View Full Version : Rafael Nadal
A thread for discussion of Rafa
VamosVixs
01-10-2011, 17:17
Looking forward to seeing Rafa back in action next week. :thumbup:
RoastLamb
01-10-2011, 17:37
Me too. Can't wait.
He and David Ferrer played an exhibition match in Taiwan today.
Here's a bit about the "tennis clinic" they held the day before the match. http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?Type=aALL&TNo=&ID=201109300031
They gave Rafa a bite-proof trophy :rolling: http://sports.pixnet.net/album/photo/183044926
VamosVixs
02-10-2011, 13:23
Try biting that one!:rolling:
RoastLamb
02-10-2011, 20:23
He looks like he gave it a good try.
I just love this pic, can you imagine just popping to Asda for a loaf & bumping into.............https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253764_10150213145311026_64822581025_7343021_46941 11_n.jpg
RoastLamb
06-10-2011, 09:39
Yeah I can imagine. It would be :stretcher: for me. :rolling:
:rolling::rolling:I know, I'd of gone home empty handed "What Loaf???":laugh:
Bumping into Rafa would certainly make shopping trips more interesting! :)
RoastLamb
06-10-2011, 11:38
After I've picked myself up from the floor I'd probably ask him over to the fish counter to show me the best gambas to buy.
Yeah, right!
Me too. :stretcher:
Those new smilies sure come in handy.
VamosVixs
06-10-2011, 15:49
I would just die!!! http://th106.photobucket.com/albums/m252/RiverIsMyGoddess/icons/th_smiley_faint.gif
RoastLamb
06-10-2011, 15:59
Actually, you know what the sad thing is, I probably wouldn't even notice him. :crying:
Actually, you know what the sad thing is, I probably wouldn't even notice him. :crying:
Surely you would!!!!
RoastLamb
06-10-2011, 16:05
I hardly notice anyone in the grocery store, too busy checking my stupid list. I'd probably just walk right by him.
I'm a bit like that. Was it when you were with me that I walked right past Amelie Mauresmo without noticing her? And she was one of my favourite WTA players.
RoastLamb
06-10-2011, 19:55
Well maybe I'm being too hard on myself coz I noticed MoMo straight away. :rolling:
I have just read that Rafa has signed for the third division Balearic football team Inter Manacor. He says he will only play when the ATP schedule allows him to.
VamosVixs
09-10-2011, 16:41
Seriously???? :shocked:
KnightOwl
09-10-2011, 16:43
Really???
Having said that, "when the ATP shedule allows" would mean pretty much never, wouldn't it...?
I can't believe he'd take any chances of possible injury if there was a tournament coming up...!
Well, he normally plays beach football in the time off between Wimbly and Canada - so I guess he won't be doing any more than he does already.
VamosVixs
09-10-2011, 16:46
It's crazy as football is a contact sport, he can easily get injured. Too big a risk. I really hope this doesn't affect his tennis.
Probably he just wants to raise the profile of his home town team, and may only occasionally come onto the pitch for a short period.
Just seen pics of Rafa & team arriving in Shanghai. Rafa still wearing the same Tshirt he wore for the Tokyo presentation so presumably went straight from there to the airport.
Sallydaisy
09-10-2011, 19:24
When he was speaking at the presentation ceremony he said he thanked his team and turned to look at them and then said that they'd gone already 'cos they had to rush for the plane. So, he probably did go straight from the court to the airport. I wonder if that was partly why Andy cut his own speech short 'cos he knew Rafa had to get away .....
I have just read that Rafa has signed for the third division Balearic football team Inter Manacor. He says he will only play when the ATP schedule allows him to.
That would be crazy! :shocked:
That would be sweet of Andy if he cut it short for Rafa too. It could hav been a bit of both
RoastLamb
10-10-2011, 01:26
Good for Rafa if it makes him happy.
I wonder what Andy and Jamie's speeches were like after their win. Andy's singles speech was pretty short. I loved Rafa's shirt. He looked gorgeous today during the trophy presentation. But I bet he was hoping that Andy doesn't turn out to be like Djoko.
RoastLamb
12-10-2011, 01:23
Tom Tebbutt's latest blog (http://www.lovemeansnothing.ca/blog/rafa-revealed) devotes a good chunk at the beginning to Rafa. Interesting stuff.
Rafa's not going to play at Queens (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/oct/12/rafael-nadal-queens-club?newsfeed=true) next year, he's opting for Halle instead :sad: I wonder if this means Fed is coming to Queens?
supergran
12-10-2011, 14:22
You never know but I doubt it somehow.:shrug:
VamosVixs
12-10-2011, 15:06
Surprised at that, maybe he fancies a change next year? :shrug:
or they offered him more cash
Rafa is not in decline
http://blog.oregonlive.com/tennis/2011/10/rafael_nadal_novak_djokovic_an.html
Really surprised he's not playing Queens as he gets on very well with Chris Kermode. Halle must have offered him a lot more money.
I read that Rafa's appearance fee (£750k!) will be more than the prize money offered to the winner! :shocked:
LindyDRed
12-10-2011, 17:14
Rafa's not going to play at Queens (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/oct/12/rafael-nadal-queens-club?newsfeed=true) next year, he's opting for Halle instead :sad: I wonder if this means Fed is coming to Queens?
You won't see Federer at Queen's.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2010/06/23/Halle-Federer-Lifetime-Contract.aspx
Federer pulled out last year - I think the year before as well. Perhaps that is another reason Halle were determined to entice Rafa. The main thing is that we always have Andy. Not sure the Queen would be happy if he ditched Queen's. ;)
Probably Nole will be playing Queens as well - and he probably demanded a bigger appearance fee this time. Queens always said they couldn't afford both Fed & Rafa, so now they can't afford both Nole & Rafa.
