosVixs
16-01-2013, 18:25
Can't wait to see him back! :cheer:
Tennis World http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Rafael-Nadal-will-also-go-to-Vina-Del-Mar-articolo7926.html is saying that the deal with Vina del Mar is agreed - but it doesn't seem to be reported anywhere else just yet so may just be speculation.
From Rafa'sFBook page.............
I am delighted to confirm my participation in the tournament in Vina del Mar in Chile. I would like to thank the organizers of the tournament his invitation, and say that I have many fans in the Andean country, finally I can go in person to be with them and play my first tournament after the injury that has taken me away so long. Thank you and see you in the vineyard (Translated by Bing)
Just saw it on his Facebook! Very happy for his many South American fans :)
RoastLamb
17-01-2013, 22:24
Yay Rafa!!!
According to someone on VB who's just bought tickets, Vina del Mar have vastly increased the prices now Rafa's playing - so anyone who'd already got their tickets has got a bargain! Seems a bit off to put up the prices after they are already on sale, but they are reportedly paying Rafa $1.2m so I suppose they have to recoup it.
Massu, who is from Vina del Mar, said some very nice things about Rafa on the ATP website (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/01/Features/Nadal-To-Play-At-Vina-del-Mar.aspx).
Apparently whilst Rafa is in Acapulco he will be filmed for an appearance in the Mexican TV series "Gossip Girl Acapulco".
RoastLamb
18-01-2013, 19:41
Oh dear!
Rafa's first match at Vina Del Mar will be on Wed 6th Feb at 10pm - that's 1am Thurs 7th here. So we continue with the middle of the night stuff!
RoastLamb
18-01-2013, 22:54
Maybe for you, not for me.
They've changed the time of the schedule (maybe 'cos of pressure from Sky or Eurosport?) - Rafa is now on at 6pm which is 9pm here! :cheer:
RoastLamb
19-01-2013, 05:15
Even better!
david1610
20-01-2013, 01:00
According to someone on VB who's just bought tickets, Vina del Mar have vastly increased the prices now Rafa's playing - so anyone who'd already got their tickets has got a bargain! Seems a bit off to put up the prices after they are already on sale, but they are reportedly paying Rafa $1.2m so I suppose they have to recoup it.
Massu, who is from Vina del Mar, said some very nice things about Rafa on the ATP website (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/01/Features/Nadal-To-Play-At-Vina-del-Mar.aspx).
The year after I first went to Estoril Federer decided it would be good to go there and get extra clay practice before RG. The prices sky rocketed in a similar way. I called it the Federer tax. Remember that apart from a warm up tournament for the AO - Brisbane, Doha, or Wimbledon - e.g. Queens - Nole's Serbian tourney, Fed's Swiss one, the top guys almost never play 250s so to get somebody from the top 4 is quite a coup over the other 250s. And let's face it the February South American tournaments probably get the fewest number of top 30 players to boot!
Sallydaisy
21-01-2013, 15:49
The Vina Del Mar crowd will be getting value for money - Rafa is going to play doubles too.
Fernando GrisolÃ*a @FerGrisolia (https://twitter.com/FerGrisolia) Oficial. Rafa Nadal y Pico Mónaco jugarán dobles en Viña.
El debut será el 5 de Febrero (dÃ*a del retorno formal del mallorquÃ*n).
Their first doubles match will be on Tuesday 5th February at 6pm local time (9pm here) and it's rumoured that it will be televised.
Rafa's first singles match, as previously reported, will be on Wednesday 6th February at 6pm local time (9pm here).
Vina del Mar will not be on TennisTV, and I've asked Eurosport if they are going to show it and they say they have no plans to do so, so I'll be looking for a stream on livescorehunter.com.
Just found out that I've got a Synod meeting on the evening of the 6th! :crying: :crying: :crying:
Rafa won his first poker tournament yesterday (http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/rafa_nadal/2013/rafa-nadal-wins-first-poker-tournament-126237.html) :)
Sallydaisy
24-01-2013, 20:40
Rafa won his first poker tournament yesterday (http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/rafa_nadal/2013/rafa-nadal-wins-first-poker-tournament-126237.html) :)
A future career that's easy on the knees ...
Missed him so much:grouphug:
VamosVixs
30-01-2013, 17:38
Quite concerned to read on twitter that Rafa has said his knee is still sore and he hopes it will hold out for the whole tour. :nailbiter:
Latest from Rafa's FB page.....
Camino a Chile!! On my way to Chile!
915
So happy that Rafa is on the plane to Chile and we'll soon see him competing again! :)
Meanwhile, there is a little article about Rafa's clay court record on the ATP website (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/01/Features/FedEx-Reliability-Career-Clay-Court-Records.aspx).
RoastLamb
01-02-2013, 17:49
Only a few days to go... :yahoo:
VamosVixs
01-02-2013, 21:10
:excited::excited::excited:
There is a live webcam on Rafa training in Chile here (http://www.24horas.cl/envivo/?articleId=110854) - although it just keeps buffering on my computer.
BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21309064)- Rafael Nadal: Former world number one set for comeback
Just saw on VB a really good short article on Rafa from when he was 16:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Vu_46av8cHg
Just saw on VB a really good short article on Rafa from when he was 16:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Vu_46av8cHg
Sorry to be a thickie but what is vb?
hfwardhouse
06-02-2013, 14:02
VB is Vamosbrigade - a Rafa-dedicated fan site.
