Rafael Nadal

A page and forum to discuss all things Rafael Nadal.

Nadal 5

Current ranking: 14

Last result: Australian Open second round (lost to Mackenzie McDonald)

Next tournament: Roland Garros

45 Comments on Rafael Nadal

  2. Rafa seems determined to do his best. I am sure Djoker too is practicing in earnest especially after getting all the reports of Rafa practicing like a maniac!!!

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  3. Rafa definitely practicing like a man possessed ! He is very determined. I have faith in him. He will challenge Djokovic in 2016.

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    • Yes, it’s good to see Rafa practicing so hard! It gives a good feeling to know that he’s working so hard and obviously determined to do much better in the new year.

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  4. João Sousa keeps reporting about practicing with Rafa in Mallorca.

    Thursday.
    [Translated from Portuguese by Google]
    “Another great day…We went to the gym…”
    “It was a very good day of practice. There were two very hard training sessions, a little different. The morning session consisted of the ball control and net game drills. We also practiced serve and return of serve. In the afternoon we heat [?­?] very well, with some drills and games.” [?? = lost in translation]
    “We started at 9 am and finished at 12 pm and in the afternoon we practiced from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.”

    The photo is taken in Rafa’s personal gym.

    http://bolamarela.pt/joao-sousa-com-rafael-nadal-tem-sido-uma-otima-experiencia/

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    • 9 am to 12 pm and 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm . This is SERIOUS. Rafa’s always trained very hard but this time he hardly took some days off. Sheer commitment. He seems to be practicing every aspect.

      His serve can definitely get better ‘rhythm’. When his overall game starts clicking and he feels more confident, he will start getting better rhythm, just like he got it in 2013.

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  5. Some quotes from Rafa’s interview with SER Deporte Baleares (radio station in Mallorca) on Thursday, Dec. 17.
    [Translated by Chris Boardman]
    “It’s been a season that started out bad, but I have been at a better level these last few months.”
    “I am working very hard and I’m confident that I’ll play well next season.”
    “I have good feelings and enthusiasm again and my energy is higher than it was when I did not play well.”
    “There has been a lot of talk about my season, but I finished as number 5. There is no reason to dramatize this.”
    “I have a huge motivation for the Olympic Games as missing the ones in London was one of the moments that have hurt me the most.”
    “I am trying to compete in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.” (At the Rio Olympics.)
    “My goal is to enjoy the next season, to play at a good level, play the usual tournaments that way.”
    “I hope to be among the best next season.”

    http://cadenaser.com/emisora/2015/12/17/radio_mallorca/1450370076_361016.html

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  8. Does Nole or any other top guys leak or post their training schedules in detail? I have seen fb or twitter pics of Federer/Nole/Murray training. Those were just pics or small clip. Why Nadal’s camp is revealing the detailed info on the hours and what aspect of game they worked

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  9. ‘I have a huge motivation for it, as missing those of London was one of things that hurt most. [In Rio 2016] I’m going to try to compete in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. I haven’t talked to Garbine, nor it’s been proposed for the Olympics. She had a great season and it’s a good option’.

    ‘I’m working very well and I’m very confident that I’ll play well next season, I hope to be among the best. The goal is to enjoy, to have a good level. That way I’ll play the usual tournaments, Djokovic? If he maintains this level, he will be able to do something nobody has ever done before’.

    This worries me a bit. Is rafa really relying on Djokovic’s level dropping?! I know he is working really hard but I hope he has the belief that his best will top djokovic’s!

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    • vamosrafa,

      You know that Rafa doesn’t always show his hand when he speaks. I think his comments indicate that he is working hard to come back strong and be competitive in 2016. But he’s not the type to try to build his chances up or anything like that.

      He has always been respectful of what Novak has done. He knows how good Novak is now and that he has separated himself to a certain degree from the rest of the pack. He would never try to make an argument to the effect that 2015 was a weak year or anything like that. Rafa knows better.

      I think we need to try to not read too much into what Rafa said about Novak. He’s just being honest and acknowledging how Novak has been playing and that’s it’s hard to take him on. I don’t know that it necessarily means Rafa is hoping that Novak’s level drops.

      I can’t see Rafa coming right out and saying – I will beat Novak next year! That’s not his style.

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      • yeah…I guess you are right… I hope he reaches a level high enough to topple Novak. The serbian already has 10 slams and his progress is worrying me!!

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        • I think its not a topple but a share of dominance. Novak will be too strong on slow HCs plus on grass ( cant believe I have to say that!). Rafa if he’s back to his 90%of his 2013 level can still dominate on clay and even at USO series.