RoastLamb
12-10-2011, 20:11
Sad that Rafa is playing Halle. :sad: I sure hope Fed doesn't come to Queen's.
Oh he can't play Queen's coz he's signed a lifetime deal with them. Crap. Both of them in Halle then.
JAMES4578
12-10-2011, 21:29
Pity Rafa won't be at Queens and a bit surprising but a hefty appearance fee, just hope Nole wil indeed joiin Andy.
Really annoying that Nadal was lured to Halle by money... doubt he needs more tbh. Hopefully Novak will stick to queens. Apparantly Ralf Weber wants him over. Say no Novak!
RoastLamb
12-10-2011, 22:57
Might also have something to do with the fact Halle has a roof. No more English rain delays.
Sallydaisy
12-10-2011, 22:59
I think some of the players feel that Halle offers a venue that has a similar feel to Wimbledon.
The showcourt there (http://www.gerryweber-open.de/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/gerry-weber-open/4-tabs/centre-court-tv/center-court-bild-finale-2010/10871-2-ger-DE/Center-Court-Bild-Finale-2010.gif)is modelled on Wimbledon Centre Court and it also has a roof so they can play on if it rains.
It'll be interesting to see what Nole opts to do .....
There was an article in today's Times (can't post link as don't have a subscription, and you wouldn't be able to read it either unless you have a subscription) by Neil Harman, of course, explaining the situation. Under the new UK tax rules, a foreign sportsman appearing in an event in this country does not only have to pay tax on his earnings from that event as you would expect, but also has to pay tax on all his international sponsorship income, in proportion to the time spent here. So an athlete who spends one week competing in this country has to pay UK tax on 1/52 of all his earnings from all sponsorships from companies all around the world, although he would already have been taxed on those in his own country and also possibly in the country of the sponsor (subject to international tax agreements). In the case of Rafa at Queens, the amount of tax he would have to pay would be considerably more than his earnings from the tournament, even if he won the tournament. So he would effectively make a loss by coming here.
This is really worrying. Why would top sportsmen come to this country at all? Would players be willing to come to play the WTF? Or Wimbledon? And it affects all sports, not just tennis. Foreign football teams, for instance, might be put off coming here.
NB apparently there is a one-off exclusion for the Olympics, so that the Olympic competitors will not have to pay the tax.
But here is the good news - the Armani Rafa vid is here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT8FtRRJmic).
RoastLamb
13-10-2011, 22:28
Well, that's just plain daft! Crazy.
There was an article in today's Times (can't post link as don't have a subscription, and you wouldn't be able to read it either unless you have a subscription) by Neil Harman, of course, explaining the situation. Under the new UK tax rules, a foreign sportsman appearing in an event in this country does not only have to pay tax on his earnings from that event as you would expect, but also has to pay tax on all his international sponsorship income, in proportion to the time spent here. So an athlete who spends one week competing in this country has to pay UK tax on 1/52 of all his earnings from all sponsorships from companies all around the world, although he would already have been taxed on those in his own country and also possibly in the country of the sponsor (subject to international tax agreements). In the case of Rafa at Queens, the amount of tax he would have to pay would be considerably more than his earnings from the tournament, even if he won the tournament. So he would effectively make a loss by coming here.
This is really worrying. Why would top sportsmen come to this country at all? Would players be willing to come to play the WTF? Or Wimbledon? And it affects all sports, not just tennis. Foreign football teams, for instance, might be put off coming here.
NB apparently there is a one-off exclusion for the Olympics, so that the Olympic competitors will not have to pay the tax.
But here is the good news - the Armani Rafa vid is here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT8FtRRJmic).
Blimey, is this right, surely not. It's sooo short sighted, will kill sport International sport in the UK.
RoastLamb
14-10-2011, 00:47
The Many Faces of Rafa (tennis.com) (http://tennis.com/articles/templates/thespin.aspx?articleid=14760&zoneid=32)
Blimey, is this right, surely not. It's sooo short sighted, will kill sport International sport in the UK.
Yes, and the rate of tax is 50%! And they might already have been taxed that much in their own country - plus more in the sponsor's country if their double taxation agreement doesn't cover 100% of the tax (there are all different agreements between different countries, some allow you to reclaim all of the double tax, some only part and some countries don't have agreements). So they could be paying a total of more than 100% tax on that week's worth of their total sponsorship income! NB the double taxation agreements won't work in most cases here, they are only between the two countries where (1) the player is domiciled for tax and (2) the income is earned. So for instance in the case of Rafa and Nike, Rafa is in Spain and Nike are in USA - the UK is grabbing a slice of that and there is nothing Rafa can do about it!
Yes, and the rate of tax is 50%! And they might already have been taxed that much in their own country - plus more in the sponsor's country if their double taxation agreement doesn't cover 100% of the tax (there are all different agreements between different countries, some allow you to reclaim all of the double tax, some only part and some countries don't have agreements). So they could be paying a total of more than 100% tax on that week's worth of their total sponsorship income! NB the double taxation agreements won't work in most cases here, they are only between the two countries where (1) the player is domiciled for tax and (2) the income is earned. So for instance in the case of Rafa and Nike, Rafa is in Spain and Nike are in USA - the UK is grabbing a slice of that and there is nothing Rafa can do about it!who ever is responsible for this nonsense should be ConDemned;)
VamosVixs
14-10-2011, 10:37
The top sportsmen and women will just stop coming here if that's the case, it's just crazy.
VamosVixs
14-10-2011, 10:48
Just watched a clip of Rafa yesterday in his press conference. He looks so sad and down, just want to hug him. :hug:
Think he will be glad when this season is over, not a great year by his standards. He is off to play some golf, so hope he rests and recovers and feels better soon.