RoastLamb
06-02-2013, 14:13
Blimey! Already at 16 look at the trophies behind him. Wowsa! :shocked:
Rafa takes the first set 6-3. He's looking a little rusty.
RoastLamb
07-02-2013, 02:28
He just needed to warm up and the other guy was actually pretty decent. 6-3 6-2 isn't bad!
There was an extensive interview with Rafa in l'Equipe magazine. Moondancer of VB translated it here (http://www.vamosbrigade.com/articles2013/lequipeinterviewfeb13.html).
RoastLamb
07-02-2013, 22:22
Unable to watch the dubs match but they are winning so far acc. to livescore.
Score is 6-2 6-6 - tiebreak time!
Well, they won 6-2 7-6 - so on into the semis. Hopefully that one will be televised. Singles tonight against Daniel G-T which will be more challenging than his first round match. I saw that in his first match he had got his time between points down to well under 20 seconds by foregoing the towel - but the perspiration was dripping off him which must be distracting. When he comes up against players like Andy and Nole he will be even more in need of the towel so I don't know how he will manage then.
Rafa's singles match is again scheduled for 9pm our time this evening (I have a book club meeting this evening but I will leave early). Then his doubles match is scheduled for not before 1am our time. I think I probably won't stay up even if it is televised.
What did you think of the l'Equipe interview, Fiona? I must say he sounds very positive.
VamosVixs
08-02-2013, 11:57
Great interview! :thumbup:
RoastLamb
08-02-2013, 14:08
Good interview. He sounds so mature, no? Altho' i've never heard him say something so negative about another player as he was with Rochus.
Left book club early. Only missed 3 games.
RoastLamb
08-02-2013, 22:41
Left book club early. Only missed 3 games.
I remember missing a book club completely the day (or night rather) when Andy won the USO. :lol:
Programme about Rafa here (http://www.belivesports.com/) at the moment (in Spanish). They were just showing him at 12 years old.
This pic (http://postimage.org/image/szqcx81x5/) really shows that the old Rafa that we know and love is back! (And that he, like Andy and others, has embraced the new shorter shorts.)
VamosVixs
10-02-2013, 21:06
Great pic! :thumbup:
The singles final just about to start! And of course followed by the doubles final!
RoastLamb
10-02-2013, 21:24
Double dose of Rafa tonite!! Wayhay the lads!
http://online--soccer.eu/channel7.html
RoastLamb
10-02-2013, 21:50
:thanks: Hawks!!!
Sallydaisy
16-02-2013, 21:41
What's up with Rafa? He's just lost a tie-break for the 2nd set (which would have given him the match to a guy Alund. Alund!!! WR111 who at 27 had NEVER won an ATP match before this week.
:facepalm:
VamosVixs
16-02-2013, 21:45
Just have to be patient with him, his knee is still bothering him and after being out so long it will take time for him to get back to his best.
Could the writing be on the wall?
VamosVixs
16-02-2013, 22:16
Too early to write Rafa off, let's see how he is at Roland Garros.
RoastLamb
16-02-2013, 22:23
He's just gently easing his way back.
Sallydaisy
16-02-2013, 22:34
Here's some of his oncourt comments after the match:
Rafael Nadal Fans @rafaelnadalfc (https://twitter.com/rafaelnadalfc)
RAFA: "I’m missing all these things that make me competitive and give me physical confidence,
something I’ve had for my whole career and I’m lacking speed in my reactions. I’m lacking energy when I need it. I’m lacking power in my legs to be able to hit the ball long."
TBH I'd not be surprised if he lost to Nalby tomorrow - nor unduly bothered if he does. I well remember when Andy came back from the wrist injury he sustained in Hamburg and it took him a while to regain confidence. At the time (2007) Andy's forehand was becoming a weapon but the incident in Hamburg set him right back where that shot was concerned. I seem to remember a number of sofa moments and some early exits whilst he readjusted to playing and I thought for a long time that he was unable to let rip with a forehand. If anything I think he worked out how to play around the problem. That's not surprising; if something is weak or been injured we're all likely to be protective of it.
Rafa has far more than that to do; he has to pick up on all the reflexes that take time to build with practice as the guys play on the tour. And using his legs without worrying if he'll fall and hurt something; doing that confidently will take some time.
I don't like watching him play, never have, so I've been watching the San Jose matches instead but switched over after Haas had beaten Isner and saw some of the tie-break.
Rafa probably did the right thing in coming back to tournament play here in South America. He's with a lot of friends (and Spanish speakers!) for a start, not up against some of the usual suspects who give him trouble and he can get match play on clay which is probably where he'll gain the most confidence and be able to rebuild from there. He's obviously not happy about the courts or the balls in Sao Paulo (or the ATP new time rule!) all of which have been reported on several other websites and might be regretting choosing SP instead of Buenos Aires next week. Still, he's got next week off before Acapulco to review how things are going.
I agree, Sally but the thing that worries me in Rafa's case, which is different to when Andy came back, is that I don't think Rafa is truly "mended" and he's still actually suffering pain, not just the fear of it. Fingers crossed because I really don't want to see him do himself irreparable long term damage for the sake of this sport. He's got a lot of life ahead of him without having joints that are already aged.
Yes, Rafa said that the pain was worse in his semifinal yesterday.
