The Australian Open Draw is out.
Rafael Nadal, the 2009 champion, will play in the first round against 83rd-ranked Victor Estrella Burgos of the Dominican Republic.
In the second round he could face Nicolas Jarry or Leonardo Mayer.
If all goes well for our champion, he could face Damir Dzumhur in the third round and in the quarter-finals he could be seen battling with Marin Cilic.
After that, the semis is a likely duel with Grigor Dimitrov before a final battle between Rafa and Roger Federer could not be ruled out, if all goes well for these two players.
Projected quarter-finals:
- Rafael Nadal vs Marin Cilic
- Grigor Dimitrov vs Jack Sock
- Dominic Thiem vs Alexander Zverev
- David Goffin vs Roger Federer
Rafa’s potential route to the final:
- 1st round: Victor Estrella Burgos
- 2nd round: Nicolas Jarry and Leonardo Mayer
- 3rd round: Damir Dzumhur
- Last 16: John Isner
- Quarter-final: Marin Cilic
- Semi-final: Grigor Dimitrov or Jack Sock
- Final: Roger Federer
Rafa is bidding to clinch a 17th grand slam title of his career and his second in Melbourne.
All the best of luck in the world to you, Rafa! VAMOS!
I am very disappointed in Rafa’s tennis attire. Please show some class and respect the game and traditions.
Jack Sock is out so let’s see if Dimitrov can make it to the semi-finals.
RAFA ROCKS
Due to a surprise first-round exit, Rafa will not face John Isner in the last 16. Isner lost to M. Ebden [6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3] in the first round.
RAFA ROCKS
Overall I think Rafa has a reasonable draw. However one minefield is John Isner whom he should meet in the last sixteen ( 4th round). Isner has given Rafa problems before with his massive serving.
According to what I have read Rafa needs to reach the quarter finals to hold his number 1 ranking if Federer wins.
So Moya really must convince Rafa to change his return of serve position if he is to beat Isner.
Big servers like Isner capitalise on Rafa’s court position for return of serve and Isner is improving all the time in other areas such as groundstrokes also.
Dimitrov is also a big threat in the semi finalsl so it is not going to be all plain sailing for Rafa.
However all this is supposition as upsets can happen to any player at any time. ( Isner could be defeated early although looking at the draw that is unlikely to happen before the last sixteen. Dimitrov could be defeated before the semi finals. Or Roger may not win this year.)
All we can do is wait and see.
BeverIey, I hope you’re coming along well. Great to see you getting more involved in commenting and hope the weather is not giving you a tough time.
Yes, Isner has created a headache for Rafa in the past but of the 7 times they met Rafa has won all 7 matches. Not since the 2011 FO has Isner been a real threat when Rafa dropped two sets in a row: 6-4, 6-7[2], 6-7[2], 6-2, 6-4. As recently as their 2017 Beijing match, Isner took a loss in the QF in SS: 6-4, 7-6[0].
The good news is Isner has not reached a Slam QF since the 2011 US Open.
Let’s hope Carlos’ advice doesn’t fall on deaf ears.
RAFA ROCKS
All you guys seem to have CONVENIENTLY forgotten the Djoker lurking in the park!!!
But as always we;d see……………..hmmmn
Your crystal ball has again short circuited.
RAFA ROCKS
Beverly, I like Rafa’s draw, but I too worry about Dimitrov. I had mentioned the round of 16 for Rafa’s ranking. I had read it, but did not do the numbers myself. I hope I have not mislead anyone.
va4favre, no harm done. You said you didn’t do the numbers. Neither did I and I didn’t read the article you did so I can’t speak to that.
Only now did I look up the points to be won at Slams. The group of 16 offers only 180pts. I think Rafa would have to win the semi-final [1,200 pts] in order to keep his No. 1 ranking proving Fed wins the AO. As you pointed out, only 995 pts. separate them. Is my math correct? If not, a correction is welcome.
RAFA ROCKS
CORRECTION: in last paragraph “providing” not “proving”
Rafa won a practice match against thiem…he looks fit and raring to go..imo only thing he has to work is Court position and return of serve position..rest all he can keep improving thru out the yr..FedEx is the hevy favorite I think.
I’m very pleased he is getting high-value practice. Were it not for the heat they most likely would still be playing. I hope the weather coöperates when Rafa has to play.
RAFA ROCKS
Here is all the best to Rafa for the Australian Open.