There's another article about it in today's Times. Apparently this tax was brought in three or four years ago, so Rafa has been losing money every year playing at Queens but I think he was contracted to play for them for so many years and the contract has just run out. Other athletes and events have been deterred from playing here during that time - they quoted various complaints about it, including Usain Bolt.
Rafa did look very sad and down in his presser. He seems to have been run down all year - he just hasn't had his usual spark, and of course he's gone down with viruses three or four times, and he says he's never been ill before. Maybe he needs to do like Nole and get a nutritionist on board to sort out his diet - I'm always seeing pics of him munching on biscuits, cakes, ice cream etc.
The top sportsmen and women will just stop coming here if that's the case, it's just crazy.
Great foresight from the British government!
After all this wait, I thought the official Armani vid was a bit of a disappointment. The one of the making of the vid here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki_FSwW1low&feature=related)was much more interesting.
who ever is responsible for this nonsense should be ConDemned;)
There's another article about it in today's Times. Apparently this tax was brought in three or four years ago,
:confused::rolling::rolling:
It is no laughing matter.
It is no laughing matter.
I was laughing at Jay's attempt at point-scoring, not the tax rules.
RoastLamb
15-10-2011, 16:40
Rafa's on a yacht in Doha apparently. Hope he's getting some nice R&R.
VamosVixs
15-10-2011, 16:41
Ahhh sounds relaxing for him. :thumbup:
VamosVixs
18-10-2011, 20:25
Posted on twitter.
Rafael Nadal: "I will not play football with 'Inter de Manacor'. I have enough with tennis. I simply have a group of friends who have created the team and I try to help them as much as I can. If some day I feel like practicing with them, I'll do it, but I won't play matches at all. People will go on seeing me playing tennis, which is what I have to do. Besides, someone who hasn't played football for 10 years cannot be that good"
VamosVixs
19-10-2011, 12:54
Rafa is enjoying some golf with Sergio Garcia. :thumbup:
Rafa at Castillo Masters Pro-am (http://the-slice.com/2011/10/rafa-at-the-castello-masters-pro-am/)
RoastLamb
19-10-2011, 13:07
My hubby had dinner with Sergio once. And they talked about Rafa.
VamosVixs
19-10-2011, 13:10
Nice :thumbup:
supergran
19-10-2011, 13:20
Rafa is enjoying some golf with Sergio Garcia. :thumbup:
Rafa at the Castello Masters Pro-Am (http://the-slice.com/2011/10/rafa-at-the-castello-masters-pro-am[URL=%22http://the-slice.com/2011/10/rafa-at-the-castello-masters-pro-am/[/URL%22) Error on page so didn't see it.
VamosVixs
19-10-2011, 13:38
Oops, now fixed.
And they won the tournament :big grin:
VamosVixs
20-10-2011, 00:06
Yay, Rafa will be happy, he is so competitive at everything! :swingin:
Earlier today I watched several of the Spanish players taking part in a charity exho. I didn't realise that there was going to be a livestream, so I missed the first half hour. I saw Rafa, Ferru, Feli, Robredo, Granollers and Montanes. I understood that Verdasco and GGL were also taking part so if they did, they must have played in the first half hour as I didn't see them. It was lovely to see the players smiling and laughing as they played rather than with their serious match faces on. They played super-tiebreaks in a round robin format, and the final was predictably Rafa v Ferru, which Rafa won.
ETA - just read a report of it, and Verdasco & GGL weren't there. Verdasco couldn't be there 'cos his father had an operation today, but it didn't mention GGL.
WimbledonAce
23-10-2011, 20:36
Read that Rafa isn't at Queens nxt year, won't be the same. I was already thinking of opting out next year and this clinches it. By the way, reading his book at the mo, got it for my bday, v interesting.
VamosVixs
23-10-2011, 20:38
Welcome back WA!! :welcome:
WimbledonAce
23-10-2011, 20:42
Welcome back WA!! :welcome:
Thanks, I was hovering last weekend when tracking down a live stream link to Andy's final but only just got round to signing up. Been so busy at home and work, bit of a nightmare!
Welcome back WA! :welcome:
Yes, it's a great shame that Rafa won't be at Queens next year. I'm thinking of writing to the PM to complain about the tax situation - more and more top sportsmen are going to be put off coming to the UK. :sad:
His book is really interesting, isn't it!
VamosVixs
25-10-2011, 06:47
I loved his book but was also slightly disappointed, I wanted a lot more. Hopefully there will be another one in the future.
By the way, have you heard that his parents are back together? Apparently they've been back together for several months but it's only just been reported.
ChrisMac
25-10-2011, 09:09
That's interesting! Hope all goes well for them.:hug:
supergran
25-10-2011, 12:46
That's lovely to hear. Good luck to them both.
RoastLamb
25-10-2011, 12:59
By the way, have you heard that his parents are back together? Apparently they've been back together for several months but it's only just been reported.
They (the media) were talking about that ages ago - before the US Open. But I didn't believe it. Good news if it's true, though.
VamosVixs
25-10-2011, 16:20
That's good if it's true and they are happy. :thumbup:
RoastLamb
26-10-2011, 20:12
Yuck, a Fedophile wrote this review of Rafa's book. (http://tpatennis.net/a-review-of-rafa-rafael-nadals-autobiography/#more-2648) What a joke!
While Nadal loves to compete and hates to lose (he admits to having no sense of humor about losing), he views tennis and everything that comes with it as a job. This may explain why his game inspires respect but not joy. I can’t help contrast this with the experience of watching Roger Federer play tennis. While Federer also respects the game and understands that it is his job to be a tennis ambassador, there is a natural lightness and mirth about him that does not seem to exist within Nadal. Federer will smile or even laugh during a match and it appears that he truly loves playing tennis and relishes the tennis lifestyle.
