Category: Exhibitions

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

Advertisements

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.

Rafael Nadal: “I am excited to be back competing”

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Articles, Exhibitions, Photos, Rafael Nadal35 Comments

Rafael Nadal was victorious on his return from injury after he defeated Tomas Berdych 6-0, 6-4 at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.

He will now play Milos Raonic in the semi-final of the Abu Dhabi exhibition event.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during day one of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 29, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on during day one of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sport City on December 29, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Tennis – Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Rafael Nadal of Spain v Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic- Abu Dhabi, UAE – 29/12/16 Rafael Nadal of Spain. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
Tennis – Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Rafael Nadal of Spain v Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic- Abu Dhabi, UAE – 29/12/16 – Rafael Nadal of Spain. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
Tennis – Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Rafael Nadal of Spain v Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic- Abu Dhabi, UAE – 29/12/16 – Rafael Nadal of Spain. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
Tennis – Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Rafael Nadal of Spain v Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic- Abu Dhabi, UAE – 29/12/16 Rafael Nadal of Spain. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
Tennis – Mubadala World Tennis Championship – Rafael Nadal of Spain v Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic- Abu Dhabi, UAE – 29/12/16 – Rafael Nadal of Spain. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah

After the match he told the press:

I created a lot of damage with my forehands. That has been one of my main goals in these past couple of seasons – to rediscover my forehand. When I am hitting my forehands, I feel in control of the points.

When you have not competed for a while and come back, you don’t expect to play at that very, very high level in your first match. But I practised so good in Mallorca for one month and a half. I think a lot and I am excited to be back competing.

I don’t have any expectations. I just want to enjoy. For me, there is no pressure now. It’s a moment where I just have to give my best because I am starting from zero. That’s my mentality – I am starting from zero again and I am trying to focus on things that will help me to win.

That’s what I am going to try and do for the first couple of months of the season. I am excited and I will try to make something beautiful.

Source: The National

Rafa and Nole entertain Milan crowds in fun exhibition

On By Rafael Nadal FansIn Exhibitions, Photos, Rafael Nadal, Video39 Comments

It was just an exhibition game for the Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, but the two men gave the crowd in Milan plenty to smile about.

The result was the least important thing (Nole won 6-4, 6-4), it was all about the fans who enjoyed themselves with the great spectacle offered by two of the best players in the world.

Our favorite moment of the night:

Here are some amazing photos taken by Elena Di Vincenzo.

Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo
Photo: Elena Di Vincenzo

Rafael Nadal And Victor Estrella Burgos Play An Exo In Puerto Rico

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

Rafael Nadal defeated Victor Estrella Burgos 6-4, 6-4 in an exhibition match in Puerto Rico. Here are a few photos.

Juan Martinez / GFR Media
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – MARCH 21: Rafael Nadal makes the entrance to Exhibition Match between Rafael Nadal vs Victor Estrella at Coliseo Jose M. Agrelot on March 21, 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by GV Cruz/WireImage)
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – MARCH 21: Rafael Nadal, Carlos Juarbe and Victor Estrella pose for media at the beginning of Exhibition Match between Rafael Nadal vs Victor Estrella at Coliseo Jose M. Agrelot on March 21, 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by GV Cruz/WireImage)
3/21/16 Coliseo de Puerto Rico Hato Rey, PR. Fotos del juego amistoso entre Victor Estrella y el numero 5 a nivel mudial el espanol Rafael Nadal. (Eric Rojas/ELVOCERO)
3/21/16 Coliseo de Puerto Rico Hato Rey, PR. Fotos del juego amistoso entre Victor Estrella y el numero 5 a nivel mudial el espanol Rafael Nadal. (Eric Rojas/ELVOCERO)
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – MARCH 21: Rafael Nadal participates in Exhibition Match against Victor Estrella at Coliseo Jose M. Agrelot on March 21, 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by GV Cruz/WireImage)
3/21/16 Coliseo de Puerto Rico Hato Rey, PR. Fotos del juego amistoso entre Victor Estrella y el numero 5 a nivel mudial el espanol Rafael Nadal. (Eric Rojas/ELVOCERO)
<> at Coliseo Jose M. Agrelot on March 21, 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Juan Martinez / GFR Media
Juan Martinez / GFR Media
3/21/16 Coliseo de Puerto Rico Hato Rey, PR. Fotos del juego amistoso entre Victor Estrella y el numero 5 a nivel mudial el espanol Rafael Nadal. (Eric Rojas/ELVOCERO)
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – MARCH 21: Rafael Nadal participates in Exhibition Match against Victor Estrella at Coliseo Jose M. Agrelot on March 21, 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by GV Cruz/WireImage)
<> at Coliseo Jose M. Agrelot on March 21, 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
3/21/16 Coliseo de Puerto Rico Hato Rey, PR. Fotos del juego amistoso entre Victor Estrella y el numero 5 a nivel mudial el espanol Rafael Nadal. (Eric Rojas/ELVOCERO)
Juan Martinez / GFR Media
Juan Martinez / GFR Media
3/21/16 Coliseo de Puerto Rico Hato Rey, PR. Fotos del juego amistoso entre Victor Estrella y el numero 5 a nivel mudial el espanol Rafael Nadal. (Eric Rojas/ELVOCERO)
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – MARCH 21: Rafael Nadal participates in Exhibition Match against Victor Estrella at Coliseo Jose M. Agrelot on March 21, 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by GV Cruz/WireImage)
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – MARCH 21: Rafael Nadal participates in Exhibition Match against Victor Estrella at Coliseo Jose M. Agrelot on March 21, 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by GV Cruz/WireImage)
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – MARCH 21: Rafael Nadal participates in Exhibition Match against Victor Estrella at Coliseo Jose M. Agrelot on March 21, 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by GV Cruz/WireImage)
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – MARCH 21: Rafael Nadal participates in Exhibition Match against Victor Estrella at Coliseo Jose M. Agrelot on March 21, 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by GV Cruz/WireImage)
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – MARCH 21: Rafael Nadal participates in Exhibition Match against Victor Estrella at Coliseo Jose M. Agrelot on March 21, 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by GV Cruz/WireImage)
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – MARCH 21: Rafael Nadal participates in Exhibition Match against Victor Estrella at Coliseo Jose M. Agrelot on March 21, 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by GV Cruz/WireImage)