ARTICLES:
- Nadal And Berdych Qualify For Barclays ATP World Tour Finals (via ATP World Tour)
Just two spots remain in the eight-man field at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals as Rafael Nadal and Tomas Berdych have secured their places at the Final Showdown.
Nadal qualified for the season finale for the 11th consecutive season after reaching the semi-finals of the Shanghai Rolex Masters, one week on from a runner-up showing at the China Open in Beijing (l. to Djokovic).
Q: What are the major changes in your preparation?
A: We’re training on more specific things we hadn’t done in recent years. Returning from closer to the net, trying to concede less court. I’m trying things, even though they don’t always work perfectly. But between now and next year I have time to further develop the changes.
Q: You have seen how many times people have prematurely written off Roger Federer. Do you feel you have been prematurely written off?
A: I don’t know if I have been prematurely written off, but I don’t worry much about it. I go my own way and don’t care if people write me off. In the end, they are all opinions and everyone is entitled to have their own. All opinions are valid, providing respect is shown. But sometimes that has been lacking.
- Nadal: “Sé quién soy y sé lo que he hecho” (via Marca)
P. España está obligada a tener un mixto en los Juegos. ¿Le gustaría jugarlo con Garbiñe Muguruza?
R. Me encantaría jugarlo con Garbiñe, pero queda mucho.
P. Lo que parece claro es que el dobles lo disputará con Fernando Verdasco.
R. No es oficial. Con Fer hablamos de empezar a jugar juntos algunos torneos desde Montreal y luego ya se verá.
VIDEO:
- Nadal lands the most graceful fall of all-time on a tennis court (via tennis.com)
Rafael Nadal had a lot to smile about this week. That’s not a statement that could be made often this season, as everyone knows. But he blasted Stan Wawrinka, 6-2, 6-1, to set up a semifinal showdown at the Shanghai Masters event against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. And during that encounter, he executed what immediately became the most graceful tumble ever taken on a tennis court.
It would be silly for anyone to write Rafa off, but it would be equally silly for anyone to assume that he will win more slams just because he’s won them before. People thought the same thing about 25-year-old John McEnroe in 1984 after he won 82 out of 85 matches and won 3 slams in the process, finishing world-ranked #1 for the fourth year in a row. Everyone thought he was a lock to win a bunch of more slams after that record-setting year. But guess what folks – he never won another slam, and only reached one more slam final.
Similar stories of a sudden fall from grace occurred for other great champions such as Mats Wilander, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and Jim Courier. And on the women’s side, for Maureen Connolly, Tracy Austin, Martina Hingis and Venus Williams. Among others.
Staying at the top is not a given. Nor is returning to the top. Especially when said player refuses to hire the best coaching available, and instead relies on an uncle who never played or coached on the pro tour(prior to coaching his nephew), and whom no other player on tour would hire as their coach, even if he offered his services for free.
Agree. I love Rafa and has watched him play since he was 18 years old. The reality is the other players have figured out how to beat Rafa and Rafa has’t changed anything about his game.
It is not about lack of hard work or getting old or even being nerves during the match, IT IS ABOUT LACK OF variety and adjustments in his game. His game is predictable. You can close your eyes and know where the Rafa’s ball lands on the court. The truth is no change no GS.
VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) !!!!!!!!! : ) : ) Happy you have a few days to be back home ……. : ) : ) : ) Enjoy!!!!!!! : ) : ) Have a great time & enjoy all your precious on going accomplishments!!!!!!!! : ) : ) Your 2015 is evolving & looking strong & successful….. a fine great year !!!!! : ) : ) : ) & it is getting better by each point…… : ) : ) ci….ci….ci….. You are so amazing dear Rafa!!!!! Our hearts are delighted for you & your strong competitive Tennis!!!!!!!! VAMOS……..VAMOS……..VAMOS……. : ) : ) : )
Your spectacular Tennis is an on going gift to all Tennis fans !!!!!! From what I see, the entire Sport world has very high regard for you as a person & as a fantastic Tennis player!!!!! You have humbly earned enormous respect & profound appreciation for your outstanding on going accomplishments AS WELL AS for your solid character & kind warm & friendly personality. Last Wed. (10-16-2105) I watched some tennis commentators speak about your amazing hard court success; China Open & Shanghai run & all three of them were very excited for you & acknowledged your high level and competitive play on ALL SURFACES & your strong return. They mentioned your the titles you won this year and clearly view you as one of the very top players. Your game is right up there & actually stronger than most top players…..
