Photo: @Beau27/@zoejrogers

Photo: @Beau27/@zoejrogers

Photo: @Beau27/@zoejrogers

ARTICLES:

• The rebuilding of Rafa (via The Age)

… Should Nadal add this year’s title to his 2009 triumph, there will doubtless be some who wonder aloud if he is capable of achieving the holy grail, the grand slam of Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open in the same calendar year. No one’s done it since Laver in 1969. But John McEnroe, the last great left-hander before Nadal came along, believes the Spaniard has shown anything is possible.

• Faster, Rafael Nadal! Kill! Kill! The truth about Rafa at the Australian Open (via OregonLive.com)

… At any rate, Rafa’s fans shouldn’t worry that the courts in Melbourne might be playing faster this year. Sure, the conditions perturb Nadal, but subconsciously that’s the way he likes to be when coming into a big tournament.

• Nadal and Djokovic’s Keys To Success (via ATP)

… Both enjoyed outstanding seasons, and statistics show that Nadal benefitted from a great year on return (along with a consistent year on serve), while Djokovic was boosted by a banner year on serve.

• Three To See, 2014 Aussie Open: Day 6 (via tennis.com)
• Australian Open Day 6 matches to watch: Rafael Nadal-Gael Monfils on tap (via SI.com)
• Day 6 preview: Buckle up (via AO)
• Following in Rafa Nadal’s footsteps (via virgin.com)

… Rafa and I were in deep conversation when this photo was taken, walking around Necker while a good friend’s son (Arslan) tried to keep up. It’s tough following in Rafa’s footsteps!

• Rafael Nadal speaks to the media after his second-round win at the Australian Open. [Audio]
• Tennis View Magazine’s Australian Open Giveaway

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal practices with Stanislas Wawrinka

VIDEOS:

• Rafael Nadal interview vs Kokkinakis Highlights Australian Open R2 2014
• Borna Coric shares his thoughts on practicing with Rafa in Mallorca. Check out the video. English part starts at 3:21.

ICYMI: Nadal vs. Monfils — What time does Rafa play? / A que hora juega Rafa en tu país?