Category: Exhibitions

PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal beats Tommy Haas in exhibition match ahead of Wimbledon

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Exhibitions, Photos, Rafael Nadal19 Comments

Rafael Nadal stepped up his preparations for Wimbledon by beating Tommy Haas 6-4, 1-6, 10-7 on Friday afternoon at the Aspall Tennis Classic exhibition event at the Hurlingham Club.

The sets were split between the two players and Rafa won the super tiebreak decider.

Today’s match was another good opportunity for our champ to polish his grass court game and get acclimated to the surface and weather.

Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic – London, Britain – June 30, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal walks on court for his match against Germany’s Tommy Haas Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic – London, Britain – June 30, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his match against Germany’s Tommy Haas Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic – London, Britain – June 30, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts after his match against Germany’s Tommy Haas Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic – London, Britain – June 30, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts after his match against Germany’s Tommy Haas Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Spain’s Rafael Nadal serves during his match against Germany’s Tommy Haas during the Aspall Tennis Classic at the Hurlingham Club, London, Friday June 30, 2017. (Chris Radburn/PA via AP)
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic – London, Britain – June 30, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his match against Germany’s Tommy Haas Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic – London, Britain – June 30, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his match against Germany’s Tommy Haas Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns against Germany’s Tommy Haas during the Aspall Tennis Classic at the Hurlingham Club, London, Friday June 30, 2017. (Chris Radburn/PA via AP)
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic – London, Britain – June 30, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal wipes his face during his match against Germany’s Tommy Haas Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic – London, Britain – June 30, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal during his match against Germany’s Tommy Haas Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic – London, Britain – June 30, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal during his match against Germany’s Tommy Haas Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic – London, Britain – June 30, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal during his match against Germany’s Tommy Haas Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic – London, Britain – June 30, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his match against Germany’s Tommy Haas Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic – London, Britain – June 30, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his match against Germany’s Tommy Haas Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic – London, Britain – June 30, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his match against Germany’s Tommy Haas Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic – London, Britain – June 30, 2017 Germany’s Tommy Haas with his daughters and Spain’s Rafael Nadal after their match Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Tommy Haas holds his children alongside Rafael Nadal following their exhibition match during day four of the Aspall Tennis Classic at the Hurlingham Club, London. (Photo by Chris Radburn/PA Images via Getty Images)
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Hurlingham 2017: Rafael Nadal loses to Tomas Berdych in exhibition match [PHOTOS]

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Exhibitions, Photos, Rafael Nadal13 Comments

Two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal lost his first match on grass this season at Hurlingham Club to Tomas Berdych with a 6-3, 6-2 scoreline.

The match lasted 59 minutes, but despite loss we all hope our champ will use all the time he needs to get used on grass before his first match at the All England Club.

Our champ is now going to face Tommy Haas on Friday.

 

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Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic, London, Britain – June 28, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal during his match against Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic, London, Britain – June 28, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his match against Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic, London, Britain – June 28, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his match against Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Spain’s Rafael Nadal plays a shot against Czech Tomas Berdych during their men’s singles exhibition match at The Hurlingham Tennis Classic tournament at the Hurlingham Club in London on June 28, 2017. Berdych won the match 6-3, 6-2. / AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic, London, Britain – June 28, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal during his match against Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic, London, Britain – June 28, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his match against Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic, London, Britain – June 28, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his match against Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic, London, Britain – June 28, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal during his match against Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic, London, Britain – June 28, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal during his match against Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic, London, Britain – June 28, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his match against Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic, London, Britain – June 28, 2017 General view of the trainers of Spain’s Rafael Nadal during his match against Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Spain’s Rafael Nadal gestures during the men’s singles exhibition match against Czech Tomas Berdych at The Hurlingham Tennis Classic tournament at the Hurlingham Club in London on June 28, 2017. Berdych won the match 6-3, 6-2. / AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Tennis – Aspall Tennis Classic, London, Britain – June 28, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his match against Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
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Rafael Nadal to prepare for Wimbledon with two exhibition matches

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Exhibitions, Rafael Nadal41 Comments

Rafael Nadal is to warm up for Wimbledon with two exhibition matches at the Aspall Tennis Classic at Hurlingham. The event runs from Tuesday 27th – Friday 30th June 2017 and is the perfect warm-up to Wimbledon.

