ARTICLES:
- Nadal Joins Elite Company With 900th Match Win | ATP World Tour
By recording his 83rd clay-court victory in an astonishing 85 matches at the Grand Slam championship, over Germany’s Maximilian Marterer in the fourth round, Nadal has followed in the footsteps of Jimmy Connors (1,056), Roger Federer (1,149), Ivan Lendl (1,068) and Guillermo Vilas (949).
“I love the spirit that he carries on with, the focus,” said Sharapova. “He only knows how to go at 100 per cent. In Rome, he was practising for three hours a day. He knows that that’s what works for him and he’s going to deliver that no matter his age, no matter the injuries. That’s incredibly admirable, because the older you get in this sport, the more physical it is, the tougher on the body.”
Nadal also has positive memories of his brief hit with Sharapova in Rome. “It was a good practice for me [because] I won the tournament there,” he said with a grin. “Was good fun, yeah. Am ready to do it again any time.”
- Moya’s Takeaways After Nadal’s R4 Victory | ATP World Tour
Diego is super-quick around the court and he’s extremely talented. Even though he lost, he showed his toughness against Rafa at the Australian Open and at the Mutua Madrid Open earlier this year. Rafa will have to be on top of his game because there’s no room for error at this stage. But I know Rafa, and I’m sure he’ll be bringing his best against Diego.
- Which Rafa Win Is Most Memorable? | ATP World Tour
- Newsflash: Nadal Says He Was Not Born On Clay | ATP World Tour
“Everybody thought I practised on clay all my life, and it’s not true. I practiced a lot on hard court when I was a kid. I practised on clay, too, but a lot on hard,” Nadal said. “During all my career, my game adapted very well to this surface and I’ve had amazing success. Honestly, I had success on all the surfaces and I worked hard to be the best player possible on all the surfaces.”
- Diego Schwartzman interview: El Peque talks facing Rafael Nadal, his progress at the Slams and why size doesn’t matter | sport360.com
“I played with him at the academy, but I’m never going to invite him again, because every time he comes, he comes out much better,” joked Nadal on Monday.
“I want to play always with him, because now with my ranking, I know if I play against him it’s going to be in the good rounds,” said Schwartzman. “Obviously it’s nice to play against him, he’s my friend, we have a good relationship outside the court and I think many matches against him I have a few chances – not to beat him but to do better matches than I’ve done in the past.” He joked during his press conference when he was asked about his latest visit to the Rafa Nadal Academy: “I took his secrets. He has all the recipes.”
- How Uncle Toni’s Tough Love Shaped Rafa | ATP World Tour
“One time I have a big discussion with Pato Clavet,” Toni begins. “Pato believes it is his job to make sure his player has everything in order to play his best; racquets perfect, water, balls, and like this. And I say, ‘this is not my opinion.’ If Rafa forgets his water, I say, ‘Well, it is your problem, today you don’t drink water.’ My work is not to bring water. Do you want to be a professional coach or a waiter?”
VIDEOS:
- Tribute: Rafa Joins 900-Match Win Club | ATP World Tour
- ATP Rankings Update 4 June 2018 | ATP World Tour
- Rafael Nadal in Practice – Inside RG | Roland Garros
- Rafael Nadal inside the locker room – Inside RG | Roland Garros
- French Open 2018: Photographer to the tennis stars | CNN
Just woke up! Nearly had a heart attack looking at the score. I knew schartzman would be difficult but definitely was not expecting this. Good luck for tomorrow Rafa. Vamos
I just couldn’t bear to watch properly before the 1st rain break.
So happy that he got the 2nd set.
Hope he goes on to win as all Rafa fans hope!
Go go go Rafa and win!
Rafa fan 1, it’s 5-3 to Rafa in the second set. Stilll work to do.
VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) RAIN IS FRUITFUL : ) IT IS ALSO RAINING HERE….LOVE IT……GOOD FOR THE FLOWERS : ) VAMOS SWEETHEART !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) YOU ARE PLAYING BEAUTIFULLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) ENJOY LOTS OF FUN SWEETHEART !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOX HAVE A LOVELY TIME OUT THERE AND KEEP SMILING ! : ) YOU ARE SUCH A PRECIOUS TIGER, FIGHTING…..REACHING…….SERVING BRILLIANTLY…..RETURNING GORGEOUS SHOTS …….AND WATCHING YOUR COMMANDING PRESENCE ON THE COURT IS GREAT FUN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) WE LOVE YOU SWEETHEART & LOVE WATCHING EVERY POINT YOU PLAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) WI………WI…….WI…… : ) ENJOY EVERYTHING & HAVE A GOOD TIME ! : ) SENDING LOTS OF LOVE & HAPPINESS & VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) TILL LATER : ) XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
1st rain break and rafa came out and won the 2nd set. Im hoping after the 2nd rain break he will come out and take the match!!
