ARTICLES:
Rafael Nadal should carry Spain’s flag into the Rio Olympic Opening Ceremony, but the nation’s flag bearer will be decided in March, Spanish Olympic Committee president Alejandro Blanco reportedly said in a video interview with Libertad Digital published Monday.
Nadal, the 2008 Olympic singles champion and a 14-time Grand Slam singles champion, was previously named Spain’s flag bearer for the London 2012 Opening Ceremony one month before those Games.
After his quick exit in Melbourne, Rafael Nadal could use a win, and Buenos Aires would seem to be a logical place to get one. The tournament was one of three that he won in 2015; now Rafa is back, and back on clay, as a wild card and the top seed. He’ll begin against either Marco Cecchinato or his friend, Juan Monaco.
Nadal has said many times throughout his career that playing rivals he has recently lost to does not cause him to want revenge, and it seems to be a similar case with missing out on defending his 2008 singles gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
“I have never had a spirit of revenge. I think the spirit of revenge is something negative. That had been the toughest withdrawal because you have fewer chances to play Olympics. I have played it only once. In 2012, I had a chance to be the flag bearer. To stay in the Olympic village with other athletes is priceless, it’s a unique and unforgettable experience.”
- Rafael Nadal goes back to the basics on clay | The National
“The clay courts would also allow Nadal to fine tune the recent changes he has made to his racket and strings in the hopes of hitting the ball with more top spin. The most important thing for Nadal will be rebuilding his damaged confidence. He has sought the comfort of the South American clay courts to do just that, so victory in Buenos Aires and then Rio de Janeiro will be crucial ahead of the two back-to-back Masters in Indian Wells and Miami.”
VIDEOS:
- Visión 7 – Rafael Nadal en el ATP de Buenos Aires | TV Pública Argentina
- Rafael Nadal Interview with Tennis Only (Australian Open 2016) | Tennis Warehouse
We fans of Rafael Nadal will always love this guy xx go champ
OLA & VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Love viewing your pre ao interview at the sports shop place, AND….. your awesome practice in Buenos Aires….. you look so great & handsome in white jerseys & jeans !!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) ci….ci….ci….senior! : ) It is cute the way you are wearing your RAFA hat backwards……:) : ) : ) : ) ci…..ci….. I noticed the crowds around you……it is impressive how many adoring Tennis fans show up at the side line to watch your practices!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) … ……VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) You are attracting people & bring joy to tennis fans with your goodness & genius TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) 🙂 : ) God bless you sweetheart & Enjoy EVERYTHING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Have lots & lots of fun playing tomorrow enjoying freely….gracefully….. your unbelievable passionate game !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) You are solid with your TOP tennis & your determination & drive is brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Enjoy all your pure talent !!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) Love watching your groove on the court so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Enjoy sliding & gliding your feisty beautiful moves !!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Have a great time with your bright energy commending the court with your strong & powerful presence!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) It will be a fantastic match for you !!!!!!!!!!! : ) we are all right there with you passionately ADORING & loving each point !!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Have a nice day & God bless you!!!!!!!! : )
ps: Just viewed your great PRE Argentina Open interview !!!!!!! You look beautiful in yellow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) 🙂 God bless you & have a very nice evening ! : )
yes Rafa should of cause carry the Spanish flag because of who he is, and what he has achieved in his young life, may this time will be his time god speed and vamossxx
Rafa would be the perfect guy for that. Vamos Rafa <3 <3 <3
What better ambassador for Spain and sport than Rafael Nadal, this would be an appropriate honour for the country’s most admired and successful sportsperson. It is interesting that the Olympic tennis will be played on hard court. It is usual that the dominant surface of the host country is used. Why not so in Rio? Who is behind this change from custom and practice?
Yes Rafa should carry the Spanish flag at the Olympics as being the most successful Spanish tennis player ever and we was to bear the flag at 2012 but couldn’t due to being injured at the time, he was most disappointed that he didn’t compete then, but we all hope that he will be injury free for this year at least, so all looks good for our Champ🇧🇴🐂😄