World No. 1 Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will be facing each other for the 52nd time in their careers when they meet in the semifinals of Wimbledon on Friday.
Date: July 13, 2018
Match time: Rafa is second match on Center Court. Around 3 PM local time / 10 AM EDT – New York, Montreal / 3 PM BST – United Kingdom / 4 PM CET – Spain, France, Germany, Italy / midnight AEDT – Melbourne. To convert to your local time, use this website.
The pair have faced each other 51 times with Djokovic edging the overall head to head 26-25. They last met at Wimbledon in the 2011 final, when Djokovic won in four sets, while Rafa triumphed in their last meeting at the Rome Masters in May.
Rafa on playing Nole:
There is no one other match in the history of tennis that has been played more than our match. That’s a big thing. We always played in important stages, important places.
It is always a big challenge facing Novak. He is one of the more complex players that I ever saw in our sport. It is always a big test. You know that you can’t win against him if you don’t play very well.
Nole:
I’m really not thinking about being an underdog or being a favourite.
I just try to build the momentum. Obviously I’ve been very pleased with the way I’ve played so far on the grass court season.
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
Go know him down RAFA and see you sunday in the finals where you will take the Trophy home you deserve it my friend .. Good luck . God bless .
Fearing rain, apparently the tournament organisers are planning to close the roof following the conclusion of the Anderson/ Isner semi, so that the next semi can proceed uninterrupted. Not great news for Rafa.
Such a shame the weather has cooled and that Rafas’s match hadn’t been the first match on court of the semi finals. I hope Rafa can pull this one off as Novak winning Wimbledon to me is a worse option than Roger, let’s hope Novak’s A game doesn’t appear today , as he would love nothing more than to defeat Rafa today and then there will be no stopping him. Come on Rafa ,Come on Kevin😁
Hi Lorna,
I don’t see any weather reports for rain, but it certainly could be closed for light. Do you know how long the players are allowed to play; is it 11pm?
Best wishes
The best of luck to you Rafa
It’s been your tournament and you look great out there,! I almost had heart failure watching the match against delpotro! It was the best. And you are the best!!! You are not only the best tennis player, but you are the nicest player on the tour, and so humble! Go Rafa😄😄😄😄
Best of luck sweet Rafa 🤗🍀😍
You can do it!! – Keep fighting for victory 🏆🎾💪🏼🐂👊🏼🎾😘
VAMOOS CHAMP#1❣️😃
VAMOS SWEETHEART FOR BEING SUCH A GENUINE, BRILLIANT TENNIS CHAMP ON ALL SURFACES WITH PASSION THAT IS AS SPARKLY AS YOUR BRILLIANT TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) GO RAFA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) WE LOVE YOU SWEETHEART AND KNOW YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT MATCH TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) SENDING LOTS OF LOVE & HAPPINESS & VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : )
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
I’m not superstitious, but OMG, it’s Friday 13th! (only joking!)
Good luck Rafa. Talking of recovery from injury, no-one has been through a harder or more often repeated fight back than you, so you deserve every victory now, for your dedication and determination.
Love you always.
It’s the 13th for all of them!
Good luck to you Rafa, I would love to see you win over him and take the Wimbledon title again this year!!! Vamos Rafa, ¡tú sí puedes!
POINT BY POINT……: ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ): ) : ) : ): )
I have a 3 hour flight that takes off right about when Rafa starts his match:( So it’s up to you guys to send Rafa all the good vibes to crush the Djoker.
Djokovic is just about to hurl himself to the top of his mountain of recovery. Rafa must not allow himself to be used as a stepping stone today. Send him hurtling back down to earth Rafa! You are better than him, and you can certainly do it! Belive in yourself champ!
Good luck Rafa, get it done against the Djoker today!
VAMOS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Rafa, please be on your guard. Novak will try to push you back behind the baseline and hit hard to your forehand to open up the court. Do it to him before he does it to you! All the very best in your encounter against him today. I will be with you from start to finish, praying for the victory. You can do it. You will do it!