Hope Rafa continue his march after the break as well. Keep champ
Well he virtually has the 2nd set – im hoping he will take it
Susie, Rafa hasvnot won the second set yet. He is up 30-15, 5-3. We all hope that he will gain the two points needed quickly. Diego just walked off the court at 30-15, not waiting for the Chair to call it.
Yes – i was on the computer diverted for a minute and then saw them walking off for 2nd rain break. I so hoped rafa had that 2nd set then but no – so close and am sure he will tomorrow.
Rafa needs to be way more aggressive.
Hi Lorna:)
I watched the match until the rain break. Then it actually started raining here where i am as well, and very heavily too!
I continued to follow on BBC after they resumed, and it seems Rafa has broken back, held, and broken again! YAY! And now the play has been suspended again!
Hopefully Rafa keeps it together this time. Stay strong champ!
Thanks Mac. I saw the few games after the first rain delay. It seems that Moya has had words with Rafa as he he come out with a different mindset. He’s playing with more aggression and not letting Diego dictate play. Let’s hope he keeps it up.
Omg! I just got back home to find that it’s the second set and Rafa is a set and a break down. Mind you, i’m not entirely surprised, given Diego’s amazing performance against Kevin Anderson. He’s like grease lightening and he can change the direction of the ball very easily. Looking at the stats Diego has far more winners and Rafa has too many unforced errors. It’s right that Diego is throwing everything at Rafa and succeeding. Rafa’s said jokingly that he won’t let Diego practice any more at hs academy because he’s benefiting too much. Come on Rafa flick a switch and turn it on!!!
OLA OLA OLA OLA OLA & VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) ; ) ; ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) YOU ARE THE BETTER, STRONGER PLAYER KEEP GOING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) ; ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) ; ) : ) : ) ; ) : ) : ) POINT BY POINT IT IS OBVIOUS YOU HAVE THE DETERMINATION AND THE BEAUTIFUL STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) HE SEEMS TIRED AND IT IS ONLY THE 2ND SET…..SO KEEP GOING SWEETHEART & NO BIG DEAL…….JUST ANOTHER MATCH ……… NO NOTHING ELSE……KEEP ENJOYING YOUR BEAUTIFUL TENNIS & PLAY YOUR GAME AND ENJOY YOUR GREAT SERVE & RETURNS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) WE LOVE YOU SWEETHEART & SENDING HUGS & LOTS OF LOVE & HAPPINESS AND VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
OK! Rafa needs a break. Not tennis break (of course he could do with that too!) but just some time to recover.
I think the rain is affecting Rafa as well. It’s no secret that he thrives when the sun is out.
Get it together Rafa! Regroup and come back strong!
Well, second set. No need to panic yet. Great hands at the net from Rafa though!
Schwartzman won’t go away. Rafa will have to be on his best behavior!
Last year Rafa won RG without losing a set. But hey every year is different. Losing the 1st set does not mean the match is lost. Maybe it’s the wake up call that Rafa needs. But he’s having both wrists taped now which is not good. Cmon Rafa – win the next 3 sets and get some rest
Diego Schwartzmann has taken the 1st set 6 -4
Come on, Rafa!
Rafa seems to be finding it so tough to get thru his service games. All the players left in the tournament are hard hitters and aggressive. So Rafa has to do something …… .
At the moment can hardly watch!
Not looking gud so far. Rafa is missing so much .
Hey Navdeep how’s the leg? You’re right, Rafa mishits again. He’s about to lose his first set at RG in how long?
Credit where it’s due, Schwartzman is being very stubborn, and out playing Rafa so far.
Wake up champ!
My leg is fine Mac. Thanks for asking but man I am really nervous right now.Rafa is playing at a very bad level is Diego is painting the lines. Come on Rafa plzzzzzzzz
Rafa be aggressive – hit deeper! Keep changing your tactics. Come in. U are giving him the upper hand and letting him dictate. STOP that pleeeeease!!’
