The ATP World Tour Finals draw has been made.
Rafael Nadal is already practicing in London even though there are some concerns about his participation as he had to pull out of the Paris Masters last week with a knee injury.
He will take on David Goffin, Dominic Thiem and Grigor Dimitrov in the round-robin stage at London’s O2 Arena.
Group ‘Pete Sampras’
- Rafael Nadal
- Dominic Thiem
- Grigor Dimitrov
- David Goffin
Group ‘Boris Becker’
- Roger Federer
- Alexander Zverev
- Marin Cilic
- Jack Sock
Rafa’s first match will be against David Goffin on Monday, not before 8 PM local time.
Our champ, who has won six titles this year including the French and US Open, has already guaranteed top spot in the world rankings this season.
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
😍🍀❤️ VAMOS RAFA !! 🎾💪🏼😘
So finally, the answer is yes. Rafa said he’s going to play.
He had another light practice session at Queens today (indoor HC of course 🙂 but stil without the serve:
“Nadal was practising without bandage under his knee, without excessive physical demands and with a good intensity. Jack Sock, who was doing the same a few metres away, turned his head several times to see whether this player who was punishing the ball with fury has been really in doubt about withdrawing from the tournament. During just over an hour and a half, and with Moyá on the other side of the net, world #1 was doing everything (rallies from the baseline leaning on both sides, drop shots, volleys at the net and smashes) except for serving, because his knee keeps bothering him when he lands after hitting the ball.
“We have tried and it’s been well noticed”, Moyá explained after practice session, wrapped up from head to foot in order to protect himself from the pinch of London cold. “The idea was not to force anything. There have been a few days without serving and we’ve not done it because it bothers him a bit”, the Mallorcan continued. “This was a light practice session, in order to see what the sensations are, test the court and also the ball”, he added. “All very relaxed.”
We all know how stubborn he is. The guy wants to play everything. Rafa,you should be smarter now(like Fed)…after 30 and refocuse your goals.Important is for you to be healthy and win GS,especially AO 2018.His schedule for 2018 needs a lot of redo.
He will play in London and for first time he has favorable group…if he was fit,no issue to go to final. But now I don’t think he has a lot of chances. He will play with precious (And he should, to not damage his knees future)…but that immediately will affect his confidence and the vicious circle begins.I hope I am wrong, but….will see. VAMOS anyway,Rafa.
Hi Bis. I totally get your sentiments. I have to admit he still looks pretty suspicious in practice, especially his serve. Also movement is scarce so I’m worried whether his knees could withstand the brutality of the real matches on his most punishing surface.
Still, there’s nothing I can do but having faith in him and staying optimistic, especially in a “special time” like this. 🙂
I believe the YE no1 trophy cerenomy, when it actually happens in about 5-6hrs, will inspire and encourage him more. Also I hope this time he will transfer his not being 100% to smarter play and being calmer.
He wants to conclude his overall incredible year on his terms and I guess also to send a great “farewell” to Toni, so whatever way to play well it is, I believe he will find it. The rest is out of his hands. What will happen will happen. The important thing is he won’t have any regrets, I suppose.
Next year I believe he and his team will adjust his schedule according to what happened this year and hopefully his game and tactics to be more efficient. Right now just sit back and enjoy the last event of the year – an event he said he “dreamt” about winning, even though it’s not a Slam or Olympics.
Cheers. 🙂
In Paris Bercy we were so close to the court that we could see Rafa s concentration and his wish to please us fans. At the end he greeted us all 😃thanking for the support. The show there is quite spectacular with the flashing lights 😅it is almost like going to a concert, it is a venue for that. Shakira came recently and Lady Gaga was due to but did not. The capacity is 14, 000 for the tennis. So large that you can always buy a ticket on the day , plenty available. I would recommend any fans in London to try to make it, as it is easier to get in than R Garros and you see your player closer up. 😉 Tickets half the price too. Fiona in Paris
Hi Fiona. I like the Bercy court also the trophy. Prefer it over O2 actually. 🙂
According to Moyá “Rafa is fine. The knee is okay. He stopped just to take no risks. Rafa will be competitive in London because it’s the only big tournament he hasn’t won.”