Utter rubbish. There is much joy in Rafa's game and I'm sorry but I don't recall Federer displaying any kind of mirth, etc. B-s.
Rafa's latest Kia ad http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IftyZU1XKw
And Rafa in the Bacardi Champions Drink Responsibly event at Shanghai: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQswoaAeKB4
VamosVixs
27-10-2011, 15:44
Yuck, a Fedophile wrote this review of Rafa's book. (http://tpatennis.net/a-review-of-rafa-rafael-nadals-autobiography/#more-2648) What a joke!
Utter rubbish. There is much joy in Rafa's game and I'm sorry but I don't recall Federer displaying any kind of mirth, etc. B-s.
Agreed! :thumbup:
I'm reading Rafa's book at the moment and enjoying it for the insight it gives into Rafa's background, character and motivation, but I have to say I think it is the least well written of all the tennis biographies (or autobiographies) that I have read. Agassi's stands out to me as the most readable.
From Rafa's Facebook page....................Hi all. I won't be playing this upcoming week the tournament in Paris Bercy. It's been a difficult decision to take but I understand that it is what I need to do right now to prepare well for the end of this season and also for 2012. I hope I can be back in 2012 to that great event in the most beautiful city in the world, and hopefully try to win it once day.
RoastLamb
03-11-2011, 15:13
He doesn't say why. Strange.
VamosVixs
03-11-2011, 17:09
Shame, was looking forward to watching him play. :sad:
I think his losses during the Asian swing hurt him more deeply than people realise. Plus he has the WTF and the finals of the Davis Cup coming up.
JAMES4578
03-11-2011, 19:30
Certainly doesn't seem to be any injury, but he has obviously had an issue with tthe scheduling. Mind next year there's no break between Paris and London!
I'm not a bit surprised. I don't think he'll ever play the Bercy tournament again.
RoastLamb
03-11-2011, 21:08
London and Davis Cup are far more important to him. And the Paris crowd have always been mean to him. He was booed there a few years ago for having to retire or withdraw or summat.
London and Davis Cup are far more important to him. And the Paris crowd have always been mean to him. He was booed there a few years ago for having to retire or withdraw or summat.
I don't think Rafa played Paris last year either -
WTF and Davis cup definitely the priority for Rafa - and the Paris crowd can be little funny!! (thats funny - peculiar!!)
I thought the crowd seemed definitely pro-Fed in the RG final this year.
RoastLamb
04-11-2011, 13:12
The Paris crowds are pro whoever is playing against Rafa in any match on French soil. :rolleyes:
Sallydaisy
04-11-2011, 13:22
Is there a reason why the French don't seem to like Rafa?
Have I missed something?
:confused:
From Rafa's Facebook page..........I am training extra hard this week as I am about to face my toughest opponent yet! Watch this space…
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150367411201026&set=a.456161351025.251362.64822581025&type=1&theater
Is there a reason why the French don't seem to like Rafa?
Have I missed something?
:confused:
I think it's just 'cos he kept winning RG when they wanted Roger to win it! They always behave dreadfully towards him at both RG and Bercy.
And you're right, 40-15 - Rafa didn't play Paris last year: he was going to, but withdrew citing an injury.
RoastLamb
04-11-2011, 17:22
At least the Brits love Rafa. Who cares about the French fans. It's their loss.
This week I read a fascinating blog by the coach of a junior who has been practising with Rafa. I didn't post the link 'cos it was in Portuguese but a VBer has translated much of it and the translation has been posted on their home page (http://www.vamosbrigade.com/) - which you can read without logging in. It's really worth a read.
RoastLamb
06-11-2011, 22:58
Makes very interesting reading. What a thrill for him!
VamosVixs
06-11-2011, 23:24
A wonderful read! :thumbup:
That was a fascinating read - thanks, Linda!
That was really interesting to read, thanks Linda :)
VamosVixs
07-11-2011, 17:16
Rafa has now got 900,000 followers on twitter!! Will be at 1 million in no time!! :thumbup:
For Rafa fans!!.................
https://www.facebook.com/Nadal
RoastLamb
08-11-2011, 14:39
Wow that's a really good picture. No wonder he's so chuffed with it.
VamosVixs
08-11-2011, 17:11
That's an amazing picture! :)
It's a wonderful picture. I reckon it's at Davis Cup - he's got that look on his face that he has when they play the Spanish national anthem.
Armani have now officially published the 'Behind the Scenes' vid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etL3q3_jhpY) that appeared and disappeared a couple of months ago.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150379874951026&set=a.456161351025.251362.64822581025&type=1&theater ........from Rafa's Facebook page.....
VamosVixs
13-11-2011, 11:32
Wow, he has a lot of cousins!!! :rolling:
Hope he is enjoying himself. :thumbup:
RoastLamb
14-11-2011, 00:04
Those are only some of his cousins. :yikes:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150381749531026&set=a.456161351025.251362.64822581025&type=1&theater From Rafa's facebook page!!
First practice with Novak at the 02 Arena at London!! Before I played foot-tennis with Toni... :)
Wall.https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150387760071026&set=a.456161351025.251362.64822581025&type=1&theater.....
Article on the ATP site by Neil Harman (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/DEUCE-Tennis/DEUCE-Finals-2011/Rafael-Nadal.aspx)
RoastLamb
18-11-2011, 14:38
Lovely article. But it's a shame Neil is so up Fed's you-know-what.
Crossing the London Bridge! Always we go to the hotel from the tournament by boat:) Tomorrow first match against Fish at 8pm!!
