Nike has unveiled Rafael Nadal’s new outfit that he’ll be wearing at Wimbledon 2021. Following the Wimbledon tradition, our champ will be sporting all-white with touches of black on it. As you can see, along with the Nike logo, the famous ‘raging bull’ was also designed in black.
What are your thoughts? Hate it immediately? Love something about it? Write to us! Leave us a comment below!
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rafa will also skip AO2022, if rafa would have won RG he would have played the wimbeldon. point is there is no meaning to play wimbeldon if u have less chances of winning because u r not at top notch form to give teouble to novak and roger ..for beating nole and roger, rafa backhand and forehand should be working great, at present backhand is giving him trouble. also the fact is clay sesaon takes a lot out of body… rafa will definitely workout his form and backhand…and will vlbe ready for USO….rafa will win USO championship 2021….rest well and come soon rafa stronger vamos rafa
Expecting this rafa will also skip AO2022 and he will win 2021 USO championship…rafa skipped wimbeldon because clay season takes alot out of u and also he still not on his top of his form so why play if u think u will not favorite to win with not top notch form..he will plan for nole and will stop him at USO…if rafa would have won RG he would have played wimbeldon….at this moment to beat novak and roger rafa need both his backhand and forehand working fine…this time backhand hurting lot..
ashu,
I do not think he will skip ao 2022. He should go for the challenge. I hope that time between now and beginning august to reasses about things. I really hope for him that he will come back very strong in august and also preform in the indoor season
Furthermore it will be so great if he would face the fact that he has problems with nerves since australian open 2012 and talk with someone a doctor about dealing with getting older.
Lorna re yours @3:31PM
When I saw that yesterday I wondered why Toni would reveal that. I was angry for him putting that out in public, whether or not Rafa said it. And what would Rafa think about his uncle’s comment. If Rafa is ok with that, fine.
There is no doubt that the Big 3 are fighting for their legacy. If I read your comment correctly, you are explaining why Rafa is so down. I just feel Toni should have kept that to himself. #1 must be gloating like the Cheshire Cat.
Yes, strategically it may not have been the best move on Toni Nadal’s part.
All i can say is that Novak is riding the crest of a wave, but waves can hit rocks….
Love it. Let’s get some boulders!
Marijnt, I take exception to someone LIKE YOU telling me to “cut the crap”. You of all people – the most negative one on this site. We all have individual differences and one size doesn’t fit all. You didn’t have the same aggressive attitude when Roger Federer chose to skip RG in the past or pulled out after the third round this year because he was “listening to his body”.
What better place to return to than the place that has given Rafa four grand slams ON HARD COURT. That, Marjnt, is what I call a psychologically wise move!
Lorna,
I apologize about saying that but it doesnt take away the fact that rafa will have to face his mental issues. Hope for himj and pray for him that he will come back strong in the hardcourt season en indoor season.
Good to hear from rafa that he still has the desire to compete on highest level en win important titles. If he wants that he has a lot of work to do
I agree and give you credit for trying. I’m upset s/he addressed you and Ginagigi like that.
SOOOO D I S R E S P E C T F U L
I will miss him on tour but am happy about him taking time away from competing. He rally needs it.
He is always busy whenever he’s out of the office so I’m sure there will be tidbits, here and there, about what he’s up to on his time off.
We are waiting for you Rafa.
I fully respect Rafa’s decision not to play at Wimbledon or the Olympics. After all, he has nothing to prove at either event and his long term mental and physical fitness are the most important things.
My wish is for Rafa to get all the rest he needs and come back on the hard courts with renewed confidence and vigour.
I agree Lorna. Rafa has nothing to prove at either event. The clay court season always takes a lot out of him, both mentally and physically; more so as he ages, which is perfectly natural. As many of us have said before, Rafa is not a machine. He is a sensitive human being and the loss to Djokovic in the Semi-Final of the French Open will have hit him hard; not because it was Djokovic who beat him (with whom he has a great rivalry, 28-30 says it all) but because he knows that the opportunities for winning more grand slams are fast diminishing. I think his best chance to get to 14 and 21 was this year at this event and Rafa may think that too. For a great warrior like Rafa that will be hard to come to terms with. I do hope he returns fit and well in time for the US Open. Best wishes to Rafa.
I wouldn’t count out Roland-Garros 2022 providing he is healthy and the fight in him still burns.
ginagigi and lorna
just cut the crap Nadal still has to prove that is a allround player and not only a clay specialist. You refering to his age. Age is not a excuse novak is old and also federer is old. Rafa just talk a lot negative about his age.
He needs a mental reset and should talk with someone who can help him with his mental issues
Ginagigi, according to Toni Nadal, if Djokovic had lost in Paris, Rafa would have been less disappointed. “The only thing that could somehow alleviate his disappointment at the semi-final defeat would have been Tsitsipas’ victory in the final against Novak.”
