Simona Halep’s coach Darren Cahill said Rafael Nadal has been a big motivator in the work ethic for the Romanian player:
Rafa has inspired her with what he’s been able to do, with the way he trains, with his work ethic, the way he fights for every single match no matter what the score is. He can be down 6-Love, 5-Love, 40-Love. You wouldn’t even be able to tell with him.
That, to me, is what she’s modeled the last year and a half on. No one’s going to be like Rafa. But you see a little bit of the old Simona compared to the new Simona, and she’s more like that, because she’s always had a great work ethic.
I have never had to push her on the practice court. She always gives 100%. She’s like a little Rafa on the practice court. We need to make her a little Rafa on the match court, as well.
It’s nice that her two victories, the one she had in Paris and the one she had last week [in Montreal], both coincided — we spoke about this after the match — coincided with Nadal doing exactly the same. It’s been pretty cool, actually.
Source: WTA
Yes. A self confident Rafa and one with real true self belief, is a force to reckon with.
Maria (snake island) fine that’s your opinion and probably many other’s too. But even if Djo wins and goes ahead of the others, I for one would never consider him to be the goat. Actually I think this GOAT is ridiculous especially if it’s calculated by number of GS and wins. One has to compare plenty of facts and one has to compare an apple with an apple and not a pear for example. I’ve always referred to the greats as one of the greatest.
Opinions differ so each to his own!
Somehow I knew djoko was going to win – so didn’t watch! What Rafa has to do other than watch Djokovic’s game etc. He had to prepare mentally. U all may laught at me but djo has a mental coach if I’m not mistaken. He does affirmations etc. and some years ago his wife too said that they do it. He’s extremely strong mentally and victory thirsty. If he even senses any weakness in his opponent – even a slight dip in form or belief he pounces and runs them over. His self belief is tremendous, huge and unfortunately so is his ego. Disgusting! I definitely would’ve preferred roger to win.
Rafa you are sooooo good! Prepare well and teach some people a good lesson.
Love you!!
Dear Rafa Fan 1,
Unfortunately Rafa may not be able to teach anybody some good lesson. You can only give what you have ain’t it?
If we really look at the top of the men’s game very well and we’re truthful to ourselves, it will be come easy, very easy for all of us to unanimously agree on the followings about Rafa, Roger and Novak:
1. While Roger is just fractionally better than Novak, Novak is also by some fractions better than Rafa.
2. Rafa has a poor court coverage which comes to fore whenever he plays Djokovic. Remarkably, Diego Schwartzmann also exposes this flaw anytime he meets Rafa.
3. Novak’s only weakness appears to be his ”Strength” which also explains why he is so difficult to beat. By ”strength”, I mean, Djokovic’s winning tactics is to always win the 1st set. usually when he cannot or it seems that this will not be possible, he can become so dejected and frustrated. Opponents can thus explore this to try to win. But it’s never easy to win against Djokovic, is it?
4. Another strategy to dominate or win against Djokovic was revealed to us by Nick Kyrgios who currently is 2- 0 against Djokovic. He was able to achieve this with superb, first-class serving. But how many people can do this?
PREDICTION – I DO NOT SEE ANYTHING OR ANYONE STOPPING DJOKOVIC FROM WINNING THE 2018 US OPEN AND ALL THE GRAND SLAMS OF 2019
Yes, You heard me right, ALL the GRAND SLAMS OF 2018 – including the French Open to truly and irrevocably become the GOAT.
Get up , Get up Maria. Time to go to school. You are sleeping for too long. All 4 grand slams of 2019 ! LMAO
Even if Novak stays healthy, don’t you think all 4 Slams of 2019 is pushing it?
Coming from someone who has steadfastly learned, and keeps learning, everything about Rafa that I can, in addition to his stellar playing record, I would never discount Rafa. He is the embodiment of a champion and inarguably continues to surprise and amaze millions around the world.
RAFAMAZING ROCKS
I do know that Novak meditates to lose fear and stress and said it helps him in a tremendously positive way.
Rafa suffers from anxiety and nervousness when confronted with a very strong opponent, or one who he can’t figure out, or one who has beaten him in the past. I also think he lacks self confidence not only on court but in other situations too. In too many of his pressers he seems to need to assure himself of how good he is by mentioning his past injuries after he has won a match or a tournament. Part of this may, I say may, have to do with Toni teaching Rafa it’s not enough to be good. You have to be better than the rest.
Half of the battle, or more, is won with a self confident Rafa.
RAFA ROCKS
Rafa shud see the match of djkr vs FedEx, to know their strengths and weaknesses and plan accordingly..moya shud make multiple game plans to beat dem if one doesn’t work.
Even if you’re not a fan of Novak the Wall, you’ve got to respect his gutsy play and his control of rallies from the back of the court. Rafa has his work cut out to retain his US Open title with Novak in the ascendency. Let’s hope that Novak is in Roger’s half of the draw!
