ARTICLES:

• The rise and fall of Rafael Nadal (via ESPN)

For all the Spaniard’s physical problems and defeats on clay this year, he still won his record ninth French Open title. That gave him 14 Grand Slam singles titles, tying him with Pete Sampras for second-most all time for the men.

• Rafael Nadal To Rock Margaret Court Arena (via tennis.com.au)

“I’ve heard that the new roof on Margaret Court Arena is now finished and the pictures I’ve seen are amazing. The Australian fans are always fantastic and I hope they’ll come and experience the finished stadium at this special event,” Nadal said.

• Mark Philippoussis to play Rafael Nadal in build-up to Australian Open (via Herald Sun)

“Always when you didn’t compete for a while, to come back is difficult. But I will have the chance to play in Abu Dhabi first and then Doha, so I’m confident that will help me,’’ he said. “I’m sure when I start practising at the highest level (in the Middle East) I’m sure the level of intensity and competition will be helpful. Every match will be very important for me. “Only two events before the Australian Open is not much, especially after five months playing probably two tournaments. But that’s what it is. It’s not the first time it has happened for me. I’m motivated to be back strong again.’’

• Australian Open final one of Rafael Nadal’s ‘hardest moments’ in tennis (via smh.com.au)

“Last year was one of the hardest moments in a tennis court for me in my career, so I really suffered a lot during that match,” Nadal, the 2009 champion, said in a teleconference from Spain on Friday.

• Nadal practicing more, will play charity exhibition with Verdasco (via tennis.com)

Nadal will also play with the former Australian finalist Mark Philippoussis and junior singles champion Omar Jasika. The world No. 3 adds he is feeling much better physically, despite not playing much since winning Roland Garros due to injuries. “I am fine, I am working very hard, the last couple of weeks I really increased a lot my practice, this operation on the appendix was good, no problems at all,” Nadal said.

• Fashion Focus: Nike Men Spring 2015 (via The Slice)

While we don’t know what the top players will wear for the first tournaments of the year or Melbourne just yet, here’s a peek at some of their practice items (great for fans) as well as some items from the rest of the Nike collection. One thing that stands out: PINK.

• The importance of accepting the reality, according to Toni Nadal (via battennisworld.com)

“I don’t have any issues in telling my nephew if Federer is better, or Djokovic, or Murray. After all, there are players who have more ability at hitting the ball than Rafael, who hit it better. I think that accepting the reality is the first step to solving the problems and improving. … When all is said and done, there are always solutions. The best player doesn’t always win, nor does the one who hits the ball better.

• Gratificante visita al proyecto de India (via Rafa Nadal Foundation)

PHOTOS:

• 13 Adorable Rafael Nadal Shots to Get You Pumped For His Tommy Hilfiger Campaign (via SELF)
• Top 100 Tennis Photos Of The Year (via SI.com)

VIDEOS:

• INTERVIEW: Rafael Nadal On CNN’s Open Court
• Rafael Nadal’s off-season practice
• Entrenando antes de empezar el 2015 (via Rafael Nadal)
• Interview with Rafael Nadal – in Spanish (via Banco Sabadell)
• Navidad con Rafa Nadal – felicitación (via Vive Telefónica)