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For the third straight Slam, there are questions about Nadal’s physical status. Clearly, he answered those questions pretty convincingly by winning the title at the last two. Could he do it again and keep his surprise quest for the Grand Slam at age 36 alive? This one will be the toughest. Nadal hasn’t won Wimbledon since 2010, hasn’t been to the final since 2011, and hasn’t played the tournament, or on grass, since 2019. He’ll be vulnerable to a big server or big hitter in a way he isn’t on the other surfaces.
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Williams also said that she was rooting for Rafael Nadal, who heads to Wimbledon nursing a chronic foot injury, but gunning for a Calendar Slam
“He’s done a lot in 2022,” said Williams of Nadal, who has won the Australian and French Opens this year.
“He’s been busy. I’ve always been a Rafa fan. I named my dog after him. He’s so cute. I miss the little guy. I am always rooting for Rafa. He’s been really inspiring in everything he’s done this year and he has a lot more to do.”
Before this year’s tournament, though, he [Djokovic] couldn’t help but pile praise on Spaniard Rafael Nadal.
“He had surgery, he missed half a year and after that, to come back and win a Grand Slam…. It’s impressive,” Djokovic said of Nadal. “Hats off to him for what he’s done. He’s an incredible champion, with a real fighting spirit. He’s to be admired. He’s one of my biggest rivals, but I can only have respect for him.”
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Can Rafael Nadal do the Year Grand Slam? 12 months ago, I would have said ‘not a chance in the world’, but now he’s two legs up, had the foot procedure after the French Open and he’s looking good. He doesn’t start as my favorite to win Wimbledon, but he’s in my top two or three picks. It’s possible that he can go into the US Open like Djokovic last year and already be three legs up.
It’s a really intriguing part of this year’s Wimbledon, if he can get through the semis and into the final, the excitement will really build. What he’s shown us by winning Grand Slams 21 (in Australia) and 22 (in France) and everything he told us afterwards about the foot, I think they were his two greatest accomplishments at this stage of his career. It could be one of those magical runs.
Social media related to Rafa:
Rafa is a phenom for sure, but Im prayi g for Federer to rejuvenate and play at Wimbledon. If Fed could win it yet again, it would be one of the best moments in all of sports history!
Go for it Rafa❤️
I do believe Rafa will get the Calendar Slam because he can. Yes he can, he’d been there winning so there’s no doubt about it besides he is to become a father soon, so he has the greatest inspiration & motivation this time. VAMOS RAFA!!!
I’m positive that Rafa can get the Calendar Slam. Please let it happen.
For a tennis player who;s been through hell and back deserves to win Wimbledon and the US Open too.
Rafa has been an inspiration to all future tennis players and his fans too.
Let’s keep our fingers cross for Rafa.
Good luck to Rafa. Go for 3rd Wimbledon and 23rd GS title
VAMOS No 1 always.
God bless n be with you throughout Wimbledon Rafa. Love from your self adopted Australian Abuelah Nan Shirley. Vamos Rafael. 🏆🏆🏆🏆😅
Shirley so happy to see your post ! It’s been a long time! I was watching the tennis channel today & it was the 2008 Wimbledon Encore…I’ve seen it a gazillion times but enjoy it every-time! It took me down
memory lane …Rafa’s dad & uncle Toni’s hair was dark & so was all of his teams … his moms hair was strawberry blonde & Rafa had his long hair! That was 14 years ago & I still see a lot of the same fans here! I knew Rafa was special but just look what he has accomplished & we have been right there with him all the way! I used to be under Sioux but now I’m Ziggy( got kicked off for some reason & it made me sad) ! I bet you were so excited when Rafa won the AO…I remember all the the battle royale‘s Rafa has had in Australia! Anyway we get to enjoy Rafa in Wimbledon yet another year! How lucky we are to be Rafa Fans! It would be wonderful if Rafa could win his third Wimbledon & possibly the calendar slam however I don’t expect much more from Rafa he has exceeded all expectations so now if he wins it just a bonus! We have come full circle with Rafa & now we will see him become a father… undoubtedly his greatest achievement! Wishing Rafa the very best as always ❤️🙏!
I agree with you there
Hear, hear….