But he played much better today. He was painting the lines but he still wasn't running down every ball. He played really well in the first set, winning it 6-2. Then his level dropped and was soon two breaks down in the second. But then he picked up his level again and got the breaks back, plus another to take the second set 6-3. His first title since RG last year!
JAMES4578
17-02-2013, 18:53
Still it was a boost for Rafa,didn't rate his chances after some of the other matches but clearly still some issues and we'll need to see how he'll be over best of 5 and with tougher opponents.
In this interview (http://www.cope.es/detalle/Rafa-Nadal-Por-mi-como-si-pasamos-un-control-a-la-semana.html) (Spanish) Rafa says that he will decide after Acapulco whether to play IW and Miami or whether to head straight to Europe to prepare for the clay season (depending on how his knee is). Nothing else new in the interview (he's asked again his opinions on dope testing, and he again says that they need to make the results public so everyone knows how often everyone is being tested).
In his post-match interview Rafa said "In 2005, big things started to happen for me after winning here and I hope this time again it is the start of something good."
In 2005, after winning in Brazil, Rafa went on to win Acapulco, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome, Roland Garros, Stuttgart, Bastad, Canada, Madrid & Beijing, and rose from WR50 to WR2.
david1610
21-02-2013, 10:43
Yes, Rafa said that the pain was worse in his semifinal yesterday.
I really do not like the sound of that. If he is coming back on a "pain management" routine that sounds like "more of the same" punishment for the knees, albeit in a more controlled manner.
Does the pain lead to harm? I hope not, or if Rafa wants some more GSs I hope he is not sacrificing his comfort for the rest of his life.
In terms of being kinder to his knees, it would make a lot of sense to miss the US hard court Masters and just concentrate on clay, monitor how many matches/tournaments he can do in the clay season, "listen" to the pain and reconsider after RG.
His doctors have said that he won't do any more harm and that the pain should grown less.
The Slice (http://the-slice.com/2013/02/nadal-invests-in-cozumel-hotels/) - Nadal Invests In Cozumel Hotels
Sallydaisy
26-02-2013, 13:06
Marca is reporting that Rafa won't play in Indian Wells or Miami.
No word officially from the Nadal camp.
And it will only be official if the Tournament Director at I/Wells announces it.
This all comes from Carole Bouchard (L'equipe) on twitter:
Carole Bouchard @carole_bouchard (https://twitter.com/carole_bouchard) Marca says Nadal is out of Indian Wells and Miami. No quotes from Nadal yet. http://www.marca.com/2013/02/26/tenis/1361879399.html … (http://t.co/3LqR6aNj8W)
Si Nadal choisit de ne pas jouer Indian Wells ni Miami pour revenir Ã* Monte-Carlo, ce sont 720pts qui s'envolent.
This item doesn't seem to be in the English version of Marca.
Nadal sólo pisará la tierra.
Su último torneo en rápida fue hace un año en Cayo VizcaÃ*no • Debuta en Acapulco
Joan Solsona. Barcelona 26/02/13 - 12:49.
Después de las dos primeras semanas de competición, donde alcanzó la final de Viña del Mar y el tÃ*tulo en Sao Paulo, Rafael Nadal estaba satisfecho de su tenis pero no de cómo le estaba respondiendo la rodilla. "La rodilla me sigue molestando", reconocÃ*a. En base a ese dolor, y después de un periodo de reflexión en la isla de Cozumel, el tenista ha decidido que no jugará los dos primeros Masters 1.000 de Indian Wells y Miami.
RoastLamb
26-02-2013, 14:24
Can't say it's a surprise tbh. Hope he's OK for the European clay.
In all of his recent interviews, he's said that he is concentrating on Acapulco now. His aim is to arrive at Monte Carlo at 100% fitness. I think people are assuming that because he doesn't mention IW & Miami then he's not playing. Though I wouldn't be surprised if he skipped one or maybe both of them.
Rafa's interview after the SF :love:
http://www.tennistv.com/video/clip/2174717
Don't know if this is true or not, but I will post the link anyway.......
http://www.nadalnews.com/2013/03/17/miami-rafas-out/#.UUYxxhe-2JM
Linda will know more!:thumbup:
Yes, it's true - I already posted it on another thread. He's had enough match practice and doesn't want to risk the knee any further on hard court. If he'd lost early in IW, in my opinion, he would have played Miami for the match practice.
Thanks Linda, sorry didn't check any other threads:thumbup:
That's OK Lynne, I'm sorry, I should have thought to post it here. I just saw it on Twitter and quickly posted it where I was.
david1610
19-03-2013, 19:03
Yes, it's true - I already posted it on another thread. He's had enough match practice and doesn't want to risk the knee any further on hard court. If he'd lost early in IW, in my opinion, he would have played Miami for the match practice.
Watching the match with del Potro, some of Rafa's gets were amazing, but I also kept wondering at what suffering to his knees.
Can't say it's a surprise tbh. Hope he's OK for the European clay.