Go for it, champ. You can do it. Vamos Rafa <3
Wamos Rafa, the new ATP ranking places you at no.1 with 900+ points. Remain on fire against Djokovicz and remember you are the best ever. Rafa just ignore the self-imposed hype around Djokovicz.
Wamos Rafa, King of tennis.
The ranking is the least interesting part of this MOUNTAIN of a challenge (opportunity) that now lies ahead. 2 wins away from a third Wimbledon and an 18th major, is massive. That’s someting for the ages. The ranking is a short term detail. Winning Wimbledon would stir up tennis history and forces the (hysterical, sold out) mass media who are all over Federer to rethink the situation. Also it would be a huge blow to Federer and his fans. Be not mistaken, he’s cheering for Djokovic and even more for the winner of Anderson/Isner on Sunday. His legacy is at stake and under fire.
Excellent analysis of the turmoil AND angst Anderson has created by winning his QF.
RAFA ROCKS
Rafa please just remember one point at a time and focus and concentrate on playing to his weakness he has one or more so play to it hard. Stay strong and healthy and Enjoy your win,
Love ya
kathie
Rafa all the best for your game today against Novak.
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
A newly added ATP Tour tournament named the Rafa Nadal Open, will be a Challenger- level tournament to be held at Rafa’s academy August 22 – September 2, 2018.
That’s interesting, Margo. Source please.
Sure Lorna, their website.
Wauw, “Rafa Nadal Open” sounds awesome 👏🏻😍🏆🎾𗀠👍🏻
Rafantastic, Yes, as awesome as Rafa. Incredible what he is doing for tennis in general, and for Spanish tennis in particular.
Rafa said his father, who wanted a tennis academy, was the inspiration for the Rafa Nadal Academy. Here’s to the Academy discovering and nurturing future Slam winners.
RAFA ROCKS
Rafantastic, another fun fact…the Rafa Nadal Open’s maiden tournament will coincide with the 15th anniversary of Rafa’s two Challenger titles in 2003 at age 17: El Espinar [Segovia], and Barletta [Italy].
RAFA CONTINUES TO ROCK
Buena Suerta tomorrow and Vamos Rafa. Love you so much. Have so much respect for you—-your ethics, your humility and your attitude. God bless you, Love, Marylynn
Just had to post one more comment!!!
Dear Rafa, The best of luck during your semifinal tomorrow. Hope you feel good on court, feeling confident, rested, healthy and pain free so you are able to play at your very best. Also hope you can play at a high level of intensity (which you almost always do). God bless you Rafa. Remain safe and well. Love you. Marylynn
Vamos Rafa….All the Best of Health , Stamina and Performance against Djoko Today Waiting for your Final on Sunday
It annoys me the way they always build up Federer’s EIGHT wimbledon trophies, but never follow it up with the ELEVEN Roland Garros trophies by Nadal; A greater, more difficult achievement.
Yeah it’s pathetic. Tennis Channel for example yesterday just tweeted a sort of Federer dedicated movie. Just get over the friggin’ loss. All these media, Tennis Channel, TennisPodCast, they’re not tennis journalists, they’re Fed trolls. They like their world simple. It isn’t. Rafa and Nole are better than Fed.
FEEL SORRY FOR PRINCESS R…….THIS LAST FEW YEARS UNDESERVED ADORATION MUST FEEL WRONG IN HIS GUTS…..PLEASE FEEL SYMPATHY IS IN PLACE!
MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS GOES TO THE NUMBER ONE TENNIS PLAYER IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) RAFA AND HIS BRILLIANT CAREER IS A VERY VERY SPECIAL PART OF SPORTS HISTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) HIS PRECIOUS BRILLIANCE AND BRIGHT TENNIS CAREER IS WELL KNOWN, RECOGNIZED, AND IS OUT THERE WORLD WIDE………IT IS ESTABLISHED AND IT IS FOLLOWED BY MILLIONS OF AVID TENNIS FANS GLOBALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) RAFA IS GIFTED BEYOND WORDS HOLDING THE NUMBER ONE TENNIS PLAYER IN THE WORLD, AND MANAGES TO KEEP UP HIS MASSIVE EXTRAORDINARY PLACE IN TENNIS HISTORY, WHICH IS BY FAR, THE MOST MEANINGFUL, COMPETITIVE AND PASSIONATE DISPLAY ANYONE HAS EVER SEEN ON THE TENNIS COURTS OF ALL SURFACES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) LOOKING AT HIS NINE ( 9 ) BEAUTIFUL SHARP ACES IN ONE GRANS SLAM MATCH IS MEANINGFUL AND WORTHY OF MENTIONING….SO WE DO….AND THESE NINE ( 9 ) ACES ARE GREAT BUT SO IS RAFA’S EFFECTIVE, BRILLIANT SERVE IN GENERAL……. ACES ARE NICE CROWN ON HIS SERVE WHEN CONSIDERING ALL THE OTHER EXTRAORDINARY WHOLESOME ASPECTS OF HIS BEAUTIFUL TENNIS PLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) SO CLEARLY ACES ARE FUN AND YET NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY WHEN YOU ALSO HAVE SUCH AN AMAZING SOLID WELL AIMED SERVE…….. BRIGHT FH AND BH RETURNS……… MAGICAL NET COVERAGE……… AND POWERFUL VOLLEYS ETC…….SO ALL IN ALL RAF’S TENNIS IS DISPLAYED FOR ALL TO SEE AND DEEPLY APPRECIATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) HIS ABILITY AND SKILL ARE IS FANTASTIC AND PLENTY OF FOLKS ARE WITNESSING HIS TENNIS GENIUS OVER THE YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) THAT IS MOST VALUABLE AND IMPORTANT TO CROWDS AS TO ALL TENNIS FANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
FURTHERMORE, I HAVE NOTICED RAFA IS VERY WELL LIKED BY THE PRESS…..ALWAYS HAS GREAT EXCHANGE AND ENJOYABLE FUN TIME COVERING HIS BRIGHT CAREER. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE PLENTY OF GREAT ARTICLES, ENDORSEMENTS, SPONSORS AND MAGAZINES FRONT PAGES COVERING OUR PRECIOUS NUMBER ONE WORLD TENNIS PLAYER, CHAMP RAFA NADAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) RAFA’S SUCCESS AND DEDICATION HAS BEEN MESMERIZING AND OUTSTANDING OVER THE YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) THE FACT THAT RAFA IS SO INCREDIBLY GIFTED AND BRILLIANTLY HOLDING THE HIGHEST TITLE….. THE NUMBER ONE WORLD TENNIS PLAYER, AS HE DID TIMES IN THE PAST, SAYS IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) RANKING CAN COME AND GO BUT RAFA’S GREATNESS AND RARE TENNIS STARDOM IS VERY SPECIAL AND REMAINS STRONG AND HISTORICALLY SOUND LONG TERM. THE OBVIOUS BRIGHT FACT IS THAT RAFA MANAGES TO HOLD HIS BEAUTIFUL, DIGNIFIED TENNIS STATUS WITH HIS MIGHTY HARD WORK, EFFORTS AND CLASSY COMPETITIVE AND FEISTY TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) HIS PASSION AND FIGHTING AND DETERMINATION LEADS THE WAY. ALWAYS DID FROM THE VERY FIRST DAY WE SAW HIM COMPETE. SO AS A TENNIS FAN, I LOVE SEEING ALL THAT AND ENJOYING RAFA’S BRILLIANT BEAUTIFUL TENNIS, AND TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN THAT.
THE WORLD IS BIG…..AND THE GLOBAL TENNIS AWARENESS IS SUCH THAT NO LONGER ONE HAS TO BE CONCERN WITH A FEW MISREPRESENTATIONS HELD BY OUTDATED ATTITUDE. IT HAPPENS…….AND WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT IS TO KEEP ENJOYING RAFA’S BRILLIANCE AND HIS TOP TOP TOP RELEVANCE IN TENNIS HISTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
MEANWHILE BACK TO BEAUTIFUL TODAY……. A POINT AT A TIME RAFA WILL ENJOY HIS GENIUS TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Best of luck against Novak! Vamos
VAMOS RAFA! YOU WILL DO IT.🍀🎾👍🏼🇪🇸