Wall Photos ... https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150391018836026&set=a.456161351025.251362.64822581025&type=1&theater
RoastLamb
19-11-2011, 20:24
Awesome photo! It doesn't look nearly as cold as last year.
VamosVixs
19-11-2011, 20:25
He looks really young there. :)
RoastLamb
19-11-2011, 20:25
He is young. 25 to me seems very young. :crying:
VamosVixs
19-11-2011, 20:26
I mean he looks a lot younger than he is.
RoastLamb
19-11-2011, 20:30
That's a good thing, then.
VamosVixs
19-11-2011, 20:31
Sure is! :thumbup:
VamosVixs
20-11-2011, 19:29
So looking forward to seeing Rafa back in action, oh how I have missed him! :cheer:
Hope Rafa's upset stomach is soon better!
RoastLamb
21-11-2011, 19:36
Rafa's got more chance of recovering from his tummy woes than Andy does from his groin prob. :sad:
Groin? I thought it was his hip?
hfwardhouse
22-11-2011, 09:11
I told Minnie to post about this last week but I see she hasn't yet .... :rolleyes:
Last weekend, as you know, Rafa was at Disneyland Paris ..... as were hundreds of highland dancers ... some of whom came from our area and 2 were close friends of Minnie's ..... and yes, one of them was sitting right behind Rafa on one of the rides :shocked: ..... much to Minnie's disgust however, she didn't ask for his autograph :rolling: ... she said he was all sweaty :rolleyes:
supergran
22-11-2011, 14:38
Silly girl:rolling: One day she may get to like a sweaty Spaniard. Can just imagine Minnie's reaction if that had been her.;)
supergran
22-11-2011, 14:40
Missed his first match as, to my disgust, hotel didn't have Sky!!
VamosVixs
22-11-2011, 16:58
Hoping Rafa is fit and healthy tonight, he will need to be! :sofa:
hfwardhouse
22-11-2011, 17:00
Silly girl:rolling: One day she may get to like a sweaty Spaniard. Can just imagine Minnie's reaction if that had been her.;)
Indeed :lol:
Golden Lady
22-11-2011, 17:07
Well, I really do hope that Rafa can beat Fed tonight. If Andy can't win the title then please let it be Rafa is all I can say!
VamosVixs
22-11-2011, 17:19
Well, I really do hope that Rafa can beat Fed tonight. If Andy can't win the title then please let it be Rafa is all I can say!
:thumbup:
Well, I really do hope that Rafa can beat Fed tonight. If Andy can't win the title then please let it be Rafa is all I can say!
I certainly hope so. I couldn't stand it if Roger won again, nor if Nole were to win yet another title this year. Vamos Rafa! :swingin:
RoastLamb
22-11-2011, 17:58
Well, I really do hope that Rafa can beat Fed tonight. If Andy can't win the title then please let it be Rafa is all I can say!
Really don't think he will win. Sorry to be such a negative so and so. I think Federer is gonna win in straights. :crying:
Well, I did pick Fed to win the title in the overall FTM, as that seemed the most likely outcome. But I hope not.
RoastLamb
22-11-2011, 18:00
Yeah, I picked him to win as well. This is one FTM I'd really LIKE TO LOSE!
From Rafa's FB page.........Overcome the stomach problems ... practicing hard for the match against Federer that I'll play in a moment!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150396999851026&set=a.456161351025.251362.64822581025&type=1&theater
Well, I've been rubbish in the FTM for this so far. Got the first two doubles matches wrong, and also of course Andy's match. So perhaps my 'luck' will continue!
VamosVixs
22-11-2011, 18:02
Yeah, I picked him to win as well. This is one FTM I'd really LIKE TO LOSE!
Me too!
Golden Lady
22-11-2011, 18:03
Really don't think he will win. Sorry to be such a negative so and so. I think Federer is gonna win in straights. :crying:
Well I have predicted Fed to win in 3 so I expect it to be close. Close enough for Rafa to pull through maybe....let's hope!
VamosVixs
22-11-2011, 18:04
Have faith, Rafa can win tonight!! :thumbup:
RoastLamb
22-11-2011, 18:06
He can win - if Fed is injured.
Rafa knows how to beat Fed, if he's over his stomach upset then he ought to do it. *looks for the 'pray' smiley but can't find it*
RoastLamb
22-11-2011, 18:08
I think we're all grasping at straws. :lol: BUT I do like Vixs' optimism.
VamosVixs
22-11-2011, 18:09
Fed has not really been tested too much lately, Rafa should make it hard for him.
banskogirl
22-11-2011, 18:10
come on Rafa!!! do it for Andy!!!
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd287/Granny_Linda/Smileys/whackaswiss.gif
RoastLamb
22-11-2011, 18:12
:lol:
VamosVixs
22-11-2011, 18:42
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd287/Granny_Linda/Smileys/whackaswiss.gif
Love it!! :thumbup:
hfwardhouse
22-11-2011, 19:17
:rolling: :rolling:
Brilliant Linda. :rolling: :rolling: :rolling:
VamosVixs
22-11-2011, 21:36
Ah well something to cheer me up, thanks to Xenon :hug:, she managed to get Rafa to sign my Rafa tshirt!! :cheer::cheer::cheer:
Well done to her. She is amazing. She's even featured in a VBer's blog this week.
RoastLamb
22-11-2011, 21:43
Well done Xe and Vixs. How lovely!!!
I expected Rafa to be beaten but not like this. This makes me quite :ill:
Vixs - fantastic of Xenon. :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
VamosVixs
22-11-2011, 21:44
Not a great year for Rafa! :sad: Hopefully a much better 2012 for him, not at the expense of Andy of course.