For Rafa it’s clear – anyone at all except Novak!
Although they like to play it down, it just shows that the intensity of the rivalry amongst the “Big Three” is huge.
I’m done with thinking Rafa shoulda-woulda-coulda now, and I just look forward to seeing him whenever he feels ready to return.
I believe it’s official….
As we previously have stated only Rafa knows how he’s feeling mentally and physically.. I felt that he might very well pass on playing Wimbledon and the Olympics…. ( Perhaps he would start to train for hardcourt starting with Toronto….)
This morning, Rafa has released a lengthy statement on “Facebook” and “Twitter” stating just that…. He’s not going to play Wimbledon or the Olympics.
“Hi all, not something I like to write but wanted to inform you guys that I have decided not to participate at this year’s Championships at Wimbledon and the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
It’s never an easy decision to take but after listening to my body and discuss it with my team I understand that it is the right decision with the goal to prolong my career and continue to do what makes me happy, that is to compete at the highest level and keep fighting for those professional and personal goals at he maximum level of competition.
The fact that there has only been two weeks between Roland Garros and Wimbledon this year, didn’t make it easier on my body to recuperate after the always demanding clay court season. They have been two months of great effort and the decision I take is focused on looking at the mid and long term.
Sport prevention of any kind of excess in my body is a very important factor at this stage of my career in order to try to keep fighting for the highest level of competition and titles.
I want to send a special message to my fans around the world, to those in the United Kingdom and Japan in particular. The Olympic Games have always meant a lot in my career and they were always a priority as a Sports person and fan, I found the spirit that every sports person in the world wants to live at least once in their career. I personally had the chance to live 3 of them and even had the honor to be the flag bearer for my country.“
I am not surprised over this decision… As you can see he does not discuss his intentions for August. I am hoping with rest and reset Rafa will take to the court competitively this summer. Obviously I want the best for him but I will be crushed if he doesn’t play the Open….
Be well Rafa…. Take the tiime you need….
Thank you Marileena for posting that. I woke up feeling a lot better since Rafa lost and you’ve answered the burning questions about him competing.
RAFA ROCKS
The true competitor stands up after a big defeat. Hiding on a boat during Wimbledon and the Olympics, arguably the two biggest events tennis players can compete in this year, is a clear sign of a deplorable mental state.
Rafa just pulled out of Wimbledon and the Olympics, due to a mental injury, self inflicted during the match against Nole.
Jason B
He needs a mental reset and get in touch with him to talk about his nerves that has been bothering him for the last 9 years. Ever since he lost the ao final against nole in 2012 he is having nerves. I saw it also in the semifinal when it got tense he was visible nervous and had problem breathing
correction with a specialist
nadal has confirmed on twitter that he will not play wimbeldon and the olympics. That is very unfortunate so no one is standing in the way of Nole to win his 20 grandslam title.
Hopefully nadal will use the rest to reboot psychically en mentally and give full force for the hartcourt season and indoor season
Yes, mentally injured, we could also see it during the match last week. Very, very much suffering from ‘da nerves’.
Rafa’s speech for yesterday’s graduation ceremony at the Academy was blown off the lectern by a gust of wind.
As he rushed to gather the pages, Rafa said, “That was not a success. Like my last match at Roland-Garros.”
Fedal Tennis
@TennisFedal
·
14h
Rafael Nadal jokes about his
@rolandgarros loss to @DjokerNole😂😂
We knew he’s humble in defeat but he definitely knows when to throw a punch 😂🤜
You can see the video on Twitter.
He is owning his loss and I hope it’s an indication that he’s ready to move forward.
An encouraging sign, Margo. Humour is often the best tonic….
I have just been catching up on recent comments and am sad to see that Marijnt is still insisting that Djokovic is the GOAT, as though it is an indisputable fact. In the absence of any agreed criteria, this will always be a matter of opinion, NOT fact. Rafa fans believe Rafa is the GOAT, Federer fans believe Federer is the GOAT and, surprise surprise, Djokovic fans believe Djokovic is the GOAT!
It is disappointing that a so-called Rafa fan should use this site to try to insist that Djokovic is the GOAT. No genuine Rafa fan would ever do that. I can only think that Marijnt must derive pleasure from criticising Rafa and/or provoking Rafa fans. How sad is that!
In any event, as V wisely says, the race is not over until they have all retired. (Rafa has always said this.) Interestingly, Andy Murray was asked the GOAT question a couple of days ago. His answer was that he could not and would not put any one of the Big Three above the other two because they had all made a unique contribution to the game of tennis.
Finally, I take exception to Marijnt’s referring to us as YOU PEOPLE! How rude! Marijnt is right that we cannot block him/her but we can ignore everything he/she says from now on. (People who have a very high opinion of themselves and enjoy winding people up can’t abide being ignored.)
