Rafael Nadal and buddy Marc Lopez are assured of at least a silver medal at the Olympics. They defeated Canadian pair Daniel Nestor and Vasek Pospisil 7-6(1), 7-6(4) in the semifinals of the men’s doubles in Rio de Janeiro earlier today. When Rafa sat on the sideline bench, he planted a kiss atop Marc’s head. Then Rafa appeared to begin crying, and Marc threw an arm around his shoulders.
After the match, Rafa said:
I’m very happy, extremely excited and [to] enjoy this moment here in the Olympics, especially with one of my best friends, with Marc, is something unforgettable.
We are extremely happy, with high emotions on court, lots of nerves, we really enjoy it a lot. Just a moment to enjoy because we have a silver and now try and be ready for tomorrow. (via ITF)
Marc Lopez of Spain and Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrate victory in their men’s doubles semifinal against Daniel Nestor of Canada and Vasek Pospisil of Canada on Day 6 of the 2016 Rio Olympics at the Olympic Tennis Centre on August 11, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Aug. 10, 2016 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images South America)
Marc Lopez of Spain and Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrate victory in their men’s doubles semifinal against Daniel Nestor of Canada and Vasek Pospisil of Canada on Day 6 of the 2016 Rio Olympics at the Olympic Tennis Centre on August 11, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Aug. 10, 2016 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images South America)
Marc Lopez of Spain and Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrate victory in their men’s doubles semifinal against Daniel Nestor of Canada and Vasek Pospisil of Canada on Day 6 of the 2016 Rio Olympics at the Olympic Tennis Centre on August 11, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Aug. 10, 2016 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images South America)
Marc Lopez of Spain and Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrate victory in their men’s doubles semifinal against Daniel Nestor of Canada and Vasek Pospisil of Canada on Day 6 of the 2016 Rio Olympics at the Olympic Tennis Centre on August 11, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Aug. 10, 2016 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images South America)
Marc Lopez of Spain and Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrate victory in their men’s doubles semifinal against Daniel Nestor of Canada and Vasek Pospisil of Canada on Day 6 of the 2016 Rio Olympics at the Olympic Tennis Centre on August 11, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Aug. 10, 2016 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images South America)
Marc Lopez of Spain and Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrate victory in their men’s doubles semifinal against Daniel Nestor of Canada and Vasek Pospisil of Canada on Day 6 of the 2016 Rio Olympics at the Olympic Tennis Centre on August 11, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Aug. 10, 2016 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images South America)
Marc Lopez of Spain and Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrate victory in their men’s doubles semifinal against Daniel Nestor of Canada and Vasek Pospisil of Canada on Day 6 of the 2016 Rio Olympics at the Olympic Tennis Centre on August 11, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Aug. 10, 2016 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images South America)
Marc Lopez of Spain and Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrate victory in their men’s doubles semifinal against Daniel Nestor of Canada and Vasek Pospisil of Canada on Day 6 of the 2016 Rio Olympics at the Olympic Tennis Centre on August 11, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Aug. 10, 2016 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images South America)
Marc Lopez of Spain and Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrate victory in their men’s doubles semifinal against Daniel Nestor of Canada and Vasek Pospisil of Canada on Day 6 of the 2016 Rio Olympics at the Olympic Tennis Centre on August 11, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Aug. 10, 2016 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images South America)
Marc Lopez of Spain and Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrate victory in their men’s doubles semifinal against Daniel Nestor of Canada and Vasek Pospisil of Canada on Day 6 of the 2016 Rio Olympics at the Olympic Tennis Centre on August 11, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Aug. 10, 2016 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images South America)
Rafael Nadal, right, and Marc Lopez, of Spain, celebrate after defeating Canada in their men’s doubles match at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Photo via ITF
Their opponents in the doubles final will be fifth-seeded Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau, who defeated Americans Steve Johnson and Jack Sock 6-3, 7-5.
UPDATED: Rafa and Garbine Muguruza have withdrawn from the mixed doubles at Rio 2016.
VAMOS RAFA!
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I’m guessing it’s Rafa and Gabine who have pulled out as the couple’s in the other matches who have all won their names are highlighted .The couple who Rafa would have played against are also highlighted. Hoping it’s because Rafa is still in the doubles and not because of his wrist
Rafa’s mixed doubles match has completed next to as a walkover which is usually when someone is injured . Has someone pulled out or is it because Rafa has played twice today ?
The news on twitter is that they have withdrawn (understandably!)
Madame Merola, I could not agree with you more or said it any better
I had some tough challenges and RAFA has helped me a lot, and continues to and I am 11 years his senior. I never thought I could be inspired by someone younger than myself.
RAFA fan forever
What a day of tennis , but surely Rafa can’t be back on the courts again for the third time today in the mixed doubles. Hope he’s not pushing himself to much I would really love to see him win the singles out of the three. I know yesterday was rained off but the scheduling had been ridiculous
Pure joy and passion for the game and his country! Enjoy every moment-a true
champion🇪🇸😎🏆👏👍👊☀️👊❤️
Fantastic Rafa. Well done and congratulations to you and Marc. The gold medal is in sight and well deserved. Love watching you play, so exciting. Great.🎾🎾🏅🏅👏👏💃🏽💃🏽
Wow. Many people don’t understand why I am Major Nadal Fan. Well, today is one of the days that makes me extremely happy and proud to be an avid supporter of a World Class Champion. Rafa inspires me always to face my fears, fight till the end for my victory and never give up. He has been knocked down many times in his career by worthy opponents, awful injuries, emotional trauma, yet he always comes back and gives 100%. Younger tennis players will gain a lot by having Nadal as a mentor. A true warrior on the court, A gentleman off it. Congrats on your big win with Marc at RIO 2016. Go for the Gold. You are the Greatest. Have fun in your other matches and keep being AWESOME. So happy you are going home with at least 1 medal. Vamos Rafa!
Vamos Rafa! Good luck for tomorrow. You and Marc can do it!!!!
VVAAAAAAMOOOOOSSSS
YES this is amazing 😍😄👍 A huge congratulation to Rafa and Marc. Loove your happiness and smiles 😃😘❤️ All the best of luck at the final 🍀
Marc and Rafa, the dynamic duo! What a match, what a moment! Best wishes in the finals
going for GOLD!!!
Their friendship and pride in representing their country is such a glorious sight to behold!
VAMOS!!!
Muy feliz por ti, Rafa y por Marc. Sois lo máximo!
Vaaaaaamooos Rafa and Marc for gold
I’m so happy! No words just VAMOS!!
Totally AWESOME .. Go for Gold again Rafa! xox
Two down, one to go – what a warrior you are!
GOLD GOLD GOLD
BRAVO ! encore et encore
Grace under pressure!Brava!
WAY TO GO RAFA – LOVE YOU – WHEN IS THE NEXT MATCH TO START?
We have just posted the schedule here. Check it out!
My face is frozen with the widest smile, not wider than RAFA and Marc of course. ha ha
RAFA fan forever