RoastLamb
22-11-2011, 22:56
He was drinking Lucozade at the presser. I used to drink that when I was sick. Hmmm. Also, someone tweeted his shoulder hurt after the Fish match.
supergran
22-11-2011, 23:21
Sad that Rafa lost...even more sad at the score. Hope he recovers in the close season. Wishing him well.:thumbup::thumbup:
Me too - his confidence must be in shreds just now.
supergran
22-11-2011, 23:27
Me too - his confidence must be in shreds just now. It's sad isn't it? They go through so much both physically and mentally. Bless'em!!
RoastLamb
23-11-2011, 14:37
Not a great year for Rafa! :sad: Hopefully a much better 2012 for him, not at the expense of Andy of course.
But he got to loads of finals and he did beat Federer in the French Open (that makes me smile!). Blasted Djokovic in the way, however. It will be so interesting to see if Djoko can continue his winning streak next year and whether or not Rafa can find a way to beat him.
But firstly, I wonder how he'll do at Davis Cup next week. It's on clay so he should be fine but you never know.
Rafa with his Award.....................http://the-slice.com/2011/11/rafa-receives-humanitarian-award/
RoastLamb
23-11-2011, 16:49
They just showed it on tennistv after the Tipsy-Berdbrain match. Rafa looked well wrapped up.
Did they? I switched off too soon! :crying:
For you Rafa fans..........enjoy!!!!.........http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mLc-okeHUZ4 ....should cheer you all up:thumbup:
Just read that Rafa has been suffering from gastro-enteritis all week. Apparently he wanted to withdraw from the tournament before Tuesday's match, but as Andy had just withdrawn he didn't want to give the fans any further disappointment so he played on. :grouphug:
Just read that Rafa has been suffering from gastro-enteritis all week. Apparently he wanted to withdraw from the tournament before Tuesday's match, but as Andy had just withdrawn he didn't want to give the fans any further disappointment so he played on. :grouphug:
That is just like him to do that. I wonder if he will play Davis Cup?
RoastLamb
25-11-2011, 13:56
Oh poor Rafa. I feel for him. :grouphug:
Hi everyone, thank you very much for your messages of encouragement, last year I played better, continue to work to improve my performance in this competition. Today day of rest in London and tomorrow will be travelling to Sevilla to face Davis Cup final with my colleagues. To win in Seville! (Translated by Bing)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150403010041026&set=a.456161351025.251362.64822581025&type=1&theater
VamosVixs
25-11-2011, 17:45
Just read that Rafa has been suffering from gastro-enteritis all week. Apparently he wanted to withdraw from the tournament before Tuesday's match, but as Andy had just withdrawn he didn't want to give the fans any further disappointment so he played on. :grouphug:
He just didn't look like himself this week, now we know why. Poor Rafa. :hug:
Poor Rafa - I didn't think he looked all that well last night - his face was very gaunt. Such a shame. :grouphug:
Hope he will be fine next weekend.
RoastLamb
25-11-2011, 17:52
Well, if Spain win the DC Rafa won't give two hoots for this tournament. :rolling:
VamosVixs
25-11-2011, 18:12
I think Rafa would prefer to win DC, he loves playing that.
Surely he will be better by then? He was already ill when he arrived in London - Benito let that slip - and gastro-enteritis would normally only last a week, I think?
The Davis Cup should be great for Rafa - I really can't see him losing to either Del Potro or Nalbandian on clay, plus there's David Ferrer who is so strong on clay too. After that I hope he has a relaxing break - the quote from him about losing his passion for tennis points to burn-out and he could definitely do with some time out where he doesn't have to think about tennis.
RoastLamb
25-11-2011, 18:37
If he's burned out I hope he doesn't play any stupid pointless exhibition matches. There's only three weeks between end of DC and Abu Dhabi or Doha, or whatever the first tournament for him is.
3 weeks is hardly any time at all. :sad: It amazes me how the ATP expect players to be at their physical best each year when they're being given so little time to recover. Even for players without the WTF or DC there's only a couple of weeks to rest before they have to start training again for the new season. The Christmas holidays must be so rushed for all of them.
He's playing Abu Dhabi. He was supposed to be playing an exho in Mexico but it's been cancelled (I think the promoters went broke).
VamosVixs
25-11-2011, 18:58
Doesn't feel like a close season break, 3 weeks is nothing. That's the same after some of the slams.
RoastLamb
25-11-2011, 19:12
He should quit Abu Dhabi as well. And Doha.
It was in Doha last year that he had that terrible virus where he couldn't stop sweating. And he hasn't got over it all year - in September he went to a special medical centre to look into the excessive sweating. He's had one illness after another. He was really ill in Canada. His doctor has been with his team a lot of the year, but they don't seem to have been able to find out what is really wrong with him. I'm quite worried actually.
RoastLamb
25-11-2011, 19:16
Maybe he's got mono, like Soderling?
Well, I've been thinking that all year. All the repeat viruses and sweating and general listlessness would seem to point to it. But if so, he's been a fool to continue playing instead of taking a long break.
RoastLamb
25-11-2011, 19:25
Maybe he should stay away from tennis till the clay season starts. That would probably be the best thing for him. But we all know he won't.
Im sure if it was mono he would know by now , might not be saying but hed know. I agree tho he doesnt look well.
Yes, surely it would have been diagnosed by now. So if that's what it is, more the fool him for continuing to play. Though it seems like they might still not know what is wrong - but there is definitely something wrong.
supergran
25-11-2011, 20:00
He didn't look at all well this week and gastro-enteritis can be very serious. He needs to rest and recuperate. Poor Rafa.
VamosVixs
25-11-2011, 20:03
I don't think he has mono, he would know by now if it was. He has just been inlucky this year and has been run down so is likely to pick up more bugs, especially travelling on planes a lot.
