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ARTICLES:

• 10 Reasons Why Rafael Nadal is the Greatest Tennis Player of All Time  (via rantsports.com)

… Rafael Nadal, the current no. 1 ranked tennis player in the world, has been at the top of the game for almost 10 long years. Since his first Grand Slam victory at his beloved tournament, the French Open, he has never looked back and has gradually transformed his game to become one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

• Beating Roger Federer in a Grand Slam is the kiss of death (via ftw.usatoday.com)

… As Rafael Nadal showed Sunday at the Australian Open, beating Roger Federer in a Grand Slam isn’t all its cracked up to be. As noted by the folks at TennisAbstract.com, the last eight players to defeat Federer at a major all lost their next matches.

• Rafael Nadal won’t miss any events (via ESPN)

… Rafael Nadal doesn’t expect to miss any tournaments as a result of the back injury that contributed to his loss in the Australian Open final. A statement from the world’s top-ranked player says he will have another medical exam on Monday after doctors in Barcelona examined his back following his return from Australia.

• Entrevista con Juan Monaco (via master1000.es)

… Es maravilloso lo que logró Rafa. Después de estar por más de siete meses fuera del circuito, volvió alcanzando diez títulos y consiguió el número uno del ranking de la ATP. Es un gladiador dentro de la pista, el cual tiene muy claro sus objetivos, es de esas personas que hasta que no alcanza lo que se propone no terminará con ello.

• Nadal sufre un edema óseo con sobrecarga en la columna (via El Pais)

… El número uno, que no puede entrenarse, se tratará con antiinflamatorios y fisioterapia “intensiva”.

• Rochus ataca de nuevo a Nadal: «Fue al vestuario a ponerse una inyección» (via abc.es)

… Los minutos en los que Nadal abandonó el partido para tratarse de sus dolores fueron aprovechados por Rochus, comentarista del torneo australiano para Eurosport Francia, para atacar al español: «Cuando volvió del vestuario estaba cojeando. Después, sorprendentemente, podía correr en el tercer y el cuarto set». «Claramente dejó la pista para recibir una inyección», sentenció.

• Was that the Shark? (via tennis.com)

… But don’t underestimate the value of Nadal’s unique talent for winning Roland Garros. Given the demolition of the theory that tennis inevitably and increasingly will be a young man’s game, it isn’t inconceivable that Rafa could win enough titles at Roland Garros alone to wind up with 18 majors.

• Rafael Nadal turns suffering into beautiful game (via thetimes.co.uk)
• Juega contra Rafa Nadal en las mesas Zoom el 31 de enero (via pokerstars.es)
• Mueller Signs The World’s #1 Ranked Tennis Star To Three-Year-Deal (via muellersportsmed.com)

VIDEOS:

• Rafael Nadal talks about his back injury, rehab and returning to tennis
• Rafael Nadal’s best moments in Doha and Melbourne

PHOTOS:

• Rafael Nadal arrives at Barcelona airport