ARTICLES:
- Nadal will surprise us again, says Kuerten (via Reuters)
“He turned it around last year and finished up as the number one again. Anything is possible for Rafa, but it depends on his physical condition and the level of Novak (Djokovic).” Kuerten does, however, urge caution. “His style has a massive impact on the body, it’s based on his physical performance a lot,” said Kuerten, affectionately known around the world as “Guga”. Although it may be asking a lot for Nadal to pick up the pace quickly enough to challenge for the Australian Open — the year’s first grand slam — Kuerten believes he will be firing on all cylinders for next year’s claycourt season. “Rafa thinks that is his territory,” he said. “I think even when he’s 95 years old you won’t be able to keep him down. He’s like from another planet at Roland Garros.“
- Nadal to Open Tennis Academy in Home Town in 2016 (via New York Times)
The 14-time Grand Slam winner has held a groundbreaking ceremony for the academy in his home town of Manacor. Nadal says “this is a special day for me, this project that we have been working on for many years is finally a reality.” He says the plan is to “begin with a summer camp in 2016.”
- Enough of autumn gloom: Rafael Nadal looks forward to 2015 – and 2016 (via The Sport Review)
“I have the same motivation as always, preparing for the new season. I am almost 100 percent recovered from my appendicitis operation. So in one week I’m going to start my practice, and I’m very excited for that. And I’ll work as hard as I can to be ready for the beginning of 2015: That is very important for me.”
- Rivalries 2014 – Djokovic vs. Nadal (via ATP World Tour)
- ‘Soy consciente de la vida real’ (via El Mundo)
“No estoy bien sin hacer nada. Además, me gusta rodearme de gente, de amigos, familia. Busco cosas para unirnos, divertirnos, y creo que tengo la suerte de que los más próximos son parecidos a mí.”
Rafael Nadal has defended the stem cell treatment he is underdoing to alleviate his back troubles, in the face of suggestions that it would be considered doping in Italy. “I don’t think that’s the case. I’m not privy to that information but at the end of the day we operate according to global rules. Obviously you do what’s allowed but I’d never dream of doing anything that’s not. I’d never do anything that might compromise my health“, the Majorcan told El Mundo.
PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal Lays First Brick For His Academy
VIDEOS:
- Rafael Nadal lays time capsule beneath his new tennis academy (via Daily Mail)
- Rafael Nadal and John Carlin – Banco Sabadell (Video 1 & Video 2)
VAAAMOOOSSS RAAAFAAA !!! We all miss u so much & we can’t wait to have u back! VAAAMOOOSSS for a fantastic 2015 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nadal will play amazing in 2015. he won’t need any help of Nole to become World Number 1 again! Rafa is the best.
I don’t think Rafa had to relay on someone’s performance, I’m pretty sure he is going to be amazing on his own performance. I can’t wait to see him back on the tennis court.
Absolutely proud to be one of Rafans and his achievements. Love you and may God bless you with a healthy 2015. Vamos Rafa!!!
The more we hear about you and from you, the more we love you for your forthright principles of sterling character, hard work, goals, respect for others and yourself, your closeness to family, friends, country, and proven interest in including people the world over in your spheres of interest and consideration. VAMOS, RAFA!!! ERES NUMERO UNO!!!.
you show ’em who’s boss Rafa !