Am I the only one that's sceptical about the condition of Rafa's knees. He has really hit the ground running after a 7 month lay off - reaching the final of 4 tournaments and winning 3 - and he seemed to be moving brilliantly in the IW final. I wouldn't mind betting that he will have absolutely no trouble cleaning up on the clay but won't play much again after Wimbledon in the part of the season where he has very few points to defend. Strikes me that Rafa (or Uncle Tony) is a past master at playing the 'injured' card. Just my opinion of course!
david1610
19-03-2013, 20:09
Am I the only one that's sceptical about the condition of Rafa's knees. He has really hit the ground running after a 7 month lay off - reaching the final of 4 tournaments and winning 3 - and he seemed to be moving brilliantly in the IW final. I wouldn't mind betting that he will have absolutely no trouble cleaning up on the clay but won't play much again after Wimbledon in the part of the season where he has very few points to defend. Strikes me that Rafa (or Uncle Tony) is a past master at playing the 'injured' card. Just my opinion of course!
I do not think any competitor takes 7 months (in reality six months of actual competition time) off to play an "injured" card.
What this may mean is that Rafa and his team are finally erring on the side of caution. If that means he can continue playing for a few more days and does not hobble around once his playing days are over, so much the better.
He did not take a protected ranking and dropped out of the top four. Roger has made concessions to his age this year and is clearly pacing himself for the year. Andy just took weeks off due to his own focus on major tournaments. They all have their own agendas!
Am I the only one that's sceptical about the condition of Rafa's knees. He has really hit the ground running after a 7 month lay off - reaching the final of 4 tournaments and winning 3 - and he seemed to be moving brilliantly in the IW final. I wouldn't mind betting that he will have absolutely no trouble cleaning up on the clay but won't play much again after Wimbledon in the part of the season where he has very few points to defend. Strikes me that Rafa (or Uncle Tony) is a past master at playing the 'injured' card. Just my opinion of course!
His knees are fine for his celebration straight after his match.... http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/mar/19/weekly-sports-diary-nadal-raikkonen
His knees are fine for his celebration straight after his match.... http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/mar/19/weekly-sports-diary-nadal-raikkonen
Don't think you could call it "erring on the side of caution"
I'm sorry to upset the Rafa fans on here - I like him too - but I'm afraid I remain unconvinced. I also found the fact that he was staying with the tournament owner really strange.
I would like to know what all you Rafa fans think of this....I went to town today, shopping of course and had a browse in our local "Poundland" shop & on one of the shelves my eyes were instantly drawn to a book of Rafa. It's RAFA...MY STORY by Rafa with John Carlin, am I correct in thinking it's about two years since it was published..not sure....but I was absolutely over the moon.....RAFA for a £1...is that a bargain or what???:big grin:
PS.....Sorry I have gone a bit off topic but I just HAD to tell some Rafa fan's:eastersmiley:
There's obviously not much point in posting a word of criticism about Nadal on here. Sets me off thinking...
Quote from Toni Nadal after Rafa's win at Indian Wells:
"Toni Nadal, the uncle and coach of Rafael Nadal, says that in his opinion, Roger Federer was not seriously injured when he lost to his nephew in straight sets in the quarterfinals of Indian Wells last week. Federer had a back injury.
'“Federer has beaten us more than once with Rafael having significantly more pain than [Roger] was in at Indian Wells,” Toni Nadal told Puntodebreak.com. “I'm clear that the situation of Federer [at Indian Wells] was no worse than that Rafael has had on many other occasions.”
Toni Nadal also named his favorites for Roland Garros. He said seven-time Roland Garros champion Rafa is not the clear favorite, but just one of a group of favorites that includes Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Juan Martin del Potro, and David Ferrer. He added that he does not see former champion Federer as a favorite."'
I'm not quite sure what Uncle Toni hoped to achieve by this other than to take the heat off Rafa prior to RG. The use of the term 'us' is strange - I appreciate any tennis success is a team effort but I still find this odd and, no matter what I feel about Fed, I don't think he would have appreciated his coach commenting on the degree of pain Rafa was or was not suffering in a match. What it does do is confirm my suspicions that Uncle Toni is very much pulling Rafa's strings.
Toni always says 'us' when referring to Rafa and they are of course very much a team. He also sometimes says some really idiotic things - he tends to be rather more frank than he should. But I can tell you that despite his faults, he is a really nice person (this is bourne out by many fans who've received on-the-spur-of-the-moment kindnesses from him such as offers of tickets or even a lift in his car to wherever they were going).
david1610
22-03-2013, 12:43
I think Rafa's uncle clearly meant: "No Roger, you just are not playing very well at the moment. Stop hiding behind excuses". I think he was calling a spade a spade!
Also, Rafa is a player, like Andy, that can lose a match due to a physical problem but never uses it as an excuse and is always gracious to the opponent and perhaps that leads to less patience towards those who try and trot out an injury as an excuse. Hasn't Roger used his back before to explain away a defeat to Andy?
Okay, okay - I surrender guys - never again will I post even remotely critical comments about Rafa and his team. I get the message!
RoastLamb
22-03-2013, 12:52
:lol:
Okay, okay - I surrender guys - never again will I post even remotely critical comments about Rafa and his team. I get the message!
This is not Rafa's forum Alis so it's fine, of course you are entitled to post critical comments and to hold the opinion that you do. It just so happens that many of us are big Rafa fans so are bound to defend him :)
It sure would be a boring world if we all had the same opinion though wouldn't it?! Nothing wrong with differences of opinion, it's when people get all offended that the problems start .....