Rafa has arrived in Seville and is already practising for Friday!
http://postimage.org/image/obe7yssff/
VamosVixs
26-11-2011, 16:13
He will be glad to be back on the clay! :thumbup:
I was going to root for Argentina because they have never won but now I'm definitely cheering for Spain!
I'm definitely rooting for Spain. :swingin: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
Sad to read this. Hope that being back on the red, red clay of home will bring back Rafa's passion for the game.
http://www.sportinglife.com/tennis/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=tennis/11/11/25/TENNIS_London_Nadal.html&BID=553
Really nice article about Rafa - love the final sentence
http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/other-sports-news/bleak-diminished-nadal-left-to-ring-in-the-new-1.1136732
RoastLamb
26-11-2011, 17:31
Me too. I hope that if they win this will give Rafa new energy and hope; revitalise him as it did to Djokovic last year.
I really want to see the old Rafa back!
VamosVixs
26-11-2011, 19:03
He's still there, he will be back! :thumbup:
Didn't he lose all his Round Robin games in 2009 and then come back in 2010 to win 3 Majors? Rafa'll be O.K.
VamosVixs
26-11-2011, 21:36
Yes he did that's why I am confident he can have a great 2012! :thumbup:
as a sort of neutral :), cant help but thinking aus open could be a big deciding factor on how rafas season will pan out, its Farly obvious that at the heart of rafas current "malaise" is the numerious defeats at the hands of nole , ...... if nole repeats the pattern down under then i can seriously see rafa continue his slump (relatively speaking of course as most would give their left arm for rafas year)
RoastLamb
26-11-2011, 22:00
I suppose we also have to think how hard it will be for Djokovic to defend all those gazillions of points. Rafa could benefit from that. But then so could Fed. :sad:
VamosVixs
26-11-2011, 22:02
So could Andy! :swingin:
I suppose we also have to think how hard it will be for Djokovic to defend all those gazillions of points. Rafa could benefit from that. But then so could Fed. :sad:i think its only us mortals that worry about defending points, players play for the next slice of glory if nole takes aus he will serious pumped for RG ,
anyhow im not here to talk about nole .just thought i would share my words of wisdom RE: rafa ;)
Definitely Rafa will be back and ready for battle next year. If Spain win the DC next weekend surely that'll inspire Rafa just as it did Djoko. The 02 Area is not really the ideal hunting ground for him and as Alis wrote he lost all 3 matches 2 years ago but came back to win 3 grand slams. We'd all despaired of seeing him on the tennis courts after he was out for months with his knee but he came back stronger.
Rafa is a warrior and will get over the disappointments of this year and will once more come back even stronger. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
Definitely Rafa will be back and ready for battle next year. If Spain win the DC next weekend surely that'll inspire Rafa just as it did Djoko. The 02 Area is not really the ideal hunting ground for him and as Alis wrote he lost all 3 matches 2 years ago but came back to win 3 grand slams. We'd all despaired of seeing him on the tennis courts after he was out for months with his knee but he came back stronger.
Rafa is a warrior and will get over the disappointments of this year and will once more come back even stronger. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:losing here tho isnt the problem, losing to nole in god knows how many finals is, then again who knows who will get to aus in what shape
love the fact the season hasnt even finished and we have moved on to aus already no wonder the poor players are knackerd
RoastLamb
26-11-2011, 22:32
I just don't think Djoko will go into the next year with the same momentum (DC) and I don't think he'll defend all those points. However, I don't know if Rafa will be all juiced up and raring to go. I get the idea that he's just plain tired of the whole tennis circuit. Who knows? Only time will tell. I jsut hope that Andy's raring to go and finally - after three attempts - gets there! ;)
I just don't think Djoko will go into the next year with the same momentum (DC) and I don't think he'll defend all those points. However, I don't know if Rafa will be all juiced up and raring to go. I get the idea that he's just plain tired of the whole tennis circuit. Who knows? Only time will tell. I jsut hope that Andy's raring to go and finally - after three attempts - gets there! ;)now there is something we can all agree on
VamosVixs
26-11-2011, 22:33
Anyway small matter of davis cup final and no doubt Rafa will be highly motivated for this as he loves playing DC especially in Spain! And with the advantage of being in Spain on clay, I think Spain should win this! Hopefully this will help Rafa will get back some of his lost passion before he has his close season break. :thumbup:
Anyway small matter of davis cup final and no doubt Rafa will be highly motivated for this as he loves playing DC especially in Spain! And with the advantage of being in Spain on clay, I think Spain should win this! Hopefully Rafa will get back some of his lost passion before he has his close season break. :thumbup:1100 vixs but think you are now in the territory where only thousands count unless you count 1111
RoastLamb
26-11-2011, 22:38
Yup, I'm REALLY looking forward to the DC final. NO SWISS DUDES in it, that's why. ;)
VamosVixs
26-11-2011, 22:38
:lol:
losing here tho isnt the problem, losing to nole in god knows how many finals is, then again who knows who will get to aus in what shape
love the fact the season hasnt even finished and we have moved on to aus already no wonder the poor players are knackerd
Certainly Rafa's confidence has taken serious knocks by the losses especially on clay to Nole and that his losses in London would not probably be of all that much importance to him in the general scheme of things. Having said that he was humiliated by the Fed 3-6 0-6 and that would surely have hurt him.
Yep - who knows who out of the top 4 will start off the starting block in top form in January and who else will emerge to challenge them?
VamosVixs
26-11-2011, 22:57
Having said that he was humiliated by the Fed 3-6 0-6 and that would surely have hurt him.
Seemingly he had been ill so wasn't 100% so I don't think that match will worry him too much.