It’s quite possible that Rafa has had another round of PRP injection therapy which seems to have helped him in the past. Look has long he has been playing without encountering knee pain. Whatever the case may be if he does play, I hope it is because he is fit and not because “it’s the only big tournament he hasn’t won.” I no longer obsess about the thought of him playing if injured. It would cause me too much angst. We all want a healthy Rafa but Rafa will do what Rafa wants. That’s it [as Rafa says]. All I can do is wish him the best.
RAFA ROCKS 2017
Rafa por favor cuida tu rodilla tu salud es mas importante que la Final de este ano para que el proximo ano estes en las mejores condiciones para competir al 100%. Vamos Rafa
OLA OLA OLA & GOOD DAY SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 🙂 In all your blessed BRILLIANT TENNIS years, I have always trusted your own intelligence & instinct regarding your tours & schedules…..YOU KNOW WISELY HOW TO NAVIGATE EVERYTHING CONCERNING YOUR BRILLIANT TENNIS CAREER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 : ) ci……..ci……..ci…….ci…….: ) : ) : ) TODAY here is the same….I have 100% confidence that your own instincts dear Rafa are the right ones! YOU DO, AND WILL DO THE RIGHT MOVE… we love you either way…..if you play in London or not play…….you are our TENNIS WINNER CHAMP OF DETERMINATION, PASSION, DRIVE, DYNAMICS & SPORTSMANSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) ) KUDOS & VAMOS SWEETHEART & ENJOY EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY and A FUN WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) WE LOVE YOU RAFA NADAL & ALWAYS CONSIDER YOUR HEALTH & WELL BEING AS TOP TOP TOP PRIORITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) CHALLENGES NEVER EASY BUT YOUR HISTORY SHOW US YOU ALWAYS CONQUER AND OVERCOME EACH CHALLENGE WITH POWERFUL FORCE AND WITH BRILLIANCE & DRIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) GIVING EVERYTHING ON THE COURT IS YOUR SPECIALTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) WIN OR NOT, YOU PUT YOUR HEART & SOUL & EFFORTS WITH EACH POINT……………………….THAT IS BEAUTIFUL….& SO MAGNIFICENT TO WITNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) 🙂 YOU ARE SPECIAL & GIFTED BEYOND JUST BREAKING TENNIS RECORDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) THAT IS HOW MILLIONS OF GLOBAL TENNIS FANS ARE BEHIND YOU FOLLOWING YOUR LIVE MATCHES WITH LOYALTY AND PRIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) YOU ARE A STAR…..BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL & IT IS YOUR WISE DECISIONS THAT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES THROUGHOUT YOUR SUCCESSFUL TENNIS BRILLIANT CAREER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) KEEP SMILING SWEETHEART & KNOW ALL IS JUST RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) HAVE A NICE EVENING & LOTS OF FUN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) LOTS OF LOVE & HAPPINESS & VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) XOXOXOXO
Vamos champion en espérant de tt coeur que ce genou réagisse bien durant tte la durée de ce tournoi 💚💛💜😉
PLEASE RAFAEL THINK OF YOUR KNEE AND DO NOT PLAY IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE OF IT BEING DAMAGED FURTHER. THE ATP MATCHES ARE OF FAR LESS VALUE TO YOUR CAREER IN TENNIS. YOU ARE A SENSIBLE GUY, A INCREDIBLE TENNIS PLAYER AND IT WOULD BE AN AWFUL WASTE IF YOU PLAYED IN THIS COMPETITION AND DAMAGED YOUR KNEE FURTHER. I AM 73YRS OLD, ONE OF YOUR GREATEST FANS, AND KNOW FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE THE TOLL LIGAMENT AND MUSCLE DAMAGE CAN DO TO YOUR BODY. PLEASE DO WHAT YOUR BODY TELLS YOU.