This is not Rafa's forum Alis so it's fine, of course you are entitled to post critical comments and to hold the opinion that you do. It just so happens that many of us are big Rafa fans so are bound to defend him :)
It sure would be a boring world if we all had the same opinion though wouldn't it?! Nothing wrong with differences of opinion, it's when people get all offended that the problems start .....
Got me checking just whose forum I had logged into. :lol:
RoastLamb
22-03-2013, 16:19
:shrug: This is one thread on a forum with dozens of threads. One chooses to come on here. It's not like there's Rafa stuff everywhere on this forum.
:shrug: This is one thread on a forum with dozens of threads. One chooses to come on here. It's not like there's Rafa stuff everywhere on this forum.
Like I said in my earlier post, there's obviously no point in posting one word of critisicm about Nadal on here.
EDIT: I would hazard a guess that there's far more Rafa stuff everywhere on this forum than you would find about Andy throughout Nadal's VB.
Oh, I was forgetting about the many big Nadal fans on here. Better not post anything on here which would upset them.
Actually, there's plenty about Andy on VB - most of them love him, a couple of them hate him. So pretty much the same as attitudes towards Rafa on here.
I deliberately didn't respond to negative posts on this thread the other day as I didn't want to start an argument.
I actually like Rafa and enjoy watching him play and will be sad when he eventually hangs up his racquets. Having said that, I do think that if you analyse the history of Rafa's injury times out it raises many unanswered questions. I also enjoyed reading Rafa's biography, although I don't think it was very well written. My overwhelming feeling on finishing it was sympathy for Rafa and very little respect for Uncle Toni who appears to me to be a total control freak. As I say - only my opinion - I have no wish to start WW3!
RoastLamb
22-03-2013, 20:08
Who's starting WW3? Certainly not this forum's Rafa fans.
Meanwhile, loads of people have been posting Rafa stats. We all know that he is the King of Clay, but he is also the King of all surfaces! Because on all surfaces, the win/loss percentages of all players is:
1. Rafael Nadal .920 600-123
2. Bjorn Borg .827 608-127
3. Jimmy Connors .818 1243-277
4. Ivan Lendl .818 1071-239
5. Roger Federer .815 891-202
6. John McEnroe .815 875-198
7. Novak Djokovic .797 486-124
8. Rod Laver .793 411-107
9. Pete Sampras .774 762-222
10. Boris Becker .769 713-214
RoastLamb
22-03-2013, 20:11
That's too mathematical for me to understand. :rolling:
Rafa getting back to No. 4 for the French/Wimby is looking pretty hard now (keeping in mind Rafa goes back to #5 as Ferrer will over take him again)
He has 2590 points to defend before the French
Monte-Carlo: 1000
Barcelona: 500
Madrid: 90 (really the only place he can gain a significant amount if he is to overtake Ferrer)
Rome: 1000
Also keeping in mind that Ferrer didn't pay Monte-Carlo last year so he can gain there, he has 360 points to defend in Rome, 180 in Madrid and 300 in Barcelona.
Although for Wimby he should (probably) be seeded within the top 4 because the seedings are done with consideration to grass court success since the grass court season is so short.
Yes, I think Rafa will probably be no. 5 again for the French. As for Wimbledon, they up the seedings according to how the player did on grass in the last two years - and he went out in the 2nd round last year, so I don't think it will help him :sad:
Actually I'm not sure, he obvious got to the final the year before that, and Ferrer got to the 4th round in 2011 and QF last year, so it's a tough call - I would think though that his name and the legacy (!!) that comes with it will prevail in the decision to put him seeded 4th.
They have a set formula that they stick with, they can't increase his seeding just because of who he is.
Wimbledon is the only Slam to apply a seedings adjustment formula based on a player's previous surface specific results (grass).
The formula is applied only to the top 32 players based on their rankings just prior to the event.
They take the player's entry ATP points (the week before Wimby) and add:
1) ADD 100% points earned for ALL grass court tournaments in the past 12 months.
2)ADD 75% points earned for BEST grass court tournament in the 12 months before that.
The Ladies do not follow the same adjustment and use WTA rankings for seeding purposes. However the Seeding Committee reserve the right to alter seedings in exceptional circumstances.
Ah okay, well least he then has Queens or Germany then to help himself, he didn't play either last year so that would help him in the other respect for points over Ferrer. I think it is doable but he will have to win Monte-Carlo, Madrid and Rome to give himself an good enough chance... or atleast win two of those, Barcelona and get into the final of the other
Chris Goldsmith @TheTennisTalker 7m
If the Monte Carlo Masters was the ONLY tournament Nadal played in his whole career he would still be ranked 136th in ATP career prize money
Sallydaisy
07-05-2013, 18:51
Tio Rafa and Michaela Bryan ...
Micaela Bryan @MicaelaBryan (https://twitter.com/MicaelaBryan) 33m (https://twitter.com/MicaelaBryan/status/331834592065634304) Spending some quality tiempo con El Toro. @RafaelNadal (https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal) #MutuaMadridMasters (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23MutuaMadridMasters&src=hash) pic.twitter.com/octkUJfSjN (http://t.co/octkUJfSjN)
Retweeted by Carole Bouchard (https://twitter.com/carole_bouchard)
RoastLamb
25-05-2013, 14:58
Nice article from ESPN about Rafa going into the French Open. (http://espn.go.com/tennis/french13/story/_/id/9281735/french-open-rafael-nadal-secret-garden-french-open)
Bleacher /USA Today (http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/06/rafael-nadal-27th-birthday/) - Rafael Nadal turned 27 and celebrated with an enormous cake
RoastLamb
03-06-2013, 22:37
Totally the biggest cake I've ever seen any tournament give a player. He deserves it - bless!
