Category: Articles

After Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic becomes a father – Rafael Nadal reacts on Twitter and Instagram

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles7 Comments

Rafael Nadal sent his well wishes to Novak Djokovic and his wife Jelena on the recent birth of their baby girl, who the pair have named Tara. The Serb is also father to a three-year-old boy, Stefan.

“Beautiful picture, Nole. Big congrats once more again to you and your family,” Rafa posted on Djokovic’s Instagram on Friday.

Djokovic’s family expansion came just days after Serena Williams and partner Alexis Ohanian announced the birth of their first child, a daughter. They named her Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.

A host of tennis players wished Serena congratulations upon hearing the news of her daughter’s birth, including Rafa, who posted on Twitter:

Congrats to Novak and Jelena, but also to Serena and Alexis!

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Someone hacked Rafael Nadal’s Twitter account

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles21 Comments

On Wednesday afternoon, it was quite clear that Rafael Nadal’s Twitter was hacked.

Rafa apologized in Spanish which translated means: “I just realized that third parties have entered into my profile making unacceptable use. I have already recovered it. I regret what happened.”

The retweet sent out by the hacker has been deleted. The hacker retweeted a message about some Spanish political stuff.

Would you be worried if you were Rafa? Comment below with your thoughts!

Twitter Reacts to Rafael Nadal’s 16th Grand Slam Title

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles30 Comments
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Rafael Nadal just won his third US Open singles title. Tennis stars, fans and celebs are showering him with endless congratulatory tweets — see them all here!

Continue reading “Twitter Reacts to Rafael Nadal’s 16th Grand Slam Title” →

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal defeats Kevin Anderson to win US Open

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Photos87 Comments

World number one Rafael Nadal has beaten Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 to win the 2017 US Open. It’s Rafa’s 3rd title in the event and his 16th major tournament triumph overall, which is astonishing.

Throughout the game, Rafa had seven aces and 23 unforced errors. He definitely showed he was the No. 1 ranked men’s tennis player in the world. He broke Anderson’s serve twice in the first set, the 7th and 9th games to win it 6-3. He continued in the same style in the next two sets – unstoppable. Our champ lost just 15 points on serve in the entire match, did not face a break point and won all 16 points he finished at the net. Wow!

It is a very special two weeks for me, but first I want to say congratulations to Kevin who has come back better than ever after some tough injuries. You are a great example to all the players on tour.

It’s just unbelievable what happened this year. After a couple of years with some troubles, injuries, sometimes playing not good – since the beginning of the season it has been very, very emotional. To close the Grand Slam year with a win in New York, brings me to a higher energy because the crowd is unbelievable here.

On Uncle Toni: I can’t thank him enough for all the things he did for me. Probably without him I would never be playing tennis and it’s great I had somebody like him pushing me all the time.

(via BBC)

Congratulations Rafa! 

Rafael Nadal of Spain and Kevin Anderson of South Africa pose before their Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain enters the court before his Men’s Singles finals match against Kevin Anderson of South Africa on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Xisca Perello looks on in the stands before the Men’s Singles finals match between Kevin Anderson of South Africa and Rafael Nadal of Spain on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal serves the ball to South Africa’s Kevin Anderson during their 2017 US Open Men’s Singles final match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 10, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Nadal’s box watches Rafael Nadal of Spain play against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during the Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning the first set over Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts after winning a set against South Africa’s Kevin Anderson during their 2017 US Open Men’s Singles final match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 10, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD
Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts after winning a set against South Africa’s Kevin Anderson during their 2017 US Open Men’s Singles final match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 10, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning the first set over Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Kevin Anderson of South Africa after their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating South Africa’s Kevin Anderson during their 2017 US Open Men’s Singles final match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 10, 2017. .World number one Rafael Nadal won his 16th Grand Slam title and third US Open crown on Sunday by defeating South African 28th seed Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after defeating Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen during the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain shakes hands after defeating Kevin Anderson of South Africa after their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Kevin Anderson of South Africa in their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Kevin Anderson of South Africa during their Men’s Singles finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Kevin Anderson of South Africa after their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating South Africa’s Kevin Anderson during their 2017 US Open Men’s Singles final match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 10, 2017. .World number one Rafael Nadal won his 16th Grand Slam title and third US Open crown on Sunday by defeating South African 28th seed Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Kevin Anderson of South Africa in their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Kevin Anderson of South Africa in their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain takes a break after defeating Kevin Anderson of South Africa in their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Abbie Parr/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses during the trophy ceremony after their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after he defeated Kevin Anderson of South Africa in the Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal poses with his winning trophy after defeating South Africa’s Kevin Anderson during their 2017 US Open Men’s Singles final match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 10, 2017..Rafael Nadal raced to a third US Open title and 16th Grand Slam crown on Sunday with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 rout of South African giant Kevin Anderson. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain bites the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Sept. 9, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)