Thanks Ginagigi…so true. 👏👏👍
Ginagigi I agree with you!!! Rafael Nadal, have records that stand by itself, records that never will be broken!!! In certain ways I believe that, Novak it’s a lucky guy… what would had happened in the French Open if , Nadal levels wouldn’t had dropped, like it did in the French open… look last year how Nadal beat, Novak in the French open… Novak never had been-able to bagel Nadal in a match… Nadal had done it to Novak in 3 occasions… so when Nadal it’s in his best, nobody can top him… maybe Novak it’s a lucky guy that get away with a lot of chances … look who got better winning records against the new generation… it’s Rafael Nadal!!! So anyone’s idea that Novak it’s already the goat ( perdón my French) it’s bullshiting himself/herself!!! Let’s way when their career it’s over, and still I will go for Rafael Nadal!!! Novak it’s having nightmares with anything related to Rafael Nadal, he it’s having a sick obsession with Rafael Nadal… that makes me wonder to what extent Novak would be willing to go, to overcome Nadal records… to all rafans have a great day!!!
Ginagigi … Coach Marijnt thinks he knows Rafa the best… he’s stuck in a rut with 2012! Posting that the 2012 AO mentally sabotaged his whole career! If he would just fast forward to 2013 he would see Rafa overcame any mental insecurities that he had. Coach Marijnt is quick in dwelling on Rafa’s distressing defeats rather than focusing on all his extraordinary victories! He stands alone here & I really don’t value his input. We are all entitled to our own opinion and have earned the right to critique Rafa but all that negativity that spews out of his mouth is a bit much! Thank you Ginagigi love your post…you are a true blue Rafa fan!
Thank you Margo, Tatamalo and Ziggy. We all know who are the GENUINE Rafa fans on this site.
Yay so happy that Rafa has decided to play wimbledon. i will start praying now. and sending tons of positive energy to Rafa. vamos 💪💪💪
Rafan, who announced that Rafa will play Wimbledon?
i think key for rafa to win over nole is his backhand if rafa backhand working fine with his forehand its the ultimate weapon to defeat novak
Kiki Bertens has announced that she will be retiring from professional tennis this year. Her recent battle with an achilles injury has influenced her decision.
She said that tour life has taken its toll on her and she’s no longer getting the satisfaction from the game, compared to the effort she puts in. “I have always demaded the maximum of myself, but the tank is empty”. I wish her all the best in the future.
Awww..that’s too bad but she has been plagued by injuries. I never watched KiKi play but enjoyed reading about her as she climbed to World No. 4. Wishing her the best.
Ever since 2011 Rafa mental strength and self confidence has been a seesaw and most of all against D. There have been so many moments be it a game, set, match, semifinal or final when he’s on the winning side, on the verge of snapping up a victory and all of a sudden …… snap, poof, the moment has gone – lost. There have been moments of brilliance but in comparison too few and far between. Kills me!
Just hope something happens that makes him turn, fight and come out right on top!
VAMOS Rafa.
All the very best to you always!
it happen in 2012 after the loss against nole in australia. Before that loss nadal only lost 3 five setters one against hewitt and 2 against federer. After 2012 he lost 8 five sets matches 2 against djokovic and other ones were against rosol, fognini, verdasco, pouille, federer, muller and stefanos tsipipras.
Rafa needs to get his mental strength back it has nothing to do with age. Djokovic is 34 years and is mentally strong as ever.
You know what will help him defeating djokovic in five sets on the grass of wimbeldon if that happens it will be a complete turn around
If Rafa could only read your comment. I have felt like that too. We don’t know him but we all want him to succeed. And he has. Sometimes I feel as if I’m not being fair expecting more from him. But then he says he loves competing so then I want more. He drives me bonkers at times but will always support him in his quest for a title. May he come back stronger.
Rafa Fan 1, sorry I forgot to put your name in my response.
Team Rafa! Lets do Wimbledon! Get ready and Let’s go!
Rafa’s team and Rafa’s fans need to remember the basics: Rafa can still win matches and Tournaments. Nole can still lose matches and not win tournaments!
And there are about five Next Gens, including Dominic Theim, who are coming on strong and who can make life complicated for Rafa and Nole.
Understanding the new era, lets start with Wimbledon and cheer for Rafa to win!!
I AM IN!
Rafa is human not sybok even Djokovic lose sometimes, this is tennis like any other sport, win or lose finish
He will definitely play, our champion knows how heartbroken we are way back from RG, he is going to wipe our tears by lifting the trophy at London vavamos our champ, we r right behind u
Thembani, Rafa will be back and we, his fans, will be excited to see him. Of course, the hardest part is the waiting.
