ARTICLES:
“I hope people are going to make the right decision [by choosing him]. It would be a great honour, I hope to be [the man] but at the end of the day it is an Olympic Games and you are part of the team and it’s something special. If I’m carrying the flag, great, if not then I will be in the back [with the team at the opening ceremony].”
- Nadal/Verdasco, Inglot/Murray Cruise In Monte-Carlo Doubles | ATP World Tour
The Spanish duo won 82 per cent of their service points to beat ATP World Tour veterans Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany and Viktor Troicki of Serbia 6-4, 6-2.
In the second round, Nadal and Verdasco, a wild card entry, will face No. 3 seeds Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut, who received a first-round bye.
- Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal must answer questions at Monte Carlo Masters | Sky Sports
If I look at Rafa last year, and at Rafa throughout all of 2015, could he get back to his best? I felt it would be the clay court season where Rafa would get back to his best because he’s able to hit a large repetition of shots and build up confidence.
- More Monte-Carlo Magic On Nadal’s Mind | ATP World Tour
“I had good practices in Mallorca and here and I hope to be ready for the action… I am here to try my best in every match and I don’t know how far I can go, but I will try my best to play well.
“I don’t have the stressful feelings like I had last year. I’m feeling much better with myself. The confidence is always the same. After Indian Wells, my confidence has been very high. I want to start the competition now and we’ll see how I play here.”
“It’s always those same dynamics, especially with an unbelievable player like him. It’s difficult to stop. He’s going to be the favourite for every tournament until somebody shows something different. He’s the player of the moment without a doubt. Everyone sees him as the winner.”
- What to Expect from the ATP Big Four in Monte Carlo | Tennis View Magazine
In short, it has been a mixed bag for Nadal, and the pressure to find a way to mount successive successful weeks will only mount as he returns to his beloved red clay. It was at this juncture last season that fans expected him to right the ship, but it did not happen.
If Rafa is to win the French Open or even come close, his brittle confidence will need to be strengthened by winning one of the clay-court Masters events coming up in the next month.
- King of Clay: Nadal’s most dominant wins | tennishead.com
He may be without a title in 2016, but it’s Nadal’s favourite time of the year as the tour hits the European clay. With scheduled stops in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid and Rome could Nadal hit top form in time for Roland Garros?
PHOTOS:
- Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco win doubles first round in Monte Carlo
- Rafael Nadal Media Day Monte Carlo 2016
- Rafael Nadal and girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello attend 2016 Monte Carlo Masters Party
- Rafael Nadal practicing in Monte Carlo
VIDEOS:
OLA & VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) CONGRATULATIONS on your solid victory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) That was lots of fun & an exciting match. This guy played traditional tennis not just one powerful serve point game and so I enjoyed your back & forth and seeing your unbelievable endurance in full spectrum!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Your FH & BH are beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) You are playing AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) I also loved hearing the commentators coverage . Kind two gentlemen who appreciates everything about your TOP game and praised your speed, movement & fantastic shots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) They were right on all the way with their tips and analysis. VAMOS VAMOS VAMOS SWEETHEART & God bless you!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) It was beautiful to watch you take a swift win and commanding the court with your fantastic creative Tennis!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Thank you for making our fun time so incredibly enjoyable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) Enjoy your powerful win and have a great evening celebrating !!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Very happy for you!!!!!! : ) Tomorrow will be a fantastic match for you!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 😉 Have lot & lots & lots of fun playing and enjoy everything!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) It will be a great match for you and we look forward to watching you play LIVE. Lots of love & happiness to you, to uncle Toni, Roig & to the rest of the great guys around you!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Rafa said he was feeling “CONFIDENT” and “GREAT” about everything right before getting blown off the court by Novak in Doha. Not to mention many other bad losses where he insisted his confidence was sky high right before playing the match.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: It’s not about confidence folks; it’s about COMMITMENT TO PLAYING THE RIGHT WAY – i.e. aggressive, offensive, deep-hitting, hard-hitting, first strike tennis – regardless of confidence, opponent, nerves, scoreline, fears, you name it. During his 2008, 2010, 2013 heyday, that’s how Rafa played. Since then, NOT SO MUCH.
That’s why you never hear Novak, Serena, Roger or any other all-time great player IN ANY SPORT whining and crying about confidence problems. Because they know that it serves no purpose whatsoever except to encourage and motivate their opponents while having the exact opposite effect on themselves. They know from experience and coaching that there’s only one way to deal with a sagging confidence: FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT. But apparently, Rafa and his uncle never got the memo.
MIROMO : well-said. I won’t be surprised to see him get beaten up at early rounds of all tournaments this year. He’s disgrace to his legacy, to himself and to his long-suffered fans.
God bless u sir
miromo and sosa laforge – the best evidence that the zika virus damages the brain irreparably!
FYI fans: Rafa’s Doubles full match is available at Nadal twitter…… the first 3 games are commented in Czechoslovakian, then the rest of the match in English.
OLA & VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) ; ) BRILLIANT PLAY SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) WHAT A FABULOUS 59 seconds Doubles VICTORY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Your NET brilliance is stunning!!!!!!!!! : ) Both FH & BH winning shots are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) LOVE LOVE LOVE your swift commanding interjections and volleys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) 🙂 During the entire match ALL your powerful RETURNS were magnificent and a yummy feast for our eyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 : ) : ) YOU ARE IN TOP SHAPE CHAMPION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 : )
Your movement and speed and instincts and serve are spectacular !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) God bless you & VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) We enjoyed watching it SO MUCH and sending love & bountiful congratulations !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : )
Have a fantastic evening & enjoy lots & lots & lots of fun playing your next Singles ……YOU ARE INCREDIBLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) YOUR PRESENCE ON THE COURT IS BEAUTIFUL & STRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) We love your special feisty creativity and Tennis know how……so awesome !!!!!!!!!!!! VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Good luck with the match tomorrow. Vamos Rafa!
OLA & VAMOS DEAR RAFA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Congratulations on your solid Doubles win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) ci….ci….ci….ci….& ci !!!! : ) I can’t wait to watch a Replay on You Tube. I love how your adoring crowds are everywhere you play or practice : ) : ) : ) I totally get their enthusiasm and admiration for you!!!!!!!!!! They are eager to see you in person & that is so sweet !!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL with your Yellow top & White shorts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) It brings out your bright adorable cuteness!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) You are such an outstanding Champion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) ; ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS SWEETHEART & have lots & lots of fun playing tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) It will be a FANTASTIC match for you & enjoy all your BEAUTIFUL TENNIS & MAGIC ON THE COURT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Have a beautiful day & lots of love & happiness to you & your SOLID LOYAL TEAM !!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Happy to hear this. Good luck and all the best for Monte Carlo. Vamos Rafa!!!
I hope your mind continues to be on your tennis ,and once again you lift the trophy ,VAMOS Rafa ,I do hope you do well ,
So glad to hear that Rafa is feeling better in his own mind and wish him the very best for MC he knows he can do it and hopefully he will but he will certainly try as Rafa always does
So go Rafa and whatever the outcome your fans will always be here for you always our Champ