PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal awarded at the Premio Los Leones 2017

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Rafael Nadal has been awarded at the Premio Los Leones 2017, presented by the publication El Español, for his sporting career.

Photo via El Español
Photo via El Español
Photo via El Español
Photo via El Español
Photo via El Español
Photo via El Español
Photo via El Español
Photo via El Español
Photo via El Español
Photo via El Español
Photo via El Español
Photo via El Español
Photo via El Español

Rafa picked up the prize at an event which took place at the Teatro Real in Madrid, which was also attended by Real Madrid’s superstars Zinedine Zidane, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo.

Florentino Pérez was recognized for his management of Real Madrid and Ignacio Echeverría received a posthumous award for solidarity.

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VIDEO: Roger Federer congratulates Rafael Nadal on the one year anniversary of the Rafa Nadal Academy

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Roger Federer took time to congratulate Rafael Nadal on the one-year anniversary of the Rafa Nadal Academy.

Rafa posted this video to thank him.

The invitation is always open for you. The only thing that cannot happen again is that after coming here you play that well again. If that’s going to happen, I don’t invite you. Just a joke. See you soon.

Thank you @RogerFederer for congratulating us!!! @RafaelNadal invites you to the #Academy again… or not? 😂 😂 #RNA1year

A post shared by Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rafanadalacademy) on

Rafa withdraws from Basel to rest his sore knee

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Yifan Ding/Getty Images

Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from next week’s Basel indoor tournament because of fatigue.

Our champ announced his decision on his Facebook page.

I sadly announce that I have to pull out of the Swiss Indoors Basel, after seeing my doctor in Spain just after landing from Shanghai.
I am suffering from an over stressing of the knee and the problems where already present at the tournament in Shanghai which now forces me to take a time off on advice of my doctor.
After two great weeks in China, with the title in Beijing and the final in Shanghai it is time for some rest.
I want to send a special message to the many tennis fans in Switzerland which have always showed great support and respect also on my matches with Roger.
Hope to see you next year.

Shanghai Masters 2017: Post final presser

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Interviews41 Comments

Transcript of the presser Rafael Nadal gave after his loss to Roger Federer in Shanghai.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You said at the start of the week that Roger in these conditions would be a significant challenge. How do you assess tonight’s final?
RAFAEL NADAL: Yeah, of course, have been a very difficult match for me. He played very fast and he played well. I don’t know how many unforced errors he make, but I don’t remember. He played so well, I think.

Yeah, I could do maybe some things better, but that’s it. No, no, just he played too good. That’s my point of view. So congrats to him.

Rafael Nadal of Spain attends a press conference after losing the Men’s singles final mach against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain attends a press conference after losing the Men’s singles final mach against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain attends a press conference after losing the Men’s singles final mach against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain attends a press conference after losing the Men’s singles final mach against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain attends a press conference after losing the Men’s singles final mach against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain attends a press conference after losing the Men’s singles final mach against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain attends a press conference after losing the Men’s singles final mach against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Q. Regardless of tonight’s result, you have been playing in this part of the season better than you have played in most of your career. Is there something that you have done to adjust the preparation? Is it just that you managed to keep yourself healthy? Is there something that you have learned to basically perform better in this part of the season this year?
RAFAEL NADAL: No, I played well. That’s all, no? Beijing have been a tournament that takes time for me to play well. I never liked a lot the balls there. Was difficult to find a good rhythm. I played great in Beijing this year.

And here too. I played a fantastic tournament, having very good wins. Very pleased the way I played the whole Asian tour for me, whole China tour. Beijing, Shanghai have been a very positive two weeks for me. A lot of points, a lot of victories against great opponents. I come back with very good personal satisfaction the way that I played.  Continue reading “Shanghai Masters 2017: Post final presser” →

ATP Rankings: Rafael Nadal still leads Roger Federer by 1,960 points

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Rankings15 Comments

(EFE) – Rafael Nadal remained in the number one spot in the ATP world singles rankings released on Monday. He maintained the top spot although he lost the Shanghai Rolex Masters final on Sunday against Roger Federer, who came in second.

