ARTICLES:
- US Open: Circumstances ‘don’t matter in 20 years’ in Nadal, Djokovic, Federer GOAT debate – John McEnroe | Eurosport
McEnroe responded: “Yeah but so could Rafa. He hasn’t played [the US Open] for three years because he’s been injured and he didn’t defend his Wimbledon title a couple of times. And you can go down the list.
“Roger [Federer] could have won this had he been healthy. We [McEnroe and Clijsters] could have been contenders and won more! Woulda, coulda, shoulda. In his wildest dreams Djokovic didn’t think ‘I’m going to get thrown out of Australia, Rafa having not played for six months, is going to win it.’ The French Open we can understand.
“Rafa’s going to be No.1 in the world at the end of the year whether he wins this or not.”
Rafael Nadal will kick off the night session on Arthur Ashe, and on paper it looks like it should be a routine win for the second seed. There is, of course, every chance that it will be. However, Nadal is coming into the US Open with plenty of question marks. We don’t know how his abdominal injury has healed and we don’t know if his foot will stand up to the punishment of hardcourts
History suggests that, even if Nadal is not 100%, he will still win the match. It will be interesting to see what kind of a level he is able to produce, though.
- “He’s in a different league, always been and always will be” – Stan Wawrinka on Rafael Nadal | sportskeeda.com
He stated that the 36-year-old is in a league of his own and there’s nothing he can personally take from him as a player.
“No, I think what Rafa has done this year and all his career, like it’s amazing to watch as a tennis fan. You cannot take anything as a player, because he’s in [a] different league, always been and always will be,” he said.
“It’s always amazing to watch him play, to watch him compete, and to watch him at the top of the game after so many years. I enjoy watching him. But as I say, as a player, you cannot take anything,” he added.
- “He’s obviously one of the best players in the world on all surfaces, as he showed this year” – Andy Murray on Rafael Nadal after reaching US Open 2R | sportskeeda.com
“He’s clearly one of the best players to ever play. Obviously his achievements this year have been brilliant. The match to turn the Australian Open around this year was, you know, was exceptional. It was obviously unfortunate at Wimbledon. But yeah, I mean, he’s obviously still one of the best players in the world on all of the surfaces, as he showed this year.”
PHOTOS:
Night-Session Outfit
Day-Session Outit
Social media related to Rafa:
Congrats Rafa! Rough start but you looked good after that!
How does Nike choose the models for Rafa’s kits? Interesting. Thankfully, our champ looks great in any color or any style. Vamos Rafa.
Anyone else watching? C’mon Rafa get it together!! You need to win the next three sets. Rinky is playing out of his mind and just took that 1st set. Deep breaths and regroup. Vamos
Just watched about a minute on TV of Rafa warming up at the P! practice court with Coach Moya. This is right next to one of the ESPN broadcast spots at 3:10 pm Eastern. Rafa looks relaxed. Wish I could be there!
I like it that Serena is getting all the attention right now. Perhaps this lessens Rafa’s media obligations and allows him to focus more easily. Vamos Rafa!
p1 ..not P! sorry
Best of luck Rafa…# 23 is at your wrists! Win this one for your baby boy waiting to meet his icon legendary Papa! Will be watching & rooting for you as always!
The day-session looks great👏
Looking good! The wait is almost over…good luck and Vamos Rafa🍀💪❤️
Well said, Stan Wawrinka👍