I love that when you step onto any court you give respect to all opponents and earnestly go about your fierce competition!!!! : ) It makes NO difference which player won by how much or against who or when etc…..the only thing that matters is who ever is on the other side of the net is one to compete against on day of match. In other words, just because jo took novak does not make jo better player than you, or novak or alex the dog etc….your last semi could have gone either way…….& your Tennis was all there …….clearly all top players can win or loose on a given day…and that is what I love about your approach sweetheart, you walk onto the court ready with an open attitude to have fun & compete for a win or compete to better your level etc…..
I don’t mean to go on & on but just wish to mention here that your Tennis history Rafa shows us that you have unique & heroic qualities that books & movies are made of!!!!!!! : ) When I think of all the years I have watched your amazing Tennis develop & improve & evolve….with complete confidence I can say that you, more than all players, have put forth more passion and beauty to the sport & your determination is so rare & special!!!!! Plus, more than all other players you have genuinely earned record breaking TOP ACCOMPLISHMENTS !!!!! It is breath taking to see how much you constantly developing mastering your shots, your serve, your everything!!!!! We watched you play golf by the way, & were impressed with your kin talent on the green!!!!! : ) : )
Being driven w self motivation & inner discipline is your strength dear Rafa !!!!! Always know that…..& one of the special gifts about you is that you always followed your passion and what felt right for you! You have a great powerful mind body coordination & it is admirable how you use that blessing to accompany your hard work & your natural competitive force – gift!!!!!
We all adore watching your matches!!!!!! Your brilliant talent is mighty special, Relevant and has stood the test of time. No need ever to mind few poor opinions. Disrespectful critics have zero integrity, and therefore, no need to ever consider their empty words. What is for sure is that NO ONE who loves Tennis will ever write off any top players. You are cherished Rafa Nadal !!!!!!! : )
Maybe in your new Tennis Academy you can put together an Academic course that shows ALL your interviews….and let the young players view & learn from your mannerism & sportsmanship!!!!! : )
Have lots & lots of fun at home….& enjoy & have great fun for the rest of the season!!!! All Tennis fans are thrilled to have you back in the top mix & congratulations on making such meaningful comeback !!!!! : ) You continue to amaze us all with your fantastic beautiful Tennis!!!!!!! : ) Have a very nice week & VAMOS DEAR RAFA & God bless you!!!!!!!! : ) : )
ps: thank you to all the folks who run this great site….& putting all the great photos, videos & updates….thanks very much!!!!! : ) It is so much fun to read especially in between tours….
Indeed Fan Love, we all love this website!
Hello Rafa 💗, my champ. You are a true star, ignore what is written about you. Your loyal fans will never ever dream to do such a thing. At such a young age you have achieved a lot. Plus you have given us the most beautiful memories of some of the best matches you played.
You have entertained all the people. Your million dollar smile brightens the courts when you walk on to it.
You are a much loved and respected star, you truly deserve to be loved.
Happy you have reached back to your form, which was clearly seen in the last two weeks.
Waiting for your next tournament. 💜Rafa.💖.
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee you always. 🌷 🌽 🌼 🌺 🌺 🌺 🌻 🌼
Ignore the writings. Don’t bother your self , just keep practising, focus on your new form.
God bless you, Rafa 💗 💖 💛 💜 💓 💔 💕.
Genuine loyal trusted fans would never write off Rafa no matter how tough the going gets as we will remain committed in supporting him through thick or thin times. Only bandwagoners jump on the train to support an athlete and leave them as soon as the picture gets a little cloudy. I truly believe Rafa has the most loyal followers of all the men’s players along with Roger Federer. Those that are chastizing or abandoning Rafa were never true fans to begin with so it really doesn’t matter. Rafa has already accomplished more than what most players could succeed to do in several lifetimes. We should all support Rafa in his passion to seek more titles if that is his wish and if his wish is to someday hang up his racket, we should all remember all the historic feats he has achieved and cherish them remembering how utterly fantastic he was. The man with lovely passion, honor, sportsmanship, perseverance and humility. That’s our superb Rafa! Vamos and make more dreams come true!
