ARTICLES:
- Federer, Nadal, Ferrer among nominees for 2015 ATP World Tour Awards (via The Sport Review)
Nominees for Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award have “conducted themselves at the highest level of professionalism and integrity, competed with fellow players with the utmost spirit of fairness, and promoted the game through off-court activities.” Last year’s recipient was Roger Federer.
Nominated this year: Kevin Anderson, Roger Federer, David Ferrer and Rafael Nadal.
- Nadal to play in Rio Open (via gulfnews.com)
“The Rio Open is an important event on the tennis calendar in a special country,” the 29-year-old said in a statement on Thursday, Xinhua reported.
“I have developed a great relationship with the Brazilian public over the last two years and I love going back there,” Nadal said.
The 2016 Rio Open will be played at the Brazilian Jockey Club from February 15 to 21.
- Roger Federer thanks Rafael Nadal for making him a different player (via ubitennis.com)
The 17-time Grand Slam champion has said that playing Nadal forced him to change his playing style during his career, due to Nadal’s left handed topspin. The change in Federer’s game was welcomed by the Swiss, who thanked Nadal for making him a different player.
” Our rivalry was epic, great”. Federer told the Dutch media. “He made me rephrase my game many times. He is left-handed and the top spin that he stuck was something that I haven’t seen before in this sport. I had to adjust my game. If we look at how he played in 1999 and how I do it now, the change has been brutal. It’s much more crude which before everything was smooth. My movements, the way in which I hit the ball… I’m a different player and that is all thanks to Rafa”.
- Flavia Pennetta Is Calling Her Shots to the End (via The New York Times)
Normally in women’s tennis we are not really happy or supportive when someone wins,” she said. “We are a little bit — what’s the right word in English? — jealous. But I received so many nice messages from all the players.”
There were also two keepsake phone calls. The first was from Rafael Nadal the night of her victory.
“It was 5 a.m. in Spain,” she said. “I know Rafa since he was a kid. I would practice in Majorca when he was not Rafa Nadal, he was just Rafa. We are friends.”
- Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal bump into 7’6″ basketball star Yao Ming on same flight (via Eurosport)
- TENNIS.com Top 25: October 20 (via tennis.com)
The Asian swing had to be a confidence booster for Nadal and his many fans. The Beijing final against Djokovic wasn’t as lopsided as the 6-2, 6-2 score indicated, and Rafa collected three good wins in Shanghai over Ivo Karlovic, Milos Raonic, and Wawrinka.
PHOTOS:
- Rafael Nadal and Maria Francisca Perello at the Banco Sabadell event in Valencia
- Rafael Nadal’s Pre-Tournament Press Conference At The 2015 Swiss Indoors
VIDEOS:
- Rafael Nadal practicing in Mallorca (via IB3)
- Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas & Raul join in karaoke for Julio Iglesias (via goal.com)
Tennis player Rafael Nadal starts off the video, before Ronaldo and former Real Madrid team-mates Casillas and Raul join in the fun.
- Emirates ATP Race To London Update 19 October 2015 (via ATP World Tour)
- Shanghai 2015 Scene Set ATP World Tour Uncovered (via ATP World Tour)
- Rafa Nadal on Australian Open, form and 2016 (via Australian Open)
- Nadal & Laver headline Australian Open Shanghai launch (via Australian Open)
- Rafael Nadal and his uncle Miguel Angel star in new Banco Sabadell campaign
Rafa so deserves to win this sportsmanship award this year. The tumultuous year he has experienced would put other top players into a downward spinning spiral and cause them to exhibit bad behavior, but Rafa has remained resilient in his humility and kept his emotions in check. It’s easy to be humble and well behaved when you’re on top, but when you’re being tested for your attitude during the worst year of your career, it tells to so many how gracious and genuinely nice Rafa is during this trying year. I hope the other players do the right thing and honor him with this award this year. He really has earned it with his well mannered game play.
He is a superb sportsman and treats all with respect.
I was recently asked by my young Irish Physio why, at the age of 80, I follow, respect n barrack for Rafael Nadal n I replied “Because he is a thorough gentleman on n off the tennis court. Disciplined, clean spoken, well dressed n has a marvellous sporting attitude”. I told her I have followed Rafa playing tennis since he was 17 n that I would lend her the book RAFA. I have 3 sons who are also thorough gentleman! Vamos Rafa. God bless you. Your Aussie Abuela.
Rafa deserves this award! because of his honesty, integrity and sportsmanship! He is a rolemodel for everybody in the tennisworld! He inspires future!
OLA & VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) Congratulations on being nominated for the Sportsmanship award… very nice & well earned!!!!! : ) We full heatedly agree with all your many many many fans ……… we respect your integrity & politeness & love watching your incredible Sportsmanship & fine mannerism during ALL matches!!!!! : ) You certainly have a remarkable kind way about you dear Rafa …. As Tennis fans, we deeply appreciate your classy composed play, & your character On & OFF the court!!!! You continually display such enormous regard & respect for players, organizations both in Tennis & other sports & that is mighty admirable!!!! Your outstanding Sportsmanship is much appreciated & you definitely have our family’s vote!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS sweetheart & best wishes!!!!!! Enjoy your Basel tour & have lots & lots of fun playing on Monday !!!!! : ) You are doing everything right….. & it is beautiful to see your strong & powerful stride……God bless you & your amazing TEAM !!!! : )
VAMOS……. : ) VAMOS……… : ) VAMOS……..: )
Rafa deserves this award as he is an amazing Ambassador for the sport and a pheonamal inspiration to all aspiring tennis players. Vamos Rafa!
Vamos Rafa! Always with you <3 <3 <3
RAAFA NADAL IS HIGHLY DESERVING OF THIS AWARD HIS CONDUCT IS SPOTLESSAND ONE CAN ONLY APPAUL HIM FOR HIS GREAT CHARACTER
YES RAFA IS A TRUE AND DELIGHTFUL YOUNG MAN , HE MUST WIN THISAWARD
I LOVE THE SPORTMANSHIP BETWEEN. THESE FAB BOYS WHAT A JOY THEY HAVE GIVEN US OVER THE YEARS I SALUTE YOU BOTH WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN YOU RETIRE
YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGETABLEN YOU MUST PROMISE TO KEEP US ALL IMFORMED OF YOU R LIFE,S GOD BLESS XX
I so hope Rafa wins this award he certainly deserves it.With the year he has had not once has he behaved badly on court no swearing , moaning or breaking his racket when he could have more reason than most to do it.I have seen top players even when they are winning the match behave badly because they have lost a point.And even when Rafa has lost the match he still has time to sign autographs on his way of the court not to mention how he always shakes the ball boy or girls hand .Rafa respects everybody no matter what level they are .Need i s
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