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
Nice draw for Rafa! the best of luck to him and hoping for a 🏆 ! Vamos🎾🎾🎾💪💪💪
OLA OLA OLA OLA OLA & VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) ; ) ; ) 🙂 : ) Have a beautiful day !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) ; ) ; ) ; ) Keep smiling ! : ) We love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) ; ) ; ) ; ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) By the way, You looked GORGEOUS IN THE BLUE NIKE OUTFIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) ; ) : ) : ) 😉 : ) ci……ci……ci……: ) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) I watched the entire replay exhibition match again….there are many many many beautiful points……unbelievable shots and returns…..fantastic serves….wi…..wi…..wi….. and commanding court coverage……. speedy movement….. wisdom……..reach……..magical net wins….. and cute cute cute adorable face!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) ; ) 🙂 I especially loved how you return ON THE RUN……: ) : ) : ) 😉 : ) SHEER BRILLIANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) LOVE how speedy and powerful your returns are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 😉 : ) : ) : ) ……BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) My heart smiles just recalling all your unbelievable magic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) ; ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) I love ANYTHING YOU DO DEAR RAFA ……YOU ARE SO INSTINCTIVE AND SO CREATIVE AND SO PASSIONATE ………. We love seeing your intelligent attitude playing your game with no pressure for nothing….playing no big deal……just keep moving….keep gliding…..keep all your blessed Tennis gracefully and having fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) YEH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Hope Roig will be there too !!!!! : ) I noticed over the years that he , like uncle Toni, have a great, genuine interest in your Tennis wins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) His character is modest and kind – all solid!!!! : ) His service as your coach is all 100 % there for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) I like him very much!!!! From photos and videos over the years, I am impressed with his positive attitude and his kind calmness. I really value his dedicated presence in your practices and matches !!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS sweetheart….. keep smiling sweetheart enjoying your strong, feisty powerful TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) As we see…..weaker players may again abuse the MEDICAL TIME OUT…. if that happens, please sweetheart keep moving and maintaining your precious God given focus….. moving and keeping up your rhythm so that they do not get advantage of their cheating “break” when they are tired and breathless and loosing…..
Of course YOU know all that : ) and much much more than all of us do ….but I just love you and wanted to say it anyway……you have that BRILLIANT TENNIS KNOW HOW inside out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) ; ) ; ) : ) : ) It is AMAZING to witness your passion and groove with each point!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) ; ) Enjoy lots and lots of fun & GO RAFA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Have a lovely time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) ; ) Lots of love & happiness & VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) XOXOXOXOXO
Watch Rafa on clay-he owns it💪It is surreal. You do not need to ask why. Hope he stays healthy and focussed-best of luck in AO.
There are reports that Juan Martin del Potro will return to the top ten on Monday. I am so pleased for him.
He has battled back from an operation on his right wrist, and three on his left. And he has lost his deadly backhand but that doesn’t seem to have stopped him in his battle back to the top ten. Wishing him all the best.
RAFA ROCKS
This is a response to Margo: Rafa’s 2018 schedule is available, but it looks like the 2017 one to me. As we both know, Rafa had a few WDs last year too. Moya will be better able to help Rafa manage his schedule now that he is head coach. Rafa staying healthy has to be his top priority. That leads to so many good things. I did watch the TB Tens the other night, and what struck me again is the joy that Rafa brings to the court. He is just sunshine on and off the court. No wonder fans love him.
His smiles and excitement after his Hewitt win were truly infectious.
I found a 2018 schedule but don’t know how accurate it is. I usually wait for RNF to post his schedule. This year there is no Rotterdam or Basel on the 2018 schedule. To not play Basel will give him two weeks of rest before the Paris-Bercy Masters👍🤗.
From day one, Rafa’s health has been Carlos’ priority; Rafa’s priority is to play, play, and play. I just hope he starts listening. Everyone wants a healthy Rafa.
RAFA ROCKS
Margo,
Why does he wants to play barcelona and monte carlo he won those tournaments 10 times what does he has to prove in these tournaments skip them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi marijnt, Rafa would have to answer that. I can only guess it’s because Rafa LOVES playing on clay and thus always plays the clay season. As much as he can. It makes him happy. It wins him points. It builds his confidence. It puts a smile on his face. Again, I want him healthy so let’s just wait and see how he does during the season. His schedule is always open to change.