Felicidades Nadal, estoy segura que lograras llegar al Nª 1 nuevamente, un Abrazo.
HOLA CHAMPO FANTASTICO RAFAELLO CARAMELLO YUMMY OH OH WISHING YOU GOODLUCK IN YOUR UPCOMING TOURNAMENT AND MATCH YOUR DONE WELL IN CHINA AND ITS GOOD TO SEE THAT YOUR DOING YOUR OWN THING AND NOT LETTING PEOPLES OPINION WORRY YOU CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU DOWN UNDER FOR OUR AUSTRALIAN SUMMER 2016 AUSTRALIAN OPEN FROM ME TO YOU BULA FROM THE PRINCESS OF FIJI
Those who write him off don’t count; those who count are his loyal fans who love and believe in him whether he wins or loses.
Rafa is easily the most classy and “beautiful” tennis player ever. Those of us who love him acknowledge that undisputed fact. He has given, and continues to give us lots to cheer for, and he does so always with the same grace and charm – win or lose.
BELOVED RAFA !! I would NEVER write you off.
No one should write you off Rafa ,this last two weeks have proved that your game is coming back,you’ve played some brilliant points ,games and matches and it’s just been a point here or there ,keep going champ ,your fans will never write you off ,vamos Rafa ,I for one am very proud of your perseverance ,
Vamos Rafa!! You will come back to your best! We are will with you. Vamos Rafa <3 <3 <3
How sensible to ignore those who love to put forwards such opinions. Anyone who knows the character and ability of Rafael would know that he will return to his best form. He always figures things out as he is intelligent and focused. Fantastic that he has qualified for the London. Vamos Rafaaaa
Win or loose always with you Rafa❤️😊🎾🏆🌟 VAMOS! 😘
Rafa is working hard and making progress at his own pace. He knows what he is doing and is right not to let such a negative comment have an impact on his overall goals. Well said Rafa…. Vamos!
We’re never going to write you off – you’ll always be our number 1! We believe in your ability to become world number 1 again as well 🙂
How can you possibly think people have written you off. Everywhere you go the people cheer for you. Sometimes I think the other players must feel slighted. At times it is obvious you are their favorite. I agree you must do what you want and think what you want but your fans will feel badly if you no longer appreciate their loyalty. One more thing, you were great in the Asian swing.
His true fans know better than to write him off; he always appreciates his fans. He is talking about commentators.
Some of his younger fans have gotten impatient because they aren’t looking at the big picture of his career. They are free to support the #1 player, who wishes he had such fan support, if the only thing they understand is winning.
Sabes mi querido Rafa porque la gente te quiere mucho, por tu carisma y sencillez. Ayer te tocaba ganar pues en el segundo set, lo dejaste a 0. pero Diosito sabe el porque de las cosas. Lo principal es que te veo mas entero, con mas ilusion con mas de todo y eso necesitaba Rafa. Un buen empujon. Te deseo de corazon que nunca dejes de ser humilde porque LLEGARAS MUY LEJOS. Mi nieto de 6 anicos, ya fe el partido conmigo. Ojala un dia podamos verte jugar live. Vamos mi campeon. Una mexicana que te desea lo mejor.
Rafa j,espère que tu vas continuer a jouer du tennis tu as été champion et tu le seras encore.Bravo Rafa Bonne chance pour le prochain tournoi.
Rafa made history on tennis already! and still until today nobody break his record on clay!! Forever a Rafan. Rafa is special!!!!
Rafa has achieved more in his career than other tennis players can only dream of and if it did end tomorrow I do believe he wouldn’t mind but if he still loves and enjoys playing then I am more than happy to watch and if people right if off then you would have to do that to every sportsman as everybody’s career comes to an end sooner or later he is one of the greats and it will be a very sad day for tennis when Rafa and Roger do retire they are true gentlemen and tennis will not be the same with players like kyrios and tomic and their big ego’s
Nor should you care — you’re right… everybody has an opinion to which they are entitled — however, they are not entitled to their own facts!
I would never write you off — if you never play again, you will still be the kind, gracious and honorable man you have always been.
Nicely put Rafa. Nicely put. 🙂
Rafa is doing it his way as he always has done and tells it as it is – write him off at your peril!! He will be back fighting for every point as ever ☺