ARTICLES:
- Requiem for Rafa: Preparing for a US Open Without Nadal (via Rolling Stone)
What is it that I love about him? His face. His grunts. His wedgie-picking. I like that he’s coached by his uncle, and that he has a totally unguarded, sweet smile. I like his Facebook page, where he posts pictures of himself in his swimming pool with his entire family, as if that’s a normal thing to do. I like the slightly deer-in-headlights look he gets whenever he’s in front of a camera and not in motion with his racquet extended. … A couple of years ago, I saw Nadal walking down the street in Manhattan during the Open, and he seemed so small, so human-sized. I prefer him on television, where his forearms are the size of my thighs. Rest up that wrist, Rafa. I’m not ready to give you up just yet.
- Los Nadal, la ‘Sagrada Familia’ de Mallorca (via El Confidencial)
El tenista más laureado de España es el miembro de un clan que deja pequeños a los Sánchez Vicario. Si los Kennedy son la familia real de Estados Unidos aunque cuenten con un único monarca en su árbol genealógico, los Nadal son la ‘Sagrada Familia’ de Mallorca.
- Fans longing for Nadal, says Federer, but not players (via tennis.com)
Federer and Nadal have never played each other at Flushing Meadows, the only significant tournament that has not seen an installment of their famous rivalry. Nadal is 23-10 lifetime against Federer. The world No. 2 has won their last five meetings, including a straight-sets win at the Australian Open in January. “I mean, maybe he was not going to be in my section. Maybe I wouldn’t have played him at all, like I have never played him here in the last ten years anyways,” Federer said. “I mean, it’s just that the focus is more on you or other players rather than him.”
- Boris Becker’s take, from New York to Novak (via USA Today)
Boris Becker: If you see the world rankings and how much Novak and Rafael are away from the rest, it’s not happening it yet. I think the rest are still behind. … I can tell you who I wouldn’t want to play: Novak on a slow hardcourt or Nadal on any clay court or Federer in his prime on grass. My best chance against these guys would have been on grass or indoors.
- Strokes of Genius: The Best of the Men (via New York Times)
… 1. Rafael Nadal 2. Novak Djokovic 3. Roger Federer Not even close. A near first-place sweep for Nadal, although it seems best not to ask him to play for your life at this United States Open (he has withdrawn).
PHOTOS:
- Rafael Nadal attends Julio Iglesias’ concert in Alicante (August 6, 2014)
VIDEOS:
- Federer, Nadal accept Ice Bucket Challenge (via tennis.com)
- The Social Show: Every player Ice Bucket Challenge (via Australian Open)
- ‘Asamblea Fashion’, sobre Rafa Nadal: “Le pones un bigote y se parece a Aznar” (via telecinco.com)
you have said it all .all of you, he is just a wonder, he will go far beyond all the other tennis players in his life , I just wish him good health, and much love xxxxxxxxxx
There is no joy for mei in watching the US Open without Rafael Nadal . Why is that? I think it is RF.s. Intensity. that hard to. Describe “je ne sais quoi” He re ignites inme the will to win.
I miss you Rafa. also i would advise that you be patient in your recovery. Our bodies work hard for us. they deserve. RECOVERY TIME .I am learning that as an oldie. I have said this before “whatever you choose to do . Youwill succeed. Every good wish Jean Palmer. Winnipeg Canada.
I hope Rafa can still play for more years before he decides to hang up his racket. I also hope he will still keep us fans updated with his activities in his facebook when his tennis days on courts are done. Hope this is not just wishful thinking….. Miss you Rafa and get well soon.
All of the above and more. He is my perfect man and missing him so much on court. Not the same without him much love rafa our number 1 Xxxx
I love his sunkissed bronze complexion. I love his bold fashion sense and all the bright colors he wears. He can wear anything (or nothing *wink*). I love his righty turned lefty serve. I love his perfect body. I love his undying work ethic and phenomenal talent. He has the heart of a champion and a sweet humble genuine endearing spirit. I love his rituals. I love that he is the greatest of all time. Seriously what’s not to love?!
The NY Times panel of 2 dozen players, coaches and analysts voted Rafa “the player they would choose to win a match for them if their – the panel member’s – life depended on it.” Considering Rafa’s 24-7 combined win-loss record in slam matches versus Federer, Djokovic & Murray, you’d have to be a total fool – or liar – to say otherwise. This panel of experts confirms what I’ve been saying all along: Rafa is the GOAT. VAMOS!!!
Everything! I so miss him out there on the tennis court – I just hope there will be more of Rafa in the future!
As I read the Rolling Stone article and added to the comments, which I shared, I realized it would be a shorter task to say what I don’t like about him, though, in contemplation, a more difficult one – since I can’t think of one thing.
But now I am sad contemplating his retirement. Now, we are aching for him, but I remind myself that he is in worse pain than we are for having to miss last 3 tournaments he might very well have won.
In retirement — I have no doubt WE FANS will feel the pain more. He will go on to pursue other dreams, while we will be left only to miss a thing of beauty. Thankful for video . . .
his humility and graciousness, his court demeanor and his respect o the other players says it all about Rafa, it will be a very sad day for the Tennis World in general when he does retire. he is the epitome of all sporting Greats
lo que mas admiro de nadal es su coraje para salir de situaciones dificiles, su temple, su fortaleza fisica y animica, su encomio, su competitividad, su compromiso con el tenis t con los espectadores, su garra, su tozudez, la llista continua….
I HAVE WATCHED RAFA SINCE A SMALL BOY, LIKE SO MANY OF US. I ADORE HIM ,I,LL GIVE HIM A LAUGH( I AM A GRANMOTHER), HAD ALL BOYS AND THEN LITTLE,ONE,SI HAVE ALWAYS ADMIRED A YOUG MAN WHO REACHES FOR HIS DREAM, AND I THANK HIM SO MUCH FOR HIS TENNIS HIS SPIRIT PASSION AND SIMPLY BEING SO LOVELY. HE WELL RETURN AND BE PHENOMENAL, AND WHEN THE TIME COMES FOR HIN TO, RETIRE, HE THEN, AS HE SAID, BE A TOURIST WORLD WIDE, I WISH HIM ALL GOOD HEALTH ,HAPPINESS SO TAKE CARE, AND WELL BE WATCHING BOTH YOU AND YOUR LOVELY LADY .XX,
everything that article said is true that’s y I love him to if it was one player I had to choose to play for my life definitely would be rafa I love and miss u rafael