Rafa, please don’t play.
The important thing now, in your career, is GS titles. Who ever quotes abt a great player ” He won x numbers of WTFinals”? No, they say “He won x numbers of GS titles”. You are within touching distance of Fed’s 19 – don’t jeopardise that chance, for a title that is little more than a pat on the back for you. After all, Fed has never won Olympic Gold in singles, and no-one thinks that makes him less of a player. Have a good rest, and the treatment you need and come out fighting for Oz.
You will be only the second man, I think, to win all 4 GS titles twice, if you win AO in 2018, and we all know you can do it. That would be worth more than WTF, which has always been stacked against you. Why is it held year after year in indoor HC? Why don’t they vary the surface? If they changed one of the other GS surfaces to clay, there wd be an outcry, saying it favoured Rafa. Why doesn’t anyone say how unfair it is to have WTF on the same surface every year, when it could be changed, at least every few years?
Rafa will be the ONLY male player to complete the “Double Career Grandslam” of the Open Era if he wins AO 2018. Rod Laver had 2 calendar career grandslam but one of them was not in Open Era.
The top goal now is to win AO 2018, and with being the most favourite to win FO 2018, Rafa can close the slam gap with Federer very very quickly.
Come on Rafa!!!
Michele,
I totally agree with Rafa dropping London which he can do without, and focusing on, aiming for AO 2018 to achieve a feat that would make him unrivalled since Rod Laver. Probably what RF aims to do by winning one more Roland Garros title.
Go for AO 2018 Rafa.
All the best of luck. Vamos Rafa!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
All the best champ. Vamos Rafa <3
It would be a very good draw for Rafa if he was healthy, but on the other hand having the likelier stronger players (Fed obviously, plus Cilic, Zverev) in the other half would mean a higher threat in the semis, if Rafa could possibly make it that far. Again, Rafa at 100 percent could beat either Cilic or Zverev, but I think he’s unlikely to be in that condition, if he’s able to play at all.
I’d be surprised if Thiem beats anyone here, but Goffin could give Rafa a match on HC and this might be the occasion where Dimitrov goes beyond ‘always pushes Rafa’ and beats him. So then where do we end up? Rafa finishes second in his half, faces Fed in the semi and goes home with 400 points? Worth it??
I can’t find the alleged comment from Rafa’s doctor saying ‘it isn’t worth the risk’ either (somebody please give a reliable source, the Express is definitely not one). I would be happy for Rafa if he can get his body under control and be able to play a tournament he clearly wants to win, even if in less than ideal circumstances, and even if, in the end, he doesn’t win it.
I think completing the season would be a trophy and a confidence-booster in itself.
As fans who admire and care about him, it’s obvious we wish a pain-free and risk-free life for Rafa, but I doubt we see it as he does. If he’d followed those principles, he wouldn’t have achieved what he has. Rafa, the guy who was told he couldn’t have a a career in sport, of whom everyone said he’d be done by 25, 30, then becomes the oldest ye#1 and in doing so plays more matches than anyone on the tour… no wonder he’s worn out right now, a victim of his own success but at the same time a winner of his own making.
So … total respect for whatever decision is made re WTF. Whether it’s next week or next year, always look forward to seeing you play Rafa – do what’s right for you.
Exactly my sentiments, jas, but much better put. 🙂
Coming from you especially, I take that as a big compliment. Thank you 🙂
Thanks, jas. That’s a big compliment to a babbler like me as well. 🙂
Conclusion I have come to is this.Which ever decision Rafa makes is his.Following advise from his doctor ,his coach,and whom ever else s advise he takes,We must honour that.Because for me Rafa is honour personified.Always has been.What an amazing young man.Wishing him and his only the very best always.World No.1 Tennis Player 2017 Rafael Nadal .Vamos.
Rafa all the best for whatever decision that you make.