Getty Images

Other ATP players included in the line-up are World No. 1 Andy Murray, World No. 6 Milos Raonic, World No. 13 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, World No 14 Tomas Berdych, World No. 17 Lucas Pouille and World No. 252 Tommy Haas.

Joining them will be some of the sport’s favourite legends – former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski, two-time grand slam finalist Mark Philippoussis, former World No. 4 Thomas Enqvist, 1986 French Open finalist Mikael Pernfors and Mansour Bahrami.

UPDATED: Rafa will play two singles matches across the week; taking on Tomas Berdych on Wednesday 28th June and then Tommy Haas on Friday 30th June in his preparations for a third Wimbledon title.  His last appearance at The Hurlingham Club was in 2014.

Rafa:

The Aspall Tennis Classic at The Hurlingham Club is a lot of fun and it’s always exciting to play in front of the UK fans, so I can’t wait to return this week. I’m working hard and enjoying every week as it comes, so this is the perfect way to get ready for Wimbledon.

Despite loss, Rafael Nadal enjoys exhibition in Sydney

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Exhibitions, Photos, Rafael Nadal, Video5 Comments

Earlier today, Rafael Nadal took part in a FAST 4 Tennis exhibition.

Since Kei Nishikori was forced to pull out due to a hip injury, Dominic Thiem replaced him and played with Rafa for the ‘World’ team against Team Australia – Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic.

First on the court in Sydney’s new International Convention Centre were Rafa and Nick. After splitting the first four sets, they faced off in a tiebreak to decide the match. The young Aussie won it (4-3 2-4 4-3 4-3).

Bernard also won the fifth set in his match against Dominic and secured Australia a 2-0 victory in the Australia v World Fast4 contest.

 

After the match, Rafa said:

It was a good match. I enjoyed it. Very happy to be back here in Sydney again. FAST4 is good promotion for our sport here in a very important country – country with a big tradition in the sport of tennis. Very excited to see the full crowd like this in an amazing theatre.

Rafa is expected to head straight to Melbourne for the year’s opening Grand Slam.

Source: Tennis Australia

Rafael Nadal and Kei Nishikori pose with wombat in Sydney

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Exhibitions, Off Court, Photos, Rafael Nadal, Video3 Comments

Rafael Nadal and Kei Nishikori have spent time getting to know a wombat ahead of the Fast4 tennis exhibition in Sydney on Monday.

Kei Nishikori and Rafael Nadal pose with Lola the wombat ahead of the Fast4International Exhibition this evening at the ICC Sydney Theatre on January 9, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Jan. 8, 2017 – Source: Jason McCawley/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Kei Nishikori and Rafael Nadal pose with Lola the wombat ahead of the Fast4International Exhibition this evening at the ICC Sydney Theatre on January 9, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Jan. 8, 2017 – Source: Jason McCawley/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Kei Nishikori and Rafael Nadal pose with Lola the wombat ahead of the Fast4International Exhibition this evening at the ICC Sydney Theatre on January 9, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Jan. 8, 2017 – Source: Jason McCawley/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Kei Nishikori and Rafael Nadal pose with Lola the wombat ahead of the Fast4International Exhibition this evening at the ICC Sydney Theatre on January 9, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Jan. 8, 2017 – Source: Jason McCawley/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Kei Nishikori and Rafael Nadal pose with Lola the wombat ahead of the Fast4International Exhibition this evening at the ICC Sydney Theatre on January 9, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Jan. 8, 2017 – Source: Jason McCawley/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal poses with Lola the wombat ahead of the Fast4International Exhibition this evening at the ICC Sydney Theatre on January 9, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Jan. 8, 2017 – Source: Jason McCawley/Getty Images AsiaPac
Rafael Nadal poses with Lola the wombat ahead of the Fast4International Exhibition this evening at the ICC Sydney Theatre on January 9, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Jan. 8, 2017 – Source: Jason McCawley/Getty Images AsiaPac
Rafael Nadal poses for the media ahead of the Fast4International Exhibition this evening at the ICC Sydney Theatre on January 9, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Jan. 8, 2017 – Source: Jason McCawley/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Rafael Nadal ends 2016 with win

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Exhibitions, Photos, Rafael Nadal27 Comments

World No. 9 Rafael Nadal warmed up for the new season with victory at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.

