A few photos from Rafael Nadal’s Saturday practice.
At first, I thought these photos are taken during Rafa’s yesterday’s practice session but the Getty Images captions showed they are taken earlier today. Also, when you look better you’ll see Rafa is wearing white shorts today.
But one thing is certain – it’s so damn hot Down Under.
In this handout image provided by Tennis Australia, Rafael Nadal of Spain trains ahead of the Australian Open Grand Slam at Rod Laver Arena on January 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Handout/Getty Images AsiaPac)
In this handout image provided by Tennis Australia, Rafael Nadal of Spain trains ahead of the Australian Open Grand Slam at Rod Laver Arena on January 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Handout/Getty Images AsiaPac)
In this handout image provided by Tennis Australia, Rafael Nadal of Spain trains ahead of the Australian Open Grand Slam at Rod Laver Arena on January 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Handout/Getty Images AsiaPac)
In this handout image provided by Tennis Australia, Rafael Nadal of Spain trains ahead of the Australian Open Grand Slam at Rod Laver Arena on January 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Handout/Getty Images AsiaPac)
In this handout image provided by Tennis Australia, Rafael Nadal of Spain trains ahead of the Australian Open Grand Slam at Rod Laver Arena on January 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Handout/Getty Images AsiaPac)
In this handout image provided by Tennis Australia, Rafael Nadal of Spain trains ahead of the Australian Open Grand Slam at Rod Laver Arena on January 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Handout/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafa was honored by L’Equippe as 2017 Champion of Champions for tennis. Both he and Roger shared the honor equally, the first time that two athletes shared the same honor. Rafa won alone in 2010 and 2013. This year-end award was started in 1980.
R. Lefebvre: L’Eqippe voted you and Rafa Champion of Champions. Does that seem fair to you?
Roger: Yes. Certain people will say yes, some will say no. I think you can see our season as you wish. We both did something extraordinary. Rafa finished as World No. 1. He is the oldest player to have ended the year as #1; something I did not know. It is something that has never been done and from that fact alone he deserves it. He also made a comeback, like me. Me, I am five years older than him; that makes things more complicated. And I beat him each time. You can make a mélange of that if you wish but I am OK with that [the shared honor].
[L’Equippe by Romaine Lefebvre, December 2017]
Roger just can’t help his mouth.
I thought I would share just another Rafa honor. His name is etched in so many honors. He is a history maker. A maker of many firsts.
RAFA ROCKS AUSTRALIA
Good luck and Vamos Rafa <3
Stay cool and healthy👍💪😍
Strange not seeing uncle Tony on the practice courts but Rafa is in very safe hands with Carlos. Good luck and vamos Rafa!
Rafa will make his debut on Tuesday at the Kooyong Classic, according to tournament director Peter Johnston. 2018 is the event’s 30th anniversary.
“Rafa was looking for match play and of course we were more than happy to oblige,” said Johnston. “We are here to help the players get ready for the Open.”
The field also includes Cîlíc, Thiem, Goffin, Carreño Busta, and Tomic.
Rafa practiced with Wawrinka on Saturday. He also practiced extensively on his serve during the short period open to the media.
[Jan. 7, 2018, 4:48pm, Herald Sun by Lauren Wood]
RAFA ROCKS AUSTRALIA
All the very best Rafa there in hot Melbourne,as it is very hot in Sydney today too.
love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : )
😍 The best of luck Rafa ❤️🍀🎾💪🏼
good luck and keep on practicing, 🍀🍀🍀 love you Rafa
Australian open title is your