That cake can't have been real, surely?!
RoastLamb
04-06-2013, 20:44
I thought that too. I saw him with another cake later one which was much smaller. I wonder if the first one was just a showpiece.
Rafa and his manager, Carlos Costa, set up a new venture to find & manage promising Juniors. Their first signing, Christian Garin of Chile, has just won the boys' title at RG. He is also in the boys' doubles final.
hfwardhouse
10-06-2013, 18:32
So today Minnie spent the day at Disneyland Paris ...... now as you may recall she was seriously hacked off when 2 of her friends were there a year or so ago and Rafa and his friends and family were there the same day ..... well guess what?!
RAFA WAS THERE TODAY TOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Unfortunately .... Minnie didn't see him .... but her teachers did .... cue her being seriously hacked off and almost in tears :grouphug:
But still - she was there when he was!!!
Awww, she must be terribly upset that she missed seeing him :grouphug:
RoastLamb
10-06-2013, 19:39
Oh no!!! That would have hurt to know he was there the same time as me.
Sallydaisy
10-06-2013, 20:58
:laugh:
BOTB tennis pick'ems @botb1 (https://twitter.com/botb1) 6h (https://twitter.com/botb1/status/344098328310583296) Is that @Linda4tennis (https://twitter.com/Linda4tennis) in disguise? ;-) RT @TheSliceTweets (https://twitter.com/TheSliceTweets): Rafa, @rolandgarros (https://twitter.com/rolandgarros) trophy no.8 & monster @DisneylandNL (https://twitter.com/DisneylandNL) http://bit.ly/18ntZZm (http://t.co/mUtoetW2kX)
supergran
10-06-2013, 21:12
Poor Esther....such bad luck. Really feel for her. Hope she sees him one day.
Rafa flew to England today and went straight to Wimbledon for his first practice! :)
Wimbledon on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl9c5uqrrMg)
Gutted for Rafa today. Hope he gets better soon.
patmoren
25-06-2013, 09:20
Rafa is having real problems at the moment once he is off the clay. Hope he can find a way round it but having more clay tournaments isn't a solution.
Really feel for Rafa. He was really unlucky that at the first round he came up against an inspired player whose game suits grass. Darcis beat Berdych last year in the Olympics.
Maybe Becker is right and Rafa in hindsight should have withdrawn from Wimbledon and rested. Two weeks isn't enough time for any player to recover from a gruelling French Open and winning the tournaments leading up to it.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/23040937
He is not the first French Open winner to exit Wimbledon in the first round - Gustavo Kuerten lost in the first round at Wimbledon in 1997 after winning the French Open. Shades of Rafa in this
Kuerten suffered many problems with injuries which led him to miss a number of tournaments between 2002 and 2005. After a few failed attempts of comebacks, he retired from top-level tennis in May 2008.
So much for all the media hype about a Rafa/Fed quarterfinal.
All the best to Rafa. Hope it will not be too long before we see him again.
:wimcry: :pirate:
RoastLamb
25-06-2013, 13:54
Interesting that on ESPN this morning they were all debating the transition between clay to grass and saying how impossible it is for Rafa. Yet Rafa did manage to make that transition very well and got to five finals, winning two and doing the French Open - Wimbly twice. And other players seem to do just fine - Djokovic, Federer, etc. So I have to put it down to his dodgy knees. Too bad. My heart breaks for Rafa.
And of course in 2008 he won RG + Queens + Wimbledon. There is no break at all between RG & Queens.
VamosVixs
25-06-2013, 16:11
http://www.mallorcaesports.es/tenis/item/8006-nadal-viaja-a-barcelona-para-visitar-al-doctor-angel-ruiz-cotorro
I (http://www.mallorcaesports.es/tenis/item/8006-nadal-viaja-a-barcelona-para-visitar-al-doctor-angel-ruiz-cotorro) do hope Rafa is ok and it's not like last year. :sad:
millypops
25-06-2013, 16:36
When we were on holiday at the beginning of the year I read Rafa's book, unfortunately I lest it behind in SA, but in the book Rafa says he had a big problem with one of his feet I cannot remember the exact problem but it was to do with the underneath of one of his feet, and he has to have special shoes built to play tennis in, apparently the Doctor then told him that because of the way the shoes were made he could expect problems with other parts of his legs, so seems to be what has happened.
I admire the way Rafa didn't make any excuses for his loss, and still stopped to sign autographs for the fans, I hope it is not serious and he will be back to full fitness for the US Open.
When we were on holiday at the beginning of the year I read Rafa's book, unfortunately I lest it behind in SA, but in the book Rafa says he had a big problem with one of his feet I cannot remember the exact problem but it was to do with the underneath of one of his feet, and he has to have special shoes built to play tennis in, apparently the Doctor then told him that because of the way the shoes were made he could expect problems with other parts of his legs, so seems to be what has happened.
I admire the way Rafa didn't make any excuses for his loss, and still stopped to sign autographs for the fans, I hope it is not serious and he will be back to full fitness for the US Open.
Me too, but I'm not holding my breath for the US open either as I read somewhere that he said hard was even worse than grass for him.