What do you think of Rafa’s win? We want to hear from you guys! Send him your congrats in the comments below!

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal beats Alexandr Dolgopolov to reach US Open quarterfinals

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Photos29 Comments

Rafael Nadal has recorded a straight-sets victory over Alexandr Dolgopolov to reach the quarter-finals of the US Open.

The two-time US Open champion continued his good form at Flushing Meadows with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 triumph over the Ukrainian player. It was Rafa’s 50th victory in New York.

After the match, Rafa said:

 I think I played a solid match. I know he is a player who can play amazing shots but sometimes a little bit unpredictable. He combined amazing points with mistakes so I tried to be focused with myself.

He was returning with a slice forehand I felt that, if I hit the forehand down the line, he has less space to attack.

Carlos Moya, it is great to have him on the team. He’s more than a coach. He’s one of the best friends I ever had on the tour.

I think he came with a lot of motivation and ideas and very positive all the time and believing a lot in what we’re doing. A combination of him, Toni and Francis has been great. (via BBC)

Rafa, top-seed in New York, had not lost to Dolgopolov since 2015, and he had little trouble in moving closer to the last eight as he recorded two breaks of serve during the opening set. In the ninth game of the second set they played a brutal rally after which Rafa broke and won the set. The final set was a routine for our champ.

He will next face the winner of the match between David Goffin and Andrey Rublev.

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD
Rafael Nadal of Spain prepares to serve to Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Rafael Nadal of Spain wipes his face while playing Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Women’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Women’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Women’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves to Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves to Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain chases a ball while playing against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov during their 2017 US Open Men’s Singles Round 4 match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 4, 2017 / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine after their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal prepares to serve the ball to Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov during their 2017 US Open Men’s Singles Round 4 match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 4, 2017 / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD
Spain’s Rafael Nadal serves the ball to Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov during their 2017 US Open Men’s Singles Round 4 match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 4, 2017 / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their fourth round Men’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sept. 3, 2017 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates his victory over Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York..Nadal advanced to the US Open quarterfinals, winning 6-2, 6-4, 6-1. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates his victory over Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their Round 4, US Open 2017, Men’s Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2017, in New York..Nadal advanced to the US Open quarterfinals, winning 6-2, 6-4, 6-1. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY

Rafael Nadal congratulates Serena on birth of her baby girl

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles9 Comments
AP Photo/Michel Euler

Rafael Nadal was one of the first tennis players to congratulate Serena Williams, following the news she has given birth to a baby girl.

Rafa wrote on Twitter: “Congrats Serena! So much joy for you!”

Serena welcomed her first child with Reddit tech boss Alexis Ohanian on Friday in the US. The 24-time Grand Slam champion announced her pregnancy in April and has said she hopes to return to the tennis court next year.

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal defeats Taro Daniel in four sets to reach US Open third round

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Photos4 Comments

(AFP) – World No.1 Rafael Nadal has battled back after dropping the first set to subdue Japan’s 121st-ranked Taro Daniel and reach the third round of the US Open.

Our champ won his ATP-best 51st match of the year by 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-2 over the 24-year-old New York native, who fell to 0-4 against top-10 rivals.

After the match, Rafa said:

It’s a very important victory. It’s true I didn’t play very well tonight but it’s true I’m through to the third round.

I didn’t play very well but tomorrow I will work hard to find better feelings because I know I can do much better.

Rafa will face lucky loser Leonardo Mayer for a place in the last 16.

Image has been converted to black and white.) Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Taro Daniel of Japan in their second round Men’s Singles match on Day Four of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 30, 2017 – Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images North America)
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Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory against Taro Daniel of Japan in their second round Men’s Singles match on Day Four of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Aug. 30, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)

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