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
I had heard that Rafa would decide on Saturday whether or not he will play London. He is scheduled for Monday night at 8pm against Goffin. Roger’s group plays on Sunday. As a Rafan, I just want him to make the best decision for his longer term health. I would love if he plays, just because he is so much fun to watch but not at the expense of his health.
Wrafa I Hope you will be healthy ,take care you’re sellf first.this year it was the best for you,to be come number one player in the world vamosssssssssssssss champ.your fans for ever.🎾🎾🎾👍🎾👍👍😇🇺🇸❤️😘❤️😘😘❤️😇😘❤️
Rafa basically admitted in his interview at the airport before flying to London today that if it was another tournament or a different timing, he would have made a different decision. He wants to end the season on a “good tearm”. And still the old news that they will see how things go in several days before making the final decision.
He practised with Moya today after that light session with a 17 years old player yesterday. No tape on the knee. Was hitting well with understandably little movement. Still can’t say anything yet.
So looking forward to the YE no1 ceremony tomorrow. 4 years suddenly feels like yesterday. 🙂
Yes, I listened to it in Spanish, Mallorcan on the IB3 news at Palma airport. He only had 3 or 4 days rest after Paris. Fiona in Paris
Good luck, Rafael. You and your team will make the best professional decisions💪👊👏👍❣️
if Rafa is fit to play he will win out this group . The most important thing is that he does not aggravate is knee further.
According to Carlos Moyà, “Rafa is fine, the knee is okay. He stopped (in Paris) just to take no risks. Rafa will be competitive in London because it’s the only big tournament he hasn’t won”. Moya’s view that Rafa is alright to play at the O2 is in contradiction to Rafa’s doctor’s opinion that he shouldn’t risk it. The question is whether Rafa will have rested his knee sufficiently to get through potentially five matches to win the title. It must be an awful feeling for Rafa, not knowing and playing having to play cautiously to protect his knees. To me, that is worse than withdrawing from the tournament because it means you can’t play with confidence in your own body.
Looking at the round robin draw, I think, if Rafa’s knees hold up, he has a good chance of getting through it, as his main threat will be Grigor Dimitrov, but you never know as David Goffin is very quick and has played some awesome tennis this season. We can only wait and see. All the very best Rafa!
Hi Lorna. Where did you read that his doctor decisively advised Rafa not to play?
I only read Rafa would decide on Friday.
Moya may be on the same page with Rafa that he really wants to play and will be very likely to play despite not being fit and without “proper practice” to his usual standards. I guess they think the draw is favourable and they have the off-season to fall back on if anything goes wrong.
Still, I don’t think it’s a good idea to risk it. Let’s hear the more “private” stuff from Forget:
“Forget first spoke just about Nadal, praising the Spaniard for his behaviour: ‘A few days before the tournament, in Basel, he had withdrawn.
And I had called Carlos Costa to get some news and he said he’s just hitting the ball. He’s not moving at all on the court. But he’s going to come. He wants to come. You can count on us. And I must admit, this was a relief for me.
When he came to Paris, it was the first time he was running laterally on the court and he had positive feelings and the federation was relieved. But, of course, he still could lose because, of course, as he couldn’t move well, he was in danger of losing confidence.
But it went well. Unfortunately, yesterday he played a very tough opponent who was playing fast, trying everything he could, and there it happened. The pain came back. He had a strap. Then he had a pain in the other leg. Yesterday night he felt pain and Bernard Montalvan, the doctor, gave him a treatment yesterday and this morning.
But this morning he said, I can’t even go on the court. I can’t move at all.’ ‘He apologized to me ten times. Like if he was a child having done something wrong. I believe he’s quite skeptical about his chances in playing in London now, and he came in Paris all the same.”
Hi Rainier. Yes, I read the comments from Forget too. He was full of praise for Rafa entering Paris and not wanting to let anyone down. This is a prime example of Rafa’s respect and consideration for others: the organisers, his fans and the viewing public in general.
