ARTICLES:

• Nadal Makes Winning Return In Basel (via ATP World Tour)

“This was a very important victory for me,” said Nadal. “I played a good match, a solid one. I played with not many mistakes.” “The important goal for me is to try my best in the next round,” added Nadal, “and to enjoy every minute on court and the love of the fans. To enjoy tennis and enjoy the tournament.”

• Nadal no despeja dudas (via El Pais)

El español hizo mucho por tapar las fisuras de la inactividad, y avanzó hasta la siguiente ronda, donde le espera el francés Pierre-Hugues Herbert, un sacador. Su victoria, en cualquier caso, no responde a la pregunta que le rodea estos días: ¿decidirá operarse antes de que acabe la temporada, o finalmente participará en noviembre en la Copa de Maestros? … “No tengo metas importantes en lo que queda de año. Simplemente quiero disfrutar del tenis”.

• Rafael Nadal: It is ‘beautiful’ to be in rival Roger Federer’s home town Basel (via The Sport Review)

So how did he feel in Basel after so long, and having enjoyed so little success in the home of his oldest rival? “I feel great,” said Nadal. “And I think all the time when Roger comes to Spain, he feels the love of the people, the respect of everybody in Spain for his tennis and for him as a person, and for our rivalry. “Our rivalry is not [the kind of] rivalry that we hate each other, it’s one that we respect each other. There have been a lot of important moments for both of us on court. “It is beautiful to be in his home today, feeling that the fans understand this rivalry the same as the Spanish fans. The crowd supported me and was happy to see me here, and I just want to say thank you very much for coming to fill the stadium.”

• Rafael Nadal To Appear On Next Haute Time Cover (via hautetime.com)

The world No 3, speaking at a promotional Golf tournament organized by Richard Mille in the South of France, revealed how the luxury watch brand convinced him to wear a watch on the court. Something he “never thought” he would do. “It’s really an honor to be part of the Richard Mille family,” said Nadal. “For me, Richard is like a friend.” … Asked how the watch feels on the wrist during match play, Nadal said: “Seriously, I forget about it, it’s like I’m wearing nothing. When I play tennis, I forget that I am wearing a watch.”

• 660 niños se han beneficiado de la labor de la Fundación Rafa Nadal y Aldeas Infantiles (via mallorcaconfidencial.com)

PHOTOS:

• Rafael Nadal beats Simone Bolelli in Basel opener
• Nadal and his girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello in Cannes

VIDEOS:

• Rafael Nadal’s Hot Shot Against Simone Bolelli
• Rafa’s post-match on court interview (via YouTube/stoppa777)
• Interview with Rafael Nadal in Basel
• Rafa Nadal vs The World Highlights (via PokerStars)
• ATP World Tour Uncovered: ATP Awards

REMINDER: Nadal vs. Herbert – What time does Rafa play? / ¿A que hora juega Rafa?