          It all depends on how well both do at slams and masters. Rafa has to win almost all the clay events he plays plus wins the USO series; reach at least SFs and/or Fs at all the other events to have a chance to surge ahead of Novak. Of course this is assuming Novak’s level doesnt drop off or drop off just slightly.

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        • vamosrafa,

          From your reply, I don’t think that I have convinced you. I can tell that you are worried, but at this point all we can do is hope that Rafa’s rigorous practices are paying off and he will be ready to go in 2016.

          I think lucky pretty much summed up where I am at when it comes to thoughts about what will happen with Novak and Rafa.

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    • I think Rafa is saying that if Djoker maintains his level he will win the calendar slam plus olympics.
      I am really worried. When Rafa came back in 2013 he was pretty confident of crashing the Djoker/Muzz rivalry. So if he now thought he could top Djoker’s current form, he would have said something different indicating he is ready for the challenge ( just as he indicated in 2013 soon after his return when some reporter kind of told Rafa his era was over).
      Evidently he is still not at the level where he can be confident of topping Djoker at least on clay.

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      • Mary W DECEMBER 19, 2015 AT 3:26 AM
        –When Rafa came back in 2013 he was pretty confident of crashing the Djoker/Muzz rivalry.—
        ===
        .
        Rafa has never declared that he would beat other players. He always says that every player is a dangerous opponent.

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    • AT 12:15 AM,
      —This worries me a bit. Is rafa really relying on Djokovic’s level dropping?! —
      ===
      .
      Politeness shouldn’t be taken very seriously.

      (I posted some of Rafa’s quotes on 18, 2015 AT 6:34 AM, I intentionally left the quote related to Djoko out.)

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  10. I think Rafa is just cautious not to sound too confident. I think he’ll let his racket do the talking come next year.

    Novak is NOT unbeatable; after 2011, Novak always finished his seasons well starting from the Asian swing to the indoor HCs. However that didnt always lead to a season like 2015. His 2012, 2013, 2014 while good weren’t that marvelleous compared to his 2011/2015. There’s no reason to believe that he’ll continue with his 2015 form right into 2016. Even in 2015, he had his close escapes too and there’s no guarantee that those close escapes would always go his way come next year.

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    • I agree about Rafa being cautious in his comments. Rafa never talks himself up. He just goes out on the court and let’s his game do the talking.

      I don’t think Rafa is in any way implying that if Novak stays at this level he will win the calendar slam and the Olympics. Rafa has never been one to talk big about himself. He always has respect for his opponents and gives them full credit.

      I also agree that it’s not about toppling Novak. I do not see that happening. I can see Rafa and Novak sharing the dominance. We just don’t know if Novak can duplicate what he did in 2015. I don’t think so. But I also don’t expect him to just disappear or go away or not be a factor.

      I know that it’s a tough time as we contemplate what lies ahead for Rafa in the new year. I am going to try to be positive and hope for good things.

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      • native, How do you know Rafa is not talking about calendar slam and olympics? He says Djokovic will do something not done before. He couldn’t be talking of something trivial . It must be something important so it has to do with slams. Career slam, there are several, career golden slam: 2 guys, calendar slam, there is Laver. So what is not achieved before has to be better than career golden slam and calendar slam.
        I think native simply wants to contradict whatever I say. What a contrary person!!!

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  12. Dont mind me asking but are you folks habituated to worry about everything Rafa says?Chillax. 2016 brings a lot of hope for Rafa as 2015 was very poor. Let us welcome it eagerly.

    vamosrafa – you too? Cmon 🙂

    Fed also said it is difficult for Djoko to maintain the level. I did not hear his statement being treated with great worry or that he was banking on Djokos level to drop.

    And come on, all these guys take advantage of the others level dropping or injuries. It is not their fault. Fed took full advantage of Rafas issues in 2009 by winning 2 slams which if Rafa were healthy, were never going to be his. Djoko took advantage of Rafas injuries in 2012 and 2014 too.

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    • Sanju, you used to be the worrier! Now you are trying to cheer us up!!! I suppose it is time for Djoker’s level to drop. But if it doesn’t, we are in for what Rafa says will happen.
      If Djoker is human, his level may drop. But I suspect Djoker is a vampire, thin, sinister good looks, inhuman stamina, no injuries except pretend ones.

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    • Totally agree with you, sanju. When Rafa has dominated he’s always said it would come to an end that it wouldn’t go on for ever.

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  13. Sanju is right. There’s no need to worry. As long as Rafa stays positive, plays with confidence and believes in his own game, I’m sure he can win some important titles. Novak is not going to sweep up everything again because when Rafa is healthy and ready, Novak will have one more tough rival to handle, in addition to Stan, Fed who’s motivated to play well esp on grass, Murray plus some of the others.

