Photo via Tennis TV

Photo: Rafa Nadal’s Facebook

ARTICLES:

• Peliwo: My week as Rafa’s hitting partner (via tennishead.net)

… “I have played with him once before, so I knew what to expect but I think I am handling things pretty well,” Peliwo said. “Rafa seems to bring out my best game because I have to go 100% with my intensity and that brings my game up. “Rafa forces you to play 100% or even 110% – over your maximum. At first it was a bit difficult because I hadn’t been playing with players like Rafa but once I got used to it I am not missing too much.

• Nadal crowned year-end No. 1 in special ceremony (via ESPN)

… “I just thank my family. Without their support, this wouldn’t have been possible. It’s been a very emotional year and ending here with so much support at the O2. It’s fantastic after what happened last year.

• Federer-Nadal, By the Numbers (via tennisnow.com)

… 30: Number of Grand Slams won by Federer and Nadal combined. That’s a lot of hardware. Sunday’s match marks the first time that 30 Grand Slam titles have shared the same court in an ATP match. 

• ATP Tour Finals: Federer content for Nadal to be favourite (via BBC)

… Nadal, 27, secured his semi-final place on Friday and is looking to win the season-ending title for the first time. “I am in the semi-finals without losing a match, so that’s the most important thing for me,” he said. “The only way to win the semi-finals is playing my best match, playing fantastic tennis.”

• Federer on facing Nadal: Must look at myself as underdog (via tennis.com)

… “We know each other that well. He’s going to do exactly what he needs to do, I’m going to try to do what I need to do. Hopefully it’s going to match up good for me. If not, he deserves it. He’s had a wonderful season.”

• Rafa & Roger: The Rivalry (via ATP)
• Nadal, en la tierra de los pistoleros (via El Pais)

… La pista ‘indoor’ de Londres premia la agresividad y castiga que la pelota del español tarde más en llegar a sus rivales: 0,65s, por los 0,61s de Djokovic y los 0,43s de Del Potro

VIDEOS:

• Andy Murray Retells Nadal Prank – The Jonathan Ross Show
• Rafael Nadal Talks About Receiving Player Awards in London
• In the rain Rafa takes time with the fans!
• Rafael Nadal on adapting his forehand
• Barclays ATP World Tour Finals 2013 Sunday Preview Nadal Federer

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal receives his Year End No.1 trophy in London