Rafa still leads Federer by 1,960 points in the rankings with 3,000 points available for both men at Basel, Paris and ATP Finals.

Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

Andy Murray occupied the third position, while Marin Cilic jumped to the fourth. Alexander Zverev dropped to fifth. Dominic Thiem went up one position to replace Novak Djokovic, who held the seventh spot. Grigor Dimitrov jumped to the eighth spot, while Stan Wawrinka dropped to the ninth.

The current ATP rankings and point scores are as follows:

1. Rafael Nadal – 10,465 points

2. Roger Federer – 8,505

3. Andy Murray – 5,290

4. Marin Cilic – 4,505

5. Alexander Zverev – 4,400

6. Dominic Thiem – 3,935

7. Novak Djokovic – 3,765

8. Grigor Dimitrov – 3,590

9. Stan Wawrinka – 3,450

10. David Goffin – 2,885

Source: EFE

VIDEO: Shanghai final match highlights

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Plus, best Hot Shots and Rallies from the whole week.

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal loses to Roger Federer in Shanghai final

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Photos66 Comments

Roger Federer denied Rafael Nadal a first Shanghai Masters title as he powered his way to a straight-sets victory in Sunday’s final.

The Swiss player beat our champ for a fourth time this season and fifth in succession, needing three breaks of serve and 82 minutes to claim his 94th career title thanks to a 6-4, 6-3 victory.

Rafa didn’t move well and we just hope his knee is not bothering him too much.

After the match, Rafa said:

I want to congratulate Roger for a great year. Today you played a fantastic match.

This year for me has been my most successful year in China. It’s been a great two weeks, I feel very happy for what has happened for me.

Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the runner-up trophy after the Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 8 of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Yifan Ding/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain enters the court for the Men’s Single Final against Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain enters the court for the Men’s Single Final against Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain enters the tennis court during the Men’s singles final mach against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain enters the tennis court during the Men’s singles final mach against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in the Men’s Single Final against Roger Federer of Switzerland on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the Men’s Single Final on Day 8 of the 2017 ATP 1000 Shanghai Rolex Masters on October 15, 2017 at Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Kevin Lee/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Roger Federer of Switzerland (L) is congratulated by Rafael Nadal of Spain after their men’s singles final match at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai on October 15, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Chandan KHANNA (Photo credit should read CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP/Getty Images)
Tennis – Shanghai Masters tennis tournament – Men’s Singles Finals – Shanghai, China – October 15, 2017 – Winner Roger Federer of Switzerland and Rafael Nadal of Spain after the match. REUTERS/Aly Song
SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the award ceremony after losing his Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the award ceremony after losing his Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with runner-up trophy during the award ceremony after losing his Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 8 of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Yifan Ding/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the award ceremony after losing his Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain speak during the award ceremony after losing his Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 15: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts with runner-up trophy during the award ceremony after losing his Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 8 of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Yifan Ding/Getty Images)
Roger Federer of Switzerland with Rafael Nadal of Spain pose with their trophy after the Men’s singles final mach on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Roger Federer of Switzerland with Rafael Nadal of Spain pose with their trophy after the Men’s singles final mach on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Roger Federer of Switzerland with Rafael Nadal of Spain pose with their trophy after the Men’s singles final mach on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Winner Roger Federer of Switzerland (L) and second-placed Rafael Nadal of Spain react as they hold their trophies after the men’s singles final match at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai on October 15, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Nicolas ASFOURI (Photo credit should read NICOLAS ASFOURI/AFP/Getty Images)
Roger Federer of Switzerland with Rafael Nadal of Spain pose with their trophy after the Men’s singles final mach on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Roger Federer of Switzerland talk with Rafael Nadal of Spain during the award ceremony after the Men’s singles final mach on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain with the runner-up trophy after the Men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day eight of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Oct. 14, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)