Articles:

• ‘Rafael Nadal Is the Leonardo da Vinci of Tennis’ – via theatlantic.com

… TV commentator and retired tennis legend John McEnroe remarked, “What we’re seeing here, this guy is the Leonardo da Vinci—the Albert Einstein—of tennis.” …

• “I would have loved to have been there supporting Madrid 2020” – via marca.com

“It would provide a real shot in the arm for our country. Madrid has been fighting for this for many years, and with all the effort that it has put in and continues to put in to land the Olympics, it deserves them,” said Rafa.

• In Federer-Nadal Rivalry, Best Debate Is Yet to Come – via nytimes.com

… Oh, but wouldn’t Federer, despite losing in three sets to Tommy Robredo in the fourth round, have challenged Nadal with a greater arsenal than Robredo, who at best could be characterized as a poor man’s Nadal? …

• Rafa Nadal’s $690,000 watch is part of his game now – via today.com

“I don’t feel the watch,” Rafa said, strapping it on before practice at the U.S. Open in New York on Tuesday. “It’s very light and when I don’t wear the watch, I feel like something is not working.”

• Rafael Nadal’s greatness, defined by the U.S. Open — and time – via oregonlive.com

… So wrap those knees Rafa and bear down. You’ve already achieved tennis greatness. And now you’re very close to so much more.

Videos:

• Watch Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet – rivals in the US Open semi-final – play as kids!
• Full highlights: Gasquet v Ferrer – extended highlights of the US Open match between Richard Gasquet and David Ferrer (via Eurosport)
• Men’s highlights: Highlights from the men’s draw at the US Open, with Rafa Nadal and Richard Gasquet on winning form (via Eurosport)
• Rafa Nadal Post QF interview: “Este es el camino a seguir” (via ESPN)
• Interview with Toni Nadal (via nadalnews)
• Passion, again (via nadalnews)

Photos: Rafa vs Tommy Robredo