ARTICLES:
- Fit and ‘intense’ Rafael Nadal impresses during practice with Andy Murray at sodden Brisbane International | abc.net.au
“Always very, very intense practices with him [and] he looked physically good and was playing well. There’s certain things he’s probably doing, slightly different to earlier in his career,” Murray said of the 22-times grand slam champion.
“His second serve is significantly harder than what he did earlier in his career but I mean, the rest of the game, unless there’s a physical issue, there’s not really much reason for him to make huge changes to that. It’s been pretty successful. When he’s fit and healthy, that game style is what has worked really, really well for him, looking for his forehand, trying to dominate with that shot. If he wants to be successful in the future, that’s what he should be looking to do and that’s how he was trying to play today.”
- Quotes of the day: stars meet the media in Brisbane | Brisbane International
“It’s a big privilege to be the first seed here and surrounded by many good players. First of all, (it’s) great to see Rafa back. I had a practise with him the first day here. It’s cool to have him in the tournament, and I am playing doubles with Andy Murray. It’s very nice. I’m just looking forward to it. Hopefully I can start the season great, start to build on something.”
– Holger Rune, the No.1 seed in the men’s singles draw, is honoured to lead a star-studded field in Brisbane.
- Roger Federer’s former coach would ‘love to see Rafael Nadal give Novak Djokovic some heat’ | tennis365.com
Ljubicic highlighted Djokovic’s statistical dominance and his status as the player to beat when asked about the tennis GOAT debate, while revealing he hopes Nadal can challenge the Serbian in 2024.
“I think the most successful one is definitely Novak, at least on the male side. He keeps winning, he is not stopping and I am really curious and I will love to see Rafa back in 2024 to give him some heat,” the Croatian said on an episode of the ATP Tennis Radio Podcast.
PHOTOS: Rafa Junior with his mother Mery in Brisbane
Social media related to Rafa:
Encouraging to see and hear so many supportive players who are welcoming Rafa back. A reflection of how respected he is. And bebe Rafa? A Star is Born⭐️
Oh my days. Just when I thought wee Rafa couldn’t look more adorable. That tiny racket. Haha. Nice one.
I don’t think one person has mentioned Rafa’s lovely lady wife. She looks so happy and content when she’s with wee Rafa. It’s a nice thing.
Baby Rafa seems to have his Papa’s intensity, judging from those pics! He is adorable!
Too cute!!!🥰
Great words from Andy and Holger and the pictures of Rafa Junior are so cute😍
That toddler is so adorable and lovely and looks like his papa. Seeing this is what will give me a great head start for the New Year! And Rafa will hopefully b his old self I really really hope!!!!
Born to be a star! 💖
Baby Rafa is so gorgeous!
Hi Set… Isn’t he the cutest? He looks just like Rafa! Adorable!
And…. Our boy is back!! I’m so excited …Can’t wait till he takes the court….