ARTICLES:
- Nadal relishes IPTL debut, Manila visit (philstar.com)
There’s a lot to improve, the IPTL rookie said. Despite an array of accolades under his belt, Nadal humbly admitted that he has to put a lot work to rediscover his old, lethal form.
“I’m not Federer. I am Rafael Nadal. I try to improve my things to improve my career. I don’t have the chance to play a bit longer, so I’m working hard to improve.”
Asked if he feels a hundred percent healthy with the new season just around the corner, the man dubbed as the “King of Clay,” the only person to win a Grand Slam title for nine straight years took a pause.
He then smiled before saying, “I am healthy right now.”
- Micromax Indian Aces on a roll, win 30-18 against Obi UAE Royals (iptlworld.com)
Rafael Nadal: “I heard some wonderful things about the IPTL from the players last year. I was looking forward to playing last year too, but had to pull out because of my appendicitis injury. But I’m really excited to be playing here today. It’s a great format, its superbly organised, all the players love, and it’s great for the sport of tennis to be able to go to new markets.” He added, “It’s my first time here in Manila, and the crowd has been fantastic. I did a tennis clinic here yesterday with the kids, and it felt wonderful. I love being with children, to help them play better.”
- What Rafael Nadal Can Teach You About Improving Your Life (menshealth.ph)
What he’s more focused on is an inward-facing improvement. “I don’t want to be the best,” he proclaims. “I want to be better. I just want to improve my level of tennis year by year and day by day. That is my motivation.” To prepare for the Australian Open, beginning this January, he simply says, “I’m working on the things that I think I need to keep improving. The last few months of the season have been the right way to play. I will continue playing and practicing the same way.”
PHOTOS:
- Rafael Nadal makes a winning IPTL debut in Manila
- Rafa Nadal thrills Manila crowd in IPTL debut (rappler.com)
- Match 09: Micromax Indian Aces Vs Obi Uae Royals (iptlworld.com)
- Rafael Nadal gives tennis lessons to kids in Philippines
VIDEOS:
- Interview: IPTL 2015 – Rafael Nadal embraces IPTL with open arms
- Rafael Nadal discusses his form and training plans for the the next tennis season
- IPTL 2015 Match 9: Point of the Match (Men’s Singles set)
- IPTL 2015 Match 9: Point of the Match (Men’s Doubles set)
- Rafael Nadal holds tennis clinic in Manila
- Babolat: Rafa’s first practice with his new racket
My hero. The only person we should try to be better than is who we were yesterday.
RAFA YOUR FANS ARE SO LOYAL AS I ALSO FEEL YOUR THE BEST. WHAT HAD FED GOT TO DO WITH IT. YOUR NUMBER 1 I MY EYES AS WITH THE REST OF US GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR NEXT SEASON ,. BUT REMEMBER , YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO ALL THIS AGAIN, YOU REACHED YOUR GOAL AND NOW JUST ENJOY YOUR TENNIS AND YOUR LIFE. LOVE YOU LOADSXXXXXXXX
Rafa great to see you having fun and enjoying tennis and putting on a show for the fans.
Love this new form of tennis. The Federer comment was a long time coming. Rafa has had to
endure the obsessive Federer fans for his entire career. They know that Rafa has a head to head
advantage over their idol and will stop at nothing to criticize and attack Rafa’s playing style.
Go Rafa go you are still the most charismatic tennis player of all time! Federer might have a
graceful playing style but Rafa ROCKS
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You got it in one Heather. Great comment.
A loser mentality. no worries Rafa. You won’t be the best.
Sosa, What a horrible comment and you totally miss the point that Rafael was making. He is the most wonderful player who brought the buzz back to tennis with his vibrant personality and superb play. He epitomises the spirit of a winner, Just check the records. My advice is, check the records and learn to appreciate greatness while supporting your favourite!
Loved to see you back. You are a person, who people look forward to seeing. The love of your fans said it all at the opening of the IPTL. May you have a wonderful start to 2016.
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Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee you Rafa.💖.
OMG!!!! Every move, every shots you make its WOW for us FILIPINO fans… We are so glad YOU & UNCLE TONI & your team came for IPTL Manila leg. Great! we are so much delighted with your presence. You will always be RAFA, the KING OF CLAY & CHAMP! Vamos! Vamos!!!
What does “Federer’s style” have to do with anything? Strange comment by Rafa. Very strange.
Why strange? It is a very valid comment. He was asked a question and replied. These guys have such respect for each other so don’t read something into a valid comment.
Vamos Rafa <3 <3 <3
VAMOS DEAR RAFA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Your precious originality & beautiful Tennis is a pure delight for Tennis fans!!!!!! : ) : ) : )
VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Congratulations to you & your fantastic team!!!!!!!!!!!!! You played GREAT with your feisty strong RETURNS & GREAT SERVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) You were fantastic in Doubles & your Singles games & it was exciting to see you groove again on the court!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was beautiful how the crowd welcomed you onto the court even before you stepped out…..just in anticipation of seeing you they went wild!!!!!!!!!!! ci….ci….ci….. your presence in the tour brought a lot of inspiration and great spirits!!!!!!!!!!! Your entire team are amazing……and it was worth getting up at 3 am to watch you LIVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!That was precious!!!! : ) I did not dare write comments during the matches as everything was happening fast & I did not want to miss any points…….. I am sure all your fans are delighted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations & have lots & lots of fun tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!! VAMOS & God bless you!!!!!!!!!!! Lots of love & happiness to you & uncle Toni , your physio & your IPTL playing TEAM!!!!
Vamos……Vamos……Vamos……. ! : )