ARTICLES:
- Nadal Ready For A Fight In Melbourne | ATP World Tour
The last time Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco met at the Australian Open, in 2009, the two Spanish lefties left it all on the court. The underdog Verdasco struck 95 winners, but Nadal battled for five hours and 14 minutes before securing an epic 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-7(1), 6-4 semi-final victory. Less than 48 hours later, Nadal would defeat Roger Federer for his lone Australian Open title to date.
“Obviously that match gave me the chance to win the only Australian Open that I have won,” Nadal said. “It was an unforgettable memory for me. I think the level of tennis was fantastic. There were some spectacular points. Many people always ask me about that match. It was a tough one, but a great experience.”
- Australian Open 2016: Rafael Nadal ready for a better campaign in Melbourne | The Sydney Morning Herald
“In the end, being a sport star, you’re only a sport star, you are nothing else in the world,” he said. “Around the world there are people doing something much better that what you are doing, the only thing that you are doing better than others is play tennis, that’s all.”
Nadal refused to criticise the circus that is the world tennis circuit.
“I like my life, I feel very happy and a very lucky person, having a chance to enjoy this life,” he said. “It would not be nice if someone with the good luck that I’m having would say that I am tired about what I’m doing.”
- Rafa’s Renaissance | Tennis Now Magazine
He’s serving with more authority and playing big points with more aggression. More importantly, the will to win has never wavered. With the heart of champion still beating, Nadal’s time is bound to come. It may not be here yet, but it is surely coming.
- Pau Gasol garners All-Star support from Rafael Nadal, Enrique Iglesias | Chicago Tribune
If Bulls center Pau Gasol is voted to the NBA All-Star Game February in Toronto, he’ll have a few of his fellow Spaniards to thank. Using the hashtag #NBAvote, tennis Star Rafael Nadal and singer Enrique Iglesias took to Twitter to voice their support for Gasol.
PHOTOS:
- Rafael Nadal’s Sunday Practice In Melbourne
- Rafael Nadal Shines At Australian Open Player Party
- Rafael Nadal attends Cosentino event in Melbourne | Cosentino Australia
VIDEOS:
Rafa you are so super special to me as your fan ! This is why i lose so much sleep when you are playing all over the world ! Unbelievable how special you are ! very inspiring and motivating to me you are a fighter warrior and the best tennis player in the world # 1 or even # 100 ! Good luck !
Wish you all the best for the tournament Rafa,go get your crown back ,
Rafa is special!
Agree with the comments above, his true fans, and know he will do his best against Verdasco and whoever follows, cannot wait until the AO starts. Connie from snowy Scotland
Connie, our body clocks will have to adjust! Greeting to all Raftans from chilly Ireland. May the sun shine for our champion.
Good luck Rafa. Vamos!
That was one of the best matches and best played that I’ve seen in a long time, what a superb game by both players
Unique , grounded and our champion. Supported the world over. Vamos Rafaaaa
Hmmmnn………so true, Lizzy. So true. But, we’ll see.
Deep Thinker think again, I am not called Lizzy. But of course you hide and do not have a name Hmmmmmmmm!