Cmon cmon cmon!!!!
VAMOS
Rafa playing like shit and garbage..he may win rg but not gud enuf for rest of the reason, if he continues to do so..last year he was unbeatable and invincible
Too nervous!!!
Cmon Rafa!!!! Get aggressive and clever!
VAMOS
PS: VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) ; ) : ) YOU ARE THE GREATEST , MOST FUN TO WATCH PLAYER ON ALL SURFACES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) 🙂 : ) : ) 🙂 : ) : ) : ) YOU ARE THE GOAT WITH YOUR EXCEPTIONAL SOLID PRESENCE ON ALL COURTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) NO ONE COMES CLOSE TO YOUR PASSIONATE FIGHTING SPIRIT ON THE COURT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) YOU IGNITE WORLD WIDE FANS, FULL HOUSE TENNIS STADIUMS & ALL SPORT LOVERS WITH YOUR BEAUTIFUL, CLASSY TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) EACH POINT YOU PLAY IS SO MUCH FUN TO WATCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) YOU ARE THE ONLY PLAYER WE WOULD GET UP AT DAWN TO WATCH LIVE NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE OR WHAT TIME THE MATCH IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) YOU ARE THERE ON EVERY TOUR ……AND EVERY SURFACE……AND FIGHTING……COMPETING WITH ALL TOP PLAYERS AT THEIR BEST……YOU NEVER HIDE FROM TOP COMPETITION AS WE KNOW OTHER PLAYER DOES……THAT IS WHY YOU ARE THE ULTIMATE STAR AT THE VERY TOP TENNIS CLASS, AND TENNIS HISTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) IT IS SO INCREDIBLY MOVING TO SEE YOUR PRECIOUS SWEAT DROPS…… COVERING YOUR FACE & ALL OVER YOUR EYES , YOUR NOSE AS YOU BEAUTIFULLY FOCUSED ON YOUR NEXT SERVE…… THAT IS ALWAYS SO DEEPLY MOVING ……..YOU ARE ONE PRECIOUS, HARD WORKING, BRILLIANT SPORT HERO AND THAT IS WHY WE ALL LOVE YOU , ADORE YOU AND SO ATTRACTED TO YOUR EXTRAORDINARY MATCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS SWEETHEART & GOD BLESS YOU FOR ALL YOUR GOODNESS & SPORTSMANSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VERY HAPPY FOR YOU DEAR RAFA NADAL & HAPPY FOR US FANS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) WE CHERISH EACH TOUR, EACH SURFACE YOU PLAY SO MUCH & FEEL TRULY PRIVILEGED TO WITNESS YOUR TENNIS GREATNESS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS SWEETHEART & ENJOY EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) ENJOY A GREAT WEEK & LOTS OF FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) KEEP SMILING ! : ) XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
OLA OLA OLA OLA OLA & VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) ; ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) 🙂 IT IS A BEAUTIFUL DAY (MY BIRTHDAY : ) ) & A GREAT TIME FOR MORE BEAUTIFUL TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) ; ) ; ) ; ) ; ) VAMOS SWEETHEART & ENJOY EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) ; ) : ) : ) : ) IT WILL BE A GREAT MATCH FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) WI………WI……..WI …….: ) WE LOVE YOU & SENDING LOTS OF LOVE & HAPPINESS & VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) HAVE A GREAT DAY & LOTS OF FUN! : ) XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Rafa has Rosol (and Mr Darcis). Roger has Stakhovsky. Novaaaaak now has Cocchinato! The Cockinator!!
Sorry my alcohol problem got the better of me last night, I had in my head that this guy’s name was Cocchinato. It appears that it still is Cecchinato. The Cecchinator, as BG calls him!
Dustin Brown?
Nole is truly devastated by his loss to Cecchinato. He may even skip the grass season. I hope he finds his way. He may have expected too much too soon. I just read that Fed went 5 years without a major; I thought it was less.
RAFA ROCKS STRAIGHT SETS
Yeah Fed went 4,5 years without a major before he won #18 at Aussie Open 2017 and even had 2,5 years between #16 Aussie Open 2010 and #17 Wimbledon 2012. Rafa went through a three year drought before he won his #15 at RG 2017. His own #17 seems far away right now, with a nervous Rafa losing the first set to Diego S.
All the best for tomorrow <3