RAFA ROCKS
Marinjt is not Rafa’s fan, he don’t even belong to this group, can he pls leave our group, we don’t have time for his nonsense, we talking about our champion Rafael Nadal not Novak Djokovic
thembani,
i am not leaving this group and like i said I am nadal fan since 2007
Let him blow himself up. Such a polarizing individual.
margo and ginagini
Apparantly I did strike a nerve with the both of you about my comments. Let me be clear. I am a nadal supporter since 2007. I often have been very positive about nadal on this site but I am also very critical and if I see him playing bad or the level is simply not there I will critize him on this site whether the both of you like it or not
The hard truth is that rafa right now is not that the greatest of all time that is djokovic the both of you have a hard time accepting that reality. If the owner of this site doesnt like what I am writing then they need to block me. You people dont owe this site.
Nadal game needs improvement if he still wants to compete for the big titles. Also Nadal mental state of mind needs to improve he lost so many close matches over the last 9 years.
Accept that they are many critical nadal fans out there
RAFA IS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME!
Totally agree!!!
Hey Mimi, hope you’re feeling better today. Let’s see if Rafa has any news for us today. Hoping to hear something, ANYTHING, if not today…soon.
Hi Margo,
Thanks.🙏❤️ How are you? I have resumed jogging…it was a bit tough after a break, but no pain no gain.💪 I usually use Rafa as an excuse to skip jogging, but the FO is over. During any tournament Rafa plays, I just try my best to go on my bike or practice yoga at home. Rafa is my #1 priority!!!😉
Glad that Rafa and his team made the announcement early, hope he rest well and come back healthy and fit when he thinks it’s the right time!🥰
I’m good Mimi. Thanks for asking. No PTS thank goodness.
Just waiting for our Champ’s return. Pedal on, I’ve been doing a lot more walking to stop “the spread.” LOL
👍😁
Patience patience…for our Champ!❤️
I am wondering how did you come to the conclusion that Djokovic is more GOAT than Rafa hhhaha. First of all the race is not over yet and second and most important ; you cant be the greatest, if you dont hold the most important thing which is (most grand slam titles). So still 20 is more than 19. Simple as that
V
Djokovic won all master serie titles twice and also won atp tour finals and djokovic won all grandslams twice by winning the french open.
Djokovic has beaten both rafa and roger on all 4 grandslams and is the most allround player. He can win on hardcourt, clay, grass and indoor
Nadal has won 20 grandslams but 13 of them were on 1 surface and that is clay. Rafa should be called the greatest ever on clay. But he has not done well on other surfaces besides clay.
He has not won miami, sjanghai, paris indoor and the atp tour finals. He had many chances to win for a second time in Australia to do what nole did on sunday in Paris but unfortunatly he lost in 2012 against Nole in the final after leading break in the fifth he was the favorite against wawrinka in 2014 but lost due to back injury and 2017 against federer again after leading a break in the fifth.and this year losing against stefanos after leading 2-0 in sets
Last year he had a great chance to win Paris Indoor but lost in the semi final against zverev and in the atp tour finals he lost in the semifinal against medvedev after leading a set and 5-4 and serving for the match.
I was very dissapointed him not winning Paris indoor and atp tour finals also dissapointed about the losses in australia.
Obviously he has taken up residence here. Please don’t supply the oxygen.
You are totally right. He could have been the GOAT if he had won one or two of the matches that he threw away due to mental blocks. especially those that would have gotten him the double career grans slam. AO2012, the infamous back hand up a break in the fifth, at 30-15. AO14, the mentally triggered back injury, looking so afraid the whole first set. The whole season of 2015 (one mental break down), basically everything that happened since RG14 (two grass losses to Brown) until the Spring of 17 was overshadowed by weakness. AO17, up a break in the fifth, he mentally collapsed again, and big time. Wimbledon 18 SF, throwing away the third and the fifth set. AO19, entering the final in a state of 100% disbelief in himself. He on the other hand certainly had a couple of wins where he was at the other end of the spectrum, such as the RG13 SF and the US13 final, both matches where he won due to mental power. We all know he miraculously got away in the final of the US19, but the self inflicted blow of last week vs Djokovic, where he hit so many unforced errors (including DF’s) has now clearly pulled him to a hard stop. You can criticize this input all you want, but just the fact that I can sum up all these events top of my head shows you I am following his career closely enough to be called a fan. A fan who realistically acknowledges that due to this mental weakness, and the ongoing march of Nole. the latter is the GOAT. Unlike Federer fans, who have been un-sportive en masse, since forever, Nadal fans can be good sports enough to admit that their man is no. 2 behind Nole (but before Federer, the weak era king).
Sorry Pauline. Just noticed that you’d already posted the Federer result.
Not at all Lorna. Never a problem.