Yuk! The ego has taken the title, can’t help thinking the victory for Nole is more about beating Roger or Rafa than it is lifting the trophy 😣
My thoughts too…he plays with extra motivation to beat Roger or Rafa…ALWAYS
Unfortunately Yes, Maria.
Nothing gives Novak more joy than beating Roger and Rafa, especially Rafa (whose style is just easy meat to Djokovic’s)
Hmmn….
congratulations novak you made history. Nadal only has three remain Sjanghai, Paris and Miami. He has the chance to win at least one of them. And with the help perhaps of other players he can win both of them
I won’t congratulate Novak but great you saw the bigger picture regarding this specific Masters.
Even though Hamburg is no longer a Masters event, Rafa won it in 2008 when it was part of the ATP Masters 1000 Series. Depending on when he retires, Rafa still has time to win the three he is missing.
RAFA ROCKS
I am looking at the bigger picture. It’s not about beating Djokovic, it’s about denying Djokovic the trophy from the ONLY Masters 1000 he’s never won.
roger is playing terrible he is going to lose against djokovic. I think nole is teaching nadal on how to beat federer and he should take a lesson from him. Returning deep and serving well. Nadal can achieve this also. He only has three masters serie tournaments left that he still has not won. Sjanghai, Paris and Miami. I hope that nadal can win this year at least one of them
Mr Bean has taken the first set, and even removed his cap where his head is expanding with his big ego, come on Roger thrash him for cheating Rafa out of his Wimbledon title
Ugh. If anyone can do this, it’s Roger. Djoker needs to be brought down a peg. Anyhow I have no doubt that at the US Open Rafa will wipe the floor with him.
I’m just happy Rafa has stayed out of this dogfight:) May the best man win tonight (ugh and eew if it’s Djoker) but our Rafa has his eyes on the big prize down the road.
Lol. Very funny and true Maria
“…cheating Rafa out of the Wimby title?” You’re joking, right?
So! Anyone else going to watch Novak vs Roger? I think it’s amazing that these same guys are still the ones fighting for ‘the important things’ as Rafa would say:)
Personally, I’d rather have Roger win. I can’t deal with Novak’s ‘thingy’ right now.
All in for Halep though! I hope she grabs the women’s title and goes on to take the US Open.
Not watching it Mac but like you I’d like Roger to thrash Novak – can’t have him oozing with confidence just before the US Open. Plus dont think I can deal with his “thingy” right now either.
Hi Susie and Mac I’m with you both , I hope Roger thrashes Novak , sorry but I just can’t stand Novak , I am watching the match and Novak has just broke Roger, I hate to think this but Novak is well on his way to bring at his best again and then there be no stopping him 😥
That‘s why we love Rafa <3
Darren Cahill also emphasized the importance of a psychologist in modern tennis. “The sport in general has changed a lot in the last 15 or 20 years…..social media, the money, the pressures.”
“Alexis [Castorri] has been really important for Simona the last couple of years. … In my era you had to suck it up and be tough. Now I think players are turning over every stone and making sure they are professional.”
“I think the beauty with her is that she’s always treated both the wins and the losses the same way. She doesn’t get overly carried away with the wins and she has great respect for the losses and her opponents. I think that’s one of the great things that I really admire about her, as well, just like the way Sloane [Stephens] has handled the last couple of matches. …the after-match speeches and the way she’s handled those losses.”
Simona’s manager, Ion Tiriac, said, “A big part of her is that she will die on the court if she has to, a bit like Rafael Nadal.”
[Sources: Telegraph, Luigi Gatto of TennisWorldUSA]
Castorri is also credited with helping Lendl, Andy, and Anderson to the Wimbledon final.
RAFA ROCKS SIMONA
Rafa you would make a wonderful coach getting the students to follow through what you do,and have your work ethic and determination.
Love and prayers for your rest between your rest and relaxation and the USO.
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
Rafa is an inspirations to all especially to the future generations in tennis.
More success and win more 🏆. Vamos!
Not at all surprised that Rafa has inspired Simona Halep. They are two of a unique kind . Both have the rare ability to concentrate on perfecting their game without trashing other players . Every happiness to them both.
Jean Palmer, Winnipeg, Canada.
Now that’s what a tennis player should do. Inspire and helps other and not just thinking about themselves. Rafa is one amazing guy. Good for him for winning Toronto. Now he will be rested up for the US Open to defend his title.
VAMOS RAFA. You are No. 1 in the world
Rafa never gives up.Keep up the great work Rafa ,you are the best player vamosssssssssssss champ you can do it,🎾🎾🎾🎾❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍👍😘😘😘😘❤️
Just remember Rafa doesn’t go to the Practice Court he goes to Improve so it’s really an Improvement Court he goes to. He goes to see how he can make the shot better or a new spin on it to take the opponent by surprise and he Celebrates every single point. He never gives up . keep up the great work. Rafa Rules and so can you on the women’s court
Rafa eres una buena referencia y un buen ejemplo para todo el mundo…Simona Halep Carolina Marin..etc adelante Rafa..