Tennis World (http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Tennis---Uncle-Toni-says-Rafas-knees-same-as-they-were-when-he-won-French-Open-and-other-clay-court-titles-articolo10973.html) - Tennis - Uncle Toni says Rafa´s knees same as they were when he won French Open and other clay court titles
Speaking about Nadal's loss in the first round, Uncle Toni commented, "What happened, we lose the match. That’s what happened, nothing else. Rafael has played a bad game and Steve Darcis played so much better... he win this match and we lose. The people said that (it was) the knees, but the knees are the same as in Roland Garros, in Indian Wells, or in Madrid or Rome. And with these knees we won the tournaments, we won Roland Garros. He has made nine finals, (won) seven titles, he won Roland Garros. And then his health go a little down. We come here with not a very good preparation, it was very difficult to play here... without playing a tournament before. And here it’s true, it’s so much (more) difficult now for Rafael to play here because on grass you should play more down (lower to the ground), the movements are difficult at this moment. But what was very bad was our forehand, our serve, our volley, all these things. I’m sure next year we come with very good preparation and we can play so much better than this year.”
Sallydaisy
29-06-2013, 09:31
erm, that's a lot of strapping .....
Ben Rothenberg @BenRothenberg (https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg) 14m (https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/350905710776811522) RT @alex_willis (https://twitter.com/alex_willis): Check out the size of Rafa's knee-strapping…
RT @NachoM18 (https://twitter.com/NachoM18): Rafa Nadal está de vacaciones en Ibiza.
VamosVixs
09-07-2013, 16:15
Rafa meets Rafa?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM7rFpwdI7w&feature=youtu.be
Rafa meets Rafa?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM7rFpwdI7w&feature=youtu.be
:rolling:
Brilliant!
RoastLamb
09-07-2013, 21:04
Rafa meets Rafa?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM7rFpwdI7w&feature=youtu.be
Blimey!!! He is SOOOOO good! Fabulous. Rafa's a good sport.
Not sure if this has been posted but
YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM7rFpwdI7w&feature=youtu.be): Josh Berry tests his impressions agains Rafa
Soooooooooo Awesome! This guy is brilliant
Not sure if this has been posted but
YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM7rFpwdI7w&feature=youtu.be): Josh Berry tests his impressions agains Rafa
Soooooooooo Awesome! This guy is brilliant
It's 2 posts above yours!
No doubt that this lad has a bright future - Rory Bremner had better watch out!
The Slice @TheSliceTweets 32m
#Rafa's little cousins inspect his knee at practice #miniphysios (watch the full video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf3OJHkZ4w8 …) pic.twitter.com/gLSpj6ijLS
https://twitter.com/TheSliceTweets/status/358678073174011904/photo/1
Which do you think is the best trophy pic?
This one http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/gettyimages.com/western-southern-open-day-eight-20130818-200925-232.jpg
or this one? https://twitter.com/Rafaholics/status/369184874889879552/photo/1
RoastLamb
19-08-2013, 02:47
They're both good but I'll pick the first. Hate the trophy itself tho'.
http://rafaelnadalfans.tumblr.com/
Some great pics of Rafa, Novak and Roger here. :) :pirate:
But where is Andy? :whistle:
Hopefully he will be there when they next have a celebration of no.1 players!
rafa versus ryan harrison is the first mens game of the US Open, he's honoured, someone expects a lot of the lad!
david1610
26-08-2013, 17:26
rafa versus ryan harrison is the first mens game of the US Open, he's honoured, someone expects a lot of the lad!
rafa or ryan? ;)
RoastLamb
26-08-2013, 21:06
Johnny Mac once again stated on ESPN today that he thinks Rafa is the GOAT, and not Federer. :cheer:
RoastLamb
31-08-2013, 14:32
How Nadal became hard-core (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324324404579045151909110182.html)
david1610
01-09-2013, 10:42
How Nadal became hard-core (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324324404579045151909110182.html)
Very interesting. Thanks!
Another poster from Nial Smith.....
Unfortunately, no Andy… but, what the hell… it'll be a good one...
1088
RoastLamb
10-09-2013, 01:37
Is 10 titles a record? I'm sure Rafa did something similar a few years ago but don't remember.
He won 11 titles in 2005.
I am going to have to change my avatar now (it's probably too small to see what it is, but it's the trophy biting pics from his previous 12 slams).
Even I was impressed with this photo...
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151615899587555&set=a.405288942554.182384.18429207554&type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=nf
hfwardhouse
10-09-2013, 17:44
:shocked: :faint: :drool:
That was pic of the week on VB a few years ago - but personally, it's never been one of my favourite photos of Rafa!
supergran
10-09-2013, 18:37
:faint::faint:Wow!!!
RoastLamb
10-09-2013, 20:25
Oh I miss his longer hair and sleeveless shirts.
I am going to have to change my avatar now (it's probably too small to see what it is, but it's the trophy biting pics from his previous 12 slams).
I've edited it and it's even smaller now!
Rafa has arrived in Madrid. He's said that he's exhausted and really needs to rest, but as he'd promised to play DC he will. I hope he doesn't have to play all 3 days.
RoastLamb
11-09-2013, 12:50
I noticed Rafa didn't do any of the American tv shows yesterday morning. Too bad. I guess he wanted to leave as early as he could. He must have done that Central Park photo at dawn!