RoastLamb
26-11-2011, 23:08
Yep - who knows who out of the top 4 will start off the starting block in top form in January and who else will emerge to challenge them?
Hope to heck it's Andy and Milos!!!
Hope to heck it's Andy and Milos!!!
Hope it's Andy and Dolly. :rolling: :wave:
VamosVixs
26-11-2011, 23:11
Andy and Rafa for me!! That's all I want.:dance:
supergran
26-11-2011, 23:21
Andy for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cheer::cheer:: cheer::cheer::cheer:
VamosVixs
27-11-2011, 16:46
Wow, Rafa has reached 1 million followers on twitter!!! The first male tennis player to do so. :thumbup:
Just saw that. When it was first mentioned, he had 1,000,121. But it's just changed to 999,935. Strange.
VamosVixs
27-11-2011, 16:49
It's showing as 1,000,237 on mine.
Odd. Twitter doesn't seem to be working properly for me. It won't show my list of who I'm following at all - I just get a blank page.
ETA - logged off and logged back. Now I see 1,000,252. I can also see my list of who I'm following now, too.
VamosVixs
27-11-2011, 22:06
Rafa's tweet!
1million of followers is energy for the Davis:) Thanks to everyone,
supergran
27-11-2011, 23:51
Good on yer Rafa!!! He has never sent me a tweet. I have had tweets from Davis Cup players, from cricketers, from journalists, from dogs but never one from Andy or Rafa!!:sad:
VamosVixs
28-11-2011, 17:13
He must get thousands, be almost impossible to reply to individual tweets.
Brilliant match from Rafa today! :clap: :clap: So good to see him happy and playing well :)
But yikes! Just read that he's had to have his knee looked at :sofa:
To expand on my last post, his doctor was interviewed at DC and said that Rafa had pain in his right knee, and had a scan and MRI done. One report said that Rafa had to have a pain killing injection in his knee before his match. :sofa:
VamosVixs
03-12-2011, 20:28
I'm not too worried after reading this tweet.
Albert Costa said Rafa's knee was fine: "Rafa has trained well today and tomorrow he'll be perfect to play
VamosVixs
04-12-2011, 18:33
Rafa has announced he will not play DC next year, he wants to concentrate on No1 ranking.
Interesting as Rafa loves DC!!
Rafa has announced he will not play DC next year, he wants to concentrate on No1 ranking.
Interesting as Rafa loves DC!!
It's probably because it's an Olympic year - the schedule is so crowded and I'm sure Rafa would love to win gold again for Spain. Will be strange to not have him in the DC team, he definitely seems to thrive on the atmosphere and teamwork :).
JAMES4578
04-12-2011, 19:01
Disappointing for the event, though can understand the reasoning.
VamosVixs
04-12-2011, 19:09
It's already a packed schedule with the olympics next year, maybe Rafa feels it will be too much to play DC as well. I'm sure will see him back playing DC in 2013.
Fantastic match - well done Rafa. I have to admit that Delpo isn't my favourite player but I did feel sorry for him - 10+ hours of playing at the highest level and nothing to show for it - pretty hard to swallow.
RoastLamb
05-12-2011, 00:53
It's probably because it's an Olympic year - the schedule is so crowded and I'm sure Rafa would love to win gold again for Spain. Will be strange to not have him in the DC team, he definitely seems to thrive on the atmosphere and teamwork :).
Yeah, I bet it's coz he wants gas in his tank for the Olympics. And, anyway, what does he have to prove now? He's won the DC loads of times. At least he's not greedy (like others I could mention).
Remembering the good atmosphere in the Spanish team before winning the Davis. Here a little joke we did to David Ferrer ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwgu814gQ8Q&context=C28f18ADOEgsToPDskK0VwlxJAhylKEYRKF-q2gs
VamosVixs
07-12-2011, 17:56
Doesn't feel like the close season. Rafa is already back in training, preparing for the Oz Open.
But he's going to take a month off after AO. He did that this year, missing Dubai.
I see that Rafa predicts that Delpo will be back in the top 4 next year - who do you think he thinks will drop out?
Federer I suppose? I hope he's not thinking of dropping out himself!
http://www.tennisearth.com/news/tennisNews/Federer-Nadal-rivalry-Part-1-370178.htm
http://www.tennisearth.com/news/tennisNews/Federer-Nadal-rivalry-Part-2-368480.htm
Nadal plans to take February off - BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/16356228.stm)
He's not changed his schedule due to the injury; that's what he already planned to do, same as last year. Use the time between AO and IW as his off-season (as his real off-season is so short). The most important part of the season for him is from IW to Wimbledon.
RoastLamb
29-12-2011, 16:17
Twitter is all atwitter about his shoulder injury. If he's still not 100% then he should not come back at all till IW. He doesn't need the money from Abu Dhabi or Doha so why bother if it could make him worse?
VamosVixs
29-12-2011, 16:21
Is it rumours though or has he said that he is injured?
RoastLamb
29-12-2011, 16:25
That I can't figure out. The media peeps seem to sound like he's told them but he himself has not confirmed.
VamosVixs
29-12-2011, 16:34
Well if Rafa hasn't officially said anything, then I'm not worried. We will see how he plays tomorrow.
RoastLamb
29-12-2011, 16:40
Sometimes I just wish the media peeps would butt out and not speculate. They should make that their New Year's resolution. #wishfulthinking :lol:
VamosVixs
29-12-2011, 16:41
No danger, they are all about speculating!!! :lol:
Yes, Rafa did say a few days ago that he has a shoulder injury and hoped that it would be better in time for the start of the season.
The lastest quote from him says that it has improved this past week.
ETA: Here's an article today with quotes from Rafa. http://www.sport360.com/article/shoulder-injury-hampering-rafael-nadals-preparations-2012
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