RAFA ROCKS
Margo, That is an excellent point that what I saw was not official. I need to be realistic since I like to see Rafa play all the time. I realize that we may not be able to see him play in the future. Del Potro is indeed in the top ten and he is still playing in Auckland. Even if he would win that tournament, he still stays at ten.
Hi va4favre..replying to you. Apologies if I gave you the idea that what you saw was not official. Could be official. What I said was I came across a schedule but can’t vouch for its accuracy.
DelPotro is still showing all over as ranked #12. On Monday, the ATP should have him ranked among the top ten. I believe he reached the top ten unofficially when he won his last match. I could be mistaken.
I’ll share something with you. Rafa was asked what he would do when he retires. “I’ll buy a boat,” was his response. Not long after that he bought a beautiful custom-made yacht. I was sick to my stomach thinking he’s ready to retire. He’s still here and I couldn’t be happier. Now I try to read between the lines.
Good health to Rafa because RAFA ROCKS
Rafa you are going to play a great tinnis.good luck Champ vamossssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssin OA.love your fans 🎾🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️🏆
T deso lo mejor para este año…y suerte en l abierto d Australia…VAMOS RAFA!!!
I’m hoping that Rafa will be able to capitalise on this decent draw. Fingers tightly crossed!
Like Rafa, I don’t underestimate any of his opponents. I hope this 37-year-old mainly doubles player gives Rafa a challenge to help him get into his rhythm.
[Reposted here from incorrect thread.]
RAFA ROCKS
Haha, I hope you did not mean too much of a challenge! I am encouraged by Rafa’s first week draw, but we Rafans have had our unexpected surprises. We know Rafa has not had his ideal run up to the AO as he would like. I just hope that his knee will be okay since it will probably never be perfect. It is just a joy to watch him play.
Haha va4favre…stop pulling my leg. Just enough of a challenge to scare the sneakers off of ALL his opponents 😂 But you knew that.
I haven’t seen a 2018 tournament schedule for Rafa so I can only guess Carlos is sticking to his word about a wait and see route this season; i.e., depending on results, the team will decide which tournaments Rafa will play next. I hope for a HEALTHY Rafa.
I could be wrong but if Rafa stays fit he may aim specifically for Bercy and the year-end finals. Carlos mentioned those two tournaments as the only 2017 disappointments in his ATP interview, only because Rafa has never won them. Here’s to Rafa getting those two elusive trophies.
RAFA ROCKS
Margo, One of my favorite tennis sites is live-tennis.eu. It gives the actual ATP and WTA rankings as of that day. The official rankings are published every two weeks, but this is very helpful. It also keeps track of the Race to London points too. I read somewhere that Rafa needs to get to the round of 16 to keep his number one ranking if Roger repeats as champ. Rafa is 995 points ahead of Roger. I have not done the numbers myself.
Thanks va4favre, I’ll look it up. I usually find more info on Rafa in the non-English European press or sites.
Yes, you got it right. Rafa is 995 points ahead of Fed. I did the math the other day after having read either a French or Spanish article that mentioned how close/far apart they are. I started obsessing. LOL
RAFA ROCKS
RAFA ROCK
I just Reread your post. I now realize you meant Rafa can retain the #1 spot if he makes it to the round of 16 at the AO.
RAFA ROCKS
Can‘t wait for the AO. Good luck and Vamos Rafa <3
wrong. Potential Semi finals is vs Dimitrov/Sock. not Alexander Zverev or Novak Djokovic.
Correct your mistake immediately.
Yes, you’re right. Corrected.
Thanks for the immediate response 🙂
Hope Rafa lifts his second AO this year 😀
I love the exchange between you two above. Good luck to Rafa!!
I think they should be more careful. There was an earlier error saying Rafa would potentially meet Murray in the SF, which I pointed out. It was corrected but no acknowledgement of the error and my comment along with one other were deleted. I have always taken this site as Gospel Truth on all things Rafa; now I’m beginning to wonder if I should.
They also had Rafa playing two different players in round two if I recall correctly. The ONLY way to know for certain who Rafa will play next is to follow tournament results. You should know that simply because tennis is unpredictable.
Gospel Truth on the Internet? I hope you’re not serious.
RAFA ROCKS
RafaelNadalFans:
“After that, the semis is a likely duel with Andy Murray before a final battle between Rafa and Roger Federer could not be ruled out, if all goes well for these two players.”
What???????? Andy Murray?????????????
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Andy Murray???
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