Last night Rafael Nadal and his teammates arrived to Sydney where they will face Team Belgium in the quarterfinals of the ATP Cup on Friday. Here are a few photos from today’s practice session.
ATP Cup 2020: Thursday practice photos
Last night Rafael Nadal and his teammates arrived to Sydney where they will face Team Belgium in the quarterfinals of the ATP Cup on Friday. Here are a few photos from today’s practice session.
| Cookie | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
| viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |
Vamos Rafa. God bless you n keep you fit. Hope they televise your games fully. Your Aussie Abuela Nan Shirley. 🐂🏆🏆🏆👑👑👑🎉🎉🎉🎊🎊
VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) GREAT PHOTOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) ENJOY EVERYTHING! : ) XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOX
Have you heard, Rafa’s practice sessions are more gruelling than the actual match (bar the US Open 2019). Reminds me of another champion – Luc Longley of the NBA Chicago Bulls said this of Michael Jordan: the practice games with Pippen and Jordan captaining the two imaginary teams, were so intense, that made the actual game seem like picking apples. Believe this makes up the DNA of champions!
Go Team Spain at the quarters!
Of course, all this is based on the assumption that Spain get through their QF tie against Belgium.
The ATP Cup rules state that the number 2 player in each team should go head-to-head in the opening singles match of the tie, with the top ranked player from each nation then clashing in the second singles match. This means that, technically, Alex De Minaur, the world no. 18, will face Rafa, but Australia may well put Nick Kyrgios in against Rafa. Knowing Nick, i’m sure that he’ll be pushing to play Rafa.
If the latter is the case, then Rafa will be well prepared for Nick’s antics and mind games. Best of luck champ.
Australia has already set a precedent of swapping out players, when De Minaur didn’t play the tie against Greece. I don’t know if he stated he was injured/unwell on that day or if there’s a rule regarding that, but Kyrgios played as #1 with John Millman then taking the #2. I think they’re not allowed to play De Minaur as #2 if Kyrgios takes #1. So that’s Australia’s gamble – if NK thinks he can beat Rafa, can Millman also beat Roberto – he hasn’t ever so far.
Rafa just can’t get enough of the practice courts. He’s showing his usual dedication, eager to fine tune his game and it’s great to see him smiling and relaxed.
All the best Rafa…greatest luck to you
Good luck Rafa. Keep it up ❤️