Our champ beat David Goffin 6-4, 7-6(5) to pick up his fourth title at the Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre.

A scorching forehand winner secured the first set for Rafa after both men had picked up breaks in the opening exchanges but Goffin ensured it would not be all plain sailing.

The Belgian broke twice at the start of the second set to lead 3-1, only for Rafa to up his level and round out the win in just under two hours.

After the match, Rafa said:

When you have success many times here is so special. I’m very excited to start a new season playing at this level last three days.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against David Goffin of Belgium during the Final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 31, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on during the Final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 31, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Tennis – Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Rafael Nadal of Spain v David Goffin of Belgium- Abu Dhabi, UAE – 31/12/16. Rafael Nadal of Spain in action. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against David Goffin of Belgium during the Final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 31, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against David Goffin of Belgium during the Final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 31, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the Final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 31, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Tennis – Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Rafael Nadal of Spain v David Goffin of Belgium- Abu Dhabi, UAE – 31/12/16. Rafael Nadal of Spain in action. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on during the Final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 31, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Tennis – Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Rafael Nadal of Spain v David Goffin of Belgium – Abu Dhabi, UAE – 31/12/16 – Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 31, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Tennis – Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Rafael Nadal of Spain v David Goffin of Belgium – Abu Dhabi, UAE – 31/12/16 – Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the trophy after winning the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 31, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the trophy after winning the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 31, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Tennis – Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Rafael Nadal of Spain v David Goffin of Belgium – Abu Dhabi, UAE – 31/12/16 – Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with his trophy. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
Tennis – Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Rafael Nadal of Spain v David Goffin of Belgium – Abu Dhabi, UAE – 31/12/16 – Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with his trophy. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
Tennis – Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Rafael Nadal of Spain v David Goffin of Belgium – Abu Dhabi, UAE – 31/12/16 – Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with his trophy. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the trophy after winning the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 31, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the trophy after winning the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 31, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 31: (L-R) Runner up David Goffin of Belgium and Champion Rafeal Nadal of Spain pose with their trophies after the Final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 31, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Rafa will now go to Brisbane for the first ATP event of the season where he faces world No. 62 Alexandr Dolgopolov in the first round.

Rafael Nadal beats Milos Raonic to reach Abu Dhabi final

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Exhibitions, Photos, Rafael Nadal28 Comments

Defending champion Rafael Nadal will meet David Goffin in the final of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.

Our champ defeated Canadian Milos Raonic 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.

After the match, Rafa said:

It’s great to be back on court after a time without matches.

To beat two great players (Tomas Berdych on Thursday and Raonic on Friday) is great news for me.

David is very talented. It will be a tough match but I will do my best. (via AFP)

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 30: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Milos Raonic of Canada during day two of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 30, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 30: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Milos Raonic of Canada during day two of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 30, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 30: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Milos Raonic of Canada during day two of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 30, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 30: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Milos Raonic of Canada during day two of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 30, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 30: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during day two of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 30, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 30: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during day two of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 30, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 30: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Milos Raonic of Canada during day two of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 30, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Tennis – Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Rafael Nadal of Spain v Milos Raonic of Canada – Abu Dhabi, UAE – 30/12/16 – Rafael Nadal of Spain. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah

Earlier, Goffin upset world No 1 Andy Murray with a 7-6(4), 6-4 victory.  In the match for fifth-place in the six-man field, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat Thomas Berdych 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 10-3.

Should Rafa take the crown tomorrow it would be his fouth victory in Abu Dhabi.