He did do one! Here is the vid: http://www.bloomberg.com/video/u-s-open-champ-rafael-nadal-charlie-rose-09-11-WUksCdnWQl~EMfQWT93Gtg.html
RoastLamb
11-09-2013, 19:19
Charlie Rose? Andy did him too. He didn't come on Kelly and Michael's show - both USO champs usually come on and parade their trophies. Was looking forward to it.
RoastLamb
28-07-2016, 21:06
Rafa's Rio hopes. (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jul/28/rafael-nadal-rio-olympics-wrist-injury)
themass15
28-07-2016, 21:57
Looking forward to seeing Rafa again!
Great to hear that Rafa is fit to play in Rio. Miss him.
roytennisfan
06-08-2016, 10:57
Great to see Rafa carrying the Spanish flag with a massive smile on his face
roytennisfan
06-08-2016, 10:58
Hopefully he is fit enough to win a good few matches
Rosalind
06-08-2016, 10:58
Rafa looked so happy!
themass15
06-08-2016, 11:15
Lovely to see Rafa smiling again!
He did look the happiest I've seen him look in a long time. The deeper he can go in the Olympics the better it will be for his confidence. Maybe it will give him a better chance at the us open xx
Yes , it was nice to see Rafa , and he did look really happy too . Really liked their outfits !!!
Seems like a long time since seeing him play .
Had to post this pic.....just look at that smile....well Done Rafa!!:thumbup:
https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13906636_319782658364788_4829052640552492570_n.jpg ?oh=ca1b904f5392e30f60f96166a1516cb8&oe=582198A7
RoastLamb
06-08-2016, 17:40
I remember from the 2008 Olympics when he was sweating profusely. So much more relaxed last night.
themass15
06-08-2016, 17:44
Do hope Rafa can do well in this tournament. He is so good for tennis.
Lovely to see Rafa so happy, and the Spanish team's outfits were very smart too.
He is great for the sport and I'd love to see a strong performance from in the open and the world tour finals
A new Tommy Hilfiger underwear ad! :cheer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQgnJqPAll4
http://global.tommy.com/int/en/collections/tommy-x-nadal/20
Is nadal a full time model now, or dose he still occasionally play tennis :p
Is nadal a full time model now, or dose he still occasionally play tennis :p
:big grin:
I am mystified as to why people on here think that Rafa's withdrawal from the mixed prevented others from playing.
Originally, as he had no preparation, Rafa only intended to play the doubles but the Spanish captain persuaded him to enter for the three competitions. I think he would have continued in the three competitions if the schedule hadn't meant that he had to play three matches in one day, when only just coming back from a wrist injury.
When Rafa withdrew, it should have been the second alternates that replaced him - i.e. Andy and Heather. But they had already taken the place of the first alternates who hadn't bothered to hang around on the offchance of players withdrawing. You can hardly blame the player withdrawing for the fact that the alternates couldn't be bothered to hang around.
Some have also said that it must have been disappointing for Garbine, but I am sure that he would have discussed it with her, and she is young and will have several Olympics to come.
RoastLamb
14-08-2016, 16:54
Maybe it's time to move on from this and just appreciate that here's a man who's come back from injury to win the gold in doubles AND get to the semi-final in singles. Massive achievement esp. considering how crappy his last couple of years have been too.
I agree, definitely time to move on.
I am surprised he has not pulled out of cinci to rest his wrist ahead of the us open. I hope it's a sign that it's improving X
I had expected that too, but he said that the wrist hasn't got worse, so he is playing.
themass15
17-08-2016, 06:32
Good luck to Rafa and Andy playing today
I hope Raffa can go deep in this tournament and move back up in the rankings. Slowly but surely :)
Good luck Rafa :swingin: :pirate:
I had expected that too, but he said that the wrist hasn't got worse, so he is playing.
Sky just showed Rafa practising ahead of his match later on and he had absolutely no strapping on either wrist. So hopefully a very good sign.
Ooh didn't see that. Sadly while I've been away my garden is an overgrown mess and needed attention tonight.. My reward will be tennis :) it's a good sign that he's trying a practice without it. It will give him a better idea of how its holding up :)
Watching his match, he's definitely got the bandage on under the wristband.
themass15
18-08-2016, 19:46
Do hope Rafa can find a way through this; he is such a great champion.
roytennisfan
18-08-2016, 20:49
Didn't see this coming, a round of shocks so far, Kei about to be the next
themass15
18-08-2016, 21:13
4 of the main seeds out already. Let us hope Andy doesn't follow them.
Sorry Rafa was beaten today- too close to the Olympics??? :sad: :pirate:
Yeah he had the trainer on. He also had strapping on his wrist. It seems on top of that he had a bug too, which a number of the guys have got. I imagine his confidence has taken a bit of a dip. He seemed to need to go deep here. I hope he's back on form for the US
From Nial Smith Design.....
Back in the USA - Rafa Nadal — with Rafa Nadal.
https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14040104_1171582279575024_831837895861864377_n.png ?oh=7f2bceb100abc9e1f659c45b5470c094&oe=58471812
No.5 in the World... — with Rafa Nadal.
https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/l/t1.0-9/14051703_1171587996241119_4377404080601794394_n.pn g?oh=f02e0ab5a219f11862509d94dbfaf6da&oe=585C443E
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