ARTICLES:
- Early test sparks memories for Nadal | Australian Open
Of all the opponents Rafael Nadal could have drawn in the first round of Australian Open 2016, it had to be Fernando Verdasco – his compatriot, fellow southpaw, and the man who pushed him to the limit for five hours and 14 minutes in the 2009 Melbourne semifinal, then the longest match ever played at Rod Laver Arena.
“Not a lucky first round, I think, for me,” said the 14-time Grand Slam champion, who went on to win the title that year. “For him either. Will be a tough match. I need to be ready to play a very good tennis if I want to be through.”
- Nine things to know for the Australian Open | USA Today
Nadal looming – How much of a factor will Nadal be this year? He struggled through the majors for much of 2015, including a loss at the French Open for just the second time in 11 outings. But Nadal, who was beset by injury at the conclusion of 2014, purports he’s back at full health – and confidence. “I arrive with positive feelings,” he said in Sydney this week. “I finished last season playing well and started this season playing well. Let’s see… I will be ready for it.”
- 5 Things To Watch For At The 2016 Australian Open | ATP World Tour
#4 What to make of Rafa? – There are those who aren’t buying the baseliner’s bravado; who believe the Mallorcan’s best years are behind him. But didn’t we learn anything from 2013, when he returned from a seven-month injury layoff to win 10 titles and reach a career-high 14 finals, becoming the first player to retake No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings after a three-year absence?
- 2016 ATP Previews: Rafael Nadal | Tennis Tuesday
- Tweets of the week: What is everyone wearing in Australia? | Tennis Canada
PHOTOS:
- Rafa practicing in Melbourne
- Weekend practice | Australian Open
- Lights, camera, action! | Australian Open
- Rafael Nadal at the Babolat / Tennis Only Meet & Greet | Happy Slam Tennis
VIDEOS:
- Cosentino & Rafael Nadal Event in Australia | CosentinoTV
Cosentino Australia and global ambassador Rafa Nadal teamed up at an exclusive event at Crown Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open. With 2016 set to be a busy year for both Cosentino and Rafael Nadal, guests learnt more about the new Rafa Nadal Academy, featuring Dekton and Silestone surfaces to create a beautiful space for rising tennis stars to learn and play!
- Full Nadal Press Interview ahead of the Australian Open
- Rafael Nadal’s Pre Australian Open Interview at Crown | grandslamgal.com
- Rafael Nadal – Top 10 Australian Open points | ffproduction
- Garbiñe Muguruza press conference | Australian Open
“Well, obviously the idea of playing with Rafa, so many people ask me. Yeah, how can I say no? It’s ridiculous. Yes for sure,” Muguruza said, admitting Rafa would be her preferred partner in the mixed at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Pick yourself up shake yourself off and put a gorgeous smile on your face.
Toni better. Run for. The. Hills. The fans that want a new coach will be screaming!
Dont put pressure on yourself Rafa. Just think, I have beaten all these guys over the years. What will be, will be. You are a wonderful young man in every way – so don’t change. Play your best n always keep smiling. God Bless You. Your Aussie Abuela. xxx😀😊😇
I would love to see Rafa and Muguruza play together in Rio.
Rafa are just the best player all the time !His body is just unlucky with the enjuries! A beautiful muscled & fragile body ! What a pity ! 🙁