Photographers Clive Brunskill, Julian Finney and Matthew Stockman from Getty Images, and ATPTour.com’s Peter Staples were asked to share their favourite photos from a memorable 2019 tennis season. Check out their favourite pics of Rafa.
Indian Wells 2019: “Rafa serving with the shadow of his strings accross his face. This pic can only be taken on center court during the first 10 to 15 mins of the first match on court in the morning and you need a left-handed player plus a very long lens!” – Clive Brunskill
Indian Wells 2019 QF win vs Karen Khachanov – Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Monte Carlo 2019: “This is one of my favourites of 2019. It’s very unusual to get this type of shot and in this light! Rafa was lobbed and he turned to sprint back looking up at the ball. I’m just glad I was on a short lense so that I managed to also get the shadow and ball in!” – Clive Brunskill
Rome 2019: “Another behind the scenes images, this time showing Rafa Nadal preparing for his semi-final match at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, where his first tournament victory of 2019 came. I’m always amazed how high he jumps and how close he allows me to get. Thanks Rafa as it makes an amazing photo!” – Clive Brunskill
Roland Garros 2019 – Peter Staples/ATP Tour
Roland Garros final vs Dominic Thiem – Jullian Finney/Getty Images
Roland Garros 2019: “What can we say expect marvel at Rafael Nadal’s efforts on the clay of Roland Garros. The emotion after 12 titles is at the same as when he won his first.” – Clive Brunskill
US Open 2019: “19th Slam title for Rafa, who is moving in fast on great rival Roger Federer’s record of 20. This image says it all for me after the probably the best US Open final I’ve seen in the last 25 years!” – Clive Brunskill
Laver Cup 2019. “I think this is the selfie of the year! Shot on the banks of lake Geneva of Team Europe.” – Clive Brunskill
Nitto ATP Finals. Rafael Nadal poses with the ATP Tour No. 1 trophy, celebrating his fifth finish as the top player. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Clive Brunskill:
I call Rafa my lucky player. No matter what point I walk into his matches, he always makes me a cool shot. I’ve been very lucky over the years to get to know Rafa very well and do many exclusive photo shoots with him around the world and in his native Mallorca. He’s one of the greatest athletes I’ve shot in my 38 years shooting all sports and one of the nicest super stars on the planet.
Source: ATP Tour
Rafa got his wish 🤗 He is the winner of the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award this year!
Well deserved! Congratulations Rafa👏🥳
Rafa’s tweet in November, “Can I win it this year?😉🙏”
Does anyone know where to watch the Abu Dhabi exhibition that Rafa is playing? Facebook live streaming? Thanks!
Tennis Channel in the USA is carrying Abu Dhabi this year. Sorry, I don’t know about other countries.
🙏 Ramara
That’s great news! Thank you, Ramara!
RAFA est mon joueur de tennis préféré, mon idole. C’est un champion dans tous les sens du mot. Il a une personnalité si spéciale!
Rafa takes his tennis and his humanity and leaves his island home for most of the year, and unites people around the world with his tennis game. Youngsters aspire to be like him, and old people are glad they lived while he plays. And when he has had his day, he will still be the man he has always been.
Beautiful sentiments, thank you. One thing, Rafa is a believer in the human capacity to improve, to try to do better, and be better.
VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!:) WE APPRECIATE YOUR GOOD NATURE CLASSY CHARACTER….. VERY NICE TO READ CLIVE’S KIND PRAISE OF YOU!!!!!!!:) WE LOVE YOU DEAR RAFA NADAL …..GOAT OF ALL GOATS!!!!!:) VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!:) THESE ARE BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS OF YOU….A GREAT COLLECTION!!!!!!:) GO RAFA GO!!!!!!!:) ENJOY LOTS OF FUN AND VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!:) HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEEK SWEETHEART!!!!!:) XOXOXOXOXOXO
Rafa cpn esa sonrisa que tiene tan bonita no me extraña que haga buenas fotos, y con ese cuerpo atlético vale para modelo, yo soy d Rafa, y no entres en polémica con ese sr Alcalde no merece la pena, no coja fama costa de ti, sabemos como eres tú y yo no escucho a ese sr, SIEMPRE CONTIGO!!
Dear Rafa, eventhough it doesn´t have to do with the matter, I´d like to tell you that wherever you´re is Manacor in your Heart, despite for the Mayor could be into his pocket, as he hasn´t the Prestige you got, and for sure less money than you have. Doe to Nadal´s name, is Manacor well known in many places on the world. Please continue like you are, an extraordinay tennis player with amazing values as a Great Person. C. Javier from The Canaries
Nice photos. Thank you😉
No that would be me-77 years old. Saw him at Indian Wells three years; traveling from Louisiana USA
Loved all the photos, thank you🙏 My favorite is the last one.
I watch tennis because of Rafa. He embodies excitement, determination, humility and respect for the sport and for others. A wonderful role model.
just a Brilliant tennis year for Rafa, so deserved. and so humble.. # one status,, respects his fellow players,, cheers/ well done Kate in High Point NC,
Rafa is my idol is a great example for yon people ,he is a gentleman a great tennis player Rafa you are love all over the world.good luck next year.have a great Christmas and a happy New Year 🎉🎊🍾🥂🍷🎉🎊🍾🍷👍👍👍😘🎾😘🎾🇺🇸
Rafa revived my interest in tennis 15 years ago. Nobody else, including Federer have come close to the magic Rafa excels on and off the court.
He deserves all the praise put upon him and hopefully he will continue his wonderful career into the next few years.
Good luck Rafa, win or lose you are still a champion.
I didn’t know who he was until he beat Roger at Wimbledon 2008 and I’ve not stopped supporting him and I fortunate enough to follow him around the world. When you meet him he is just the nicest guy. Long may he continue to play and surprise us with his fantastic tennis 😍😍😍
So true about what Clive said. I just love Rafa , for being himself, for being one of the greatest athletes and one of the nicest superstars on the planet.
Wish Rafa all the best in life and in tennis.
Rafa is my absolute idol..he is such an example of life and to life…at 64 I must be his biggest admirer…
I wish him well
No, that would be me at 66. We all love him, no matter our age. He’s simply magical to watch. No other player excites me like he does.
Well said Vicki. Rafa is simply the best ….as a tennis player and as a person with amazing values. At age of nearly 75 I continue to look forward to his matches and the excitement they bring!
I think I beat you all at the age of 76. I have followed him since he won his first Roland Garros. Have been to all the Australian opens to watch him practice and play. He is the most humble, respectful and exciting player ever. Love him so much and now love his beautiful wife too. Can’t wait for the babies to come along.😘😘😘❤❤❤👍👍👍
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