    Fed looks determined to do well on grass when he includes Stuggart in his schedule. Rafa as usual will concentrate on clay. Stan is good at the AO, so Novak will have his hands full when playing at the slams.

    I hope Rafa skips Cincy next year and concentrates on the USO after playing at the Olympics. If he does well at both, could just skip the Asian swing for once and then plays the indoor swing. Rafa needs to take care of his body, not to overplay and so avoid injuries.

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    • I agree with Sanju. I don’t see why we should worry before the new year has even started. We should have faith in Rafa to do what is necessary and not look for things in his words that are not there.

      It is true that Fed was able to reap the benefits of Rafa being out with tendinitis in 2009. He would not have won RG if Rafa was healthy. Players can capitalize on the injuries of their rivals. That’s the way of this sport.

      I am encouraged by Rafa practicing so vigorously and having a good mindset for the new year. I am not going to lose any sleep and parse every single sentence he says.

      There are other players who can also challenge Novak. It’s not like everyone is just going to roll over for Novak. I expect a competitive year in men’s tennis and expect Rafa to win big titles and be in the mix.

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  15. On Saturday, Rafa & J. Sousa ended a week of training in Mallorca. Their final practice session lasted 3.5 hours.

    João Sousa reported on Saturday:
    [Translated from Portuguese by Google]
    “I am very happy as the week went. …There was always an incredible intensity…”
    “Rafa had personal commitments [on Saturday morning]…”
    “In the afternoon [Saturday] we practiced games…”

    Read more:
    http://bolamarela.pt/joao-sousa-faco-um-balanco-positivo-as-coisas-correram-na-perfeicao/

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  18. U.Toni gave an interview to COP, a radio network in Spain:
    http://www.cope.es/player/Toni-Nadal-en-El-Partido-de-las-12-Rafa-volvera-a-ser-el-de-antes&id=2015122301340002&activo=10

    Toni says [translated by @genny]:
    “Rafael is practicing very well, better than in many years. Feelings had already been good in last 2-3 months.”
    “I truly believe that Rafael will be back to his best level. Physically he’s better now than he’s been in years.”
    “I don’t know if he’ll be able to beat Djokovic, Federer , Murray or Ferrer, but he’s ready to compete & mentally ready for the battle.”
    “Rafa’s attitude had turning point at USO and at Beijing he started 2 play at very good level. Anxiety’s now gone.”
    “What happened to Rafa [lack of confidence] was coming from constant stress, not due to competition, but due to injuries.”
    “Getting injured in the AO 2014 final was a big blow. When he recovered, the wrist issue happened and then appendicitis when he was trying to come back. All this caused him a huge stress and lack of confidence in his body. He was going on court without knowing/trusting what his body would do.”
    “Rafa’s been competing since he was 16, he has been 11 yrs in top-5. His career isn’t short or done yet. I think he has +years.”
    “Rafael wants to compete in Rio in all the categories (singles, doubles & mixed doubles) and try to win a medal.”
    “It seems strange to me that Rio’s Olympics will finally be played on hard courts, as Brazilians players are better on clay.”
    “My intent is to be with Rafa till end of his career, but the decision is up to him. I’d understand if he needed a change.”
    .
    For the 1st time, Toni and all his family will go to Abu Dhabi. They’ll celebrate New Year’s Eve in the hotel.
    (F.Roig was with Rafa in Abu Dhabi at the end of last year & the beginning of this year).

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  20. Translation: Celebrity worship syndrome

    An obsessive-addictive disorder in which a person becomes overly involved with the details of a celebrity’s personal life. Psychologists have indicated that though many people obsess over film, television, sport and pop stars, the only common factor between them is that they are all figures in the public eye.

    Take our test…

    Do you have Celebrity Worship Syndrome?
    So do you have CWS symptoms?
    Say yes to the following and you may have low-level CWS:
    My friends and I like to discuss what my favourite celebrity has done.
    I enjoy watching my favourite celebrity.
    Learning the life story of my favourite celebrity is a lot of fun.
    Agree with these more intense feelings and you may have a moderate case:
    I consider my favourite celebrity to be my soul mate.
    I have a special bond with my celebrity.
    I have frequent thoughts about my celebrity, even when I don’t want to.
    Agree with these and you may be obsessed, borderline pathological and suffering seriously from CWS:
    If someone gave me several thousand pounds to do with as I please, I would consider spending it on a personal possession, like a napkin or paper plate, once used by my favourite celebrity.
    If I were lucky enough to meet my favourite celebrity, and they asked me to do something illegal as a favour I would probably do it.
    I would be very upset if my favourite celebrity got married.

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-176674/Do-Celebrity-Worship-Syndrome.html#ixzz3vBFiLvGB

    Reply

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