In regard to his doctor, Angel Ruiz Cotorro, I read the article in express.co.uk yesterday. The headline was “Rafael Nadal doubtful for ATP World Tour Finals: ‘It’s not worth the risk’ – doctor” The doctor actually said “….it’s not worth the risk if Rafa is not fully fit”. He confirmed before that it’s not a new injury but he’s afraid that Rafa will aggravate the existing problem.
Even though Carlos Moyà said Rafa is fully fit, I think that there is pressure on both the doctor and Moyà to get Rafa in a physical and mental state to compete, as Rafa is so keen to win the title. As I said before, we just have to wait and see.
Thanks Lorna. I have read like almost everything regarding this “topic” but somehow missed that line from his doctor.
Yes, I think the circumstances are really complicated right now. With what happened last year I guess now his medical team would tend to be more careful than usual since they wouldn’t want the incidence happen against at all cost. While Rafa of course so wants to play at probably a “high cost” because it’s the WTF, the timing, his YE no1, the draw, his chances… – everything. He basically admitted he would have made a different decision if it was another touney/timing today.
Anyway I think 90% he will play and we will only be able to pray “nothing” will happen or affect his next season.
I also read about his doctor saying this in an Australian news article but don’t remember which one now…whether it’s correct or not, who knows, it’s media reporting!
As for the draw, healthy Rafa would come out no 1 in his group for sure. But current Rafa I don’t think will get past Dimitrov and like you said, Goffin is very capable of upsetting him on this court as well. Actually I expect their HC matches will be closer; the court will help Goffin hit through Rafa while his speed will help neutralise Rafa’s already blunted game on HC. Thiem is not a good hard courter (yet, hopefully). But the current Rafa is so fragile I feel like everyone in both group could beat him if they really put their mind into it.
Like he said, it’s always much more complicated when you play with injuries. Not only your body, but also your mind is in “turmoil”.
Yes, I was delighted to see Rafa win 1 Nov. in Paris Bercy 😀 against Chung. It was a good day out as a public holiday. He seemed in such good form. Of course disappointed on Friday when they announced he had fallen out , so wanted to see him again. 😕 Saw Isner vs Del Potro. We would have loved him to win in Paris to go as a pair with R Garros, means more to me than London as he loves our city. He was just as put out as us, but that is fate. Like you say, he seems a bit fragile to win London 😯all we can do is hope. I can t believe it is 9 months since Aus. Open, another shame 😕 let s hope Jan 2018 he could make it again but we could just be optimistic. 😮 Fiona in Paris
The latest from the doctor is that there is no new injury to knee. He always plays through some pain but the tendon is worn.
We all want what’s best for Rafa long term, as much as we want this for him.
Hi Debby. Yep, I have read that multiple times in many articles the last several days. That’s why I was surprised to read his doctor had already advised against playing and wanted to ask Lorna about the source.
Lorna, I read the dr’s opinion re. Rafa’s knees but it was my understanding that he said if Rafa was not fit he should not take the risk. Then he went on to say that they were doing everything possible to see that Rafa would be ready for London.
The headlines just stated that Rafa’s dr said that Rafa should not take the risk but headlines always take the most sensational approach and do not tell the whole story.
Carlos Moya said today that Rafa is fine and the knees are fine. However I will reserve my judgement on that statement until later in the week when Rafa reaches a definite decision as to whether he plays or not.
If he is fit he has a good chance to win the tournament. He has beaten all those guys on several occasions. Dimitrov is his biggest hurdle.
But like you and all his fans, I do not want to see him face further injuries by playing if there is any chance that he will do further damage to his knees.
But then , it is Rafa’s decision. We can only trust him to make the right one .
I agree Beverley. Maybe the media has sensationalised what the doctor said initially about the Rafa not taking the risk. Who knows the extent of the conversations behind closed doors between Rafa, his doctor and Carlos. If Rafa does decide to play on Monday night, he MUST keep the points short, where possible, for the sake of those precious knees!
Solo deseo k puedas llevarte este trofeo ya k es uno d los faltan en tus vitrinas…cuidate k lo principal es tu rodilla…suerte y vamos a por el