According to Spanish publication Marca, Rafael Nadal will return to sleevelessness for the first time in ten years when he takes the court in Melbourne next week.
Our champ was well-known for his sleeveless shirts in the early part of his career, but abandoned the look at the 2009 Australian Open.
Marca reports that his shirt will be inspired by the sunset colors and after Nike sees how it goes they will see should Rafa play sleeveless in some other tournaments this year. Did Jordi Robert ‘Tuts’ (Rafa’s assistant at Nike, responsible for designing his looks each season) really give this information to Marca? We don’t know but very soon we’ll know what Rafa will wear in Melbourne.
rafa you will win no matter what you ware ,well done with your practice game vamos rafa.
onward and upward what ever you play in you will look good,all the best vamos rafa.
oh oui en débardeur , j’adore , il perdra moins de temps à relever ses manches de tee shirt
pour servir
Bons matches Rafa , confiance , concentration , soit au top , joue pour nous comme on t’aime !
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that “a teenage Rafa fan [at Kooyong] read on social media reports out of Europe that Rafa was planning to wear a sleeveless tank top during the Open…”
RAFA ROCKS BICEPS
This is the first time Rafa has lost to Gasquet since they were teenagers but I was not really surprised. Rafa has had no match practice and was of course “rusty”. The match will assist Carlos Moya with what he needs to work on but more importantly it appeared as though Rafa was not suffering any knee problems.
To- morrow night Rafa plays in an exhibition match called Tie Break Ten. As the name suggests it is all tie breaks which may come in handy should Rafa face any tie breaks in the Australian Open.
I don’t really expect him to win the Open – sorry to all the hopeful fans – but if he reaches the second week and remains healthy I will be happy. It is only the start of the year and Rafa will need time to reach his peak after coming back from injury.
But whatever he does , win or lose, I suport him all the way.
BeverIey, just read your comment below about health issues; hope it’s nothing serious and that your shoulder has healed completely. Here’s to a healthier 2018 and beyond.
RAFA ROCKS
Thanks for your concern, Margo. The shoulder is better than before but will never be the same as previously. As for the other issues, time will tell
. In the meantime I am enjoying our Australian summer of tennis especially now that Rafa has re-surfaced although he lost to Gasquet.
I am constantly in awe of Rafa, as a person and a player. It is lovely to have him back in our country if only for a brief time.
I am hopeful that Moya will help him make wise decisions about his schedule for 2018 so that he remains fit and healthy.
Happy to know your shoulder is doing better and that Rafa is bringing you some joy.
I feel for Moyá because he clearly has a battle on his hands. I hope Rafa’s knee is healed because it’s been only two months since he dropped out of London [Nov. 14]. I hope he heard Andy’s words about coming back only when he’s fit, and not before.
RAFA ROCKS
Taken from article:
Spanish superstar at times appeared frustrated with his timing, and was broken three times in the second set.
Despite fighting back, the top-ranked star lost the last two games to drop the match
“It was a good test for me and good practice,” Nadal said.
“I’m good and I am here so that’s good news and my idea is just to keep practicing the next couple of days to be ready for the beginning of the Australian Open.”
Having battled knee issues throughout 2017, Nadal conceded it “was a long year”, but he said his preparation will be boosted by the testing two sets against Gasquet.
“I arrived with plenty of time,” he said.
“It’s a good day to start feeling the feelings of playing a match.
“It was a good test for me. That’s the most important thing
It was Nadal’s first match in almost three months, having not played since he lost in three sets to David Goffin in November’s ATP Finals in London.
At times he looked in fine touch but there were some erratic moments, particularly on his forehand and with his serve, with the Spaniard at one point putting his palm to his face in frustration and on several occasions talking to his player box, which included coach Carlos Moya.
Didn’t see the exhibition match Rafa v Gasquet but the results were a win for Gasquet 6-4 7-5.
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If Nadal wears sleeveless shirt, he will win AO2018.
I’ve always loved his sleeveless shirt. Glad to hear that he will be wearing them in Australia. I’m sure he can get lots of air thru the openings. I heard that he was going to wear these but everyone said no. Love you Rafa.
Is a hot day he can be sleeveless he looks very good vamossssssssssssssss Rafa good luck 🎾🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️🎾🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍👍❤️🏆
Rafa shirtless looks GREAT, and with the temperatures here in Australia,Sydney two days ago 43 degrees, it would be very practical and wise and what a Hunky look.
All the best for your game today agains Richard Gasquet at Koorong grass courts,
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXXt
sleeveless or not – good luck and Vamos Rafa <3
Sleeveless! I love it Rafa , one sight of those muscles and your have your competitors quaking in their boots before they even step on to the courts.
Susie and Beverley hope all is well , and look forward to reading your posts soon.
Thank you Maria. Have had some health issues but I am sure the sight of Rafa – sleeveless or not – will hasten my recovery.
Beverly lovely to see your post, sorry to hear you haven’t been well .Hope you feel better soon, and enjoy watching Rafa play in your beautiful country and I’m sure he’s the tonic you need right now. Look forward to reading more from you and hopefully we will have many matches to comment on .
Good – love his arms.
yes, love to see Rafa wearing sleeveless t-shirt. He looks good in it and with
the hot weather in Melbourne it’s only practical to wear it…👍
Great love the muscles and the tuff look.
Been waiting for it to happen, and why not! If you got it flaunt it. I think he’s more himself wearing sleeveless shirts. Can’t wait to see him in Australia. Good luck RAFA.
I hope he does go sleeveless, at least on very hot days. More freedom of movement and less weight from wet material.
RAFA ROCKS💪💪💪💪💪💪