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

39 Comments on Rafael Nadal

  1. Rafa’s play in Barcelona was an improvement on Monaco, even though he lost early. I am hoping that trend continues in Madrid, even if he ends up not winning.

    Vamos Rafa!

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  3. A rough translation of what U.Toni has to say heading to madrid:

    “We come with much less confidence because the defeats take it away,” says Toni Nadal no half measures. His uncle, coach and psychologist these days especially because his proverbial common sense try to get the head, the mental strength that his nephew has exhibited throughout his career, pulling back legs. For thirteen major champion has gone from worst potholes.

    “I remembered that exactly (after losses): what we will discuss if this has happened to us before. ‘This fatigue already said in 2009 and 2011.’s Not a novelty. History is not repeated. ” In this situation we have already found: there are times when it takes you to fatigue by the pressure of having had a great season, disturbances are generated in the game that bring unrest. It is normal to pass “recalls uncle Toni Rafa, in Barcelona recognized that he lacked” intensity. ”

    “In key moments, I had no courage to face adversity. It’s reality and we must work to return to the situation before, “says the coach. The depth in the throws and intensity allowing Nadal make a difference. “Tranquility that gives an extra foul to win” sentence. It is what you are looking for repeat title in Madrid and confidently reach Rome and Roland Garros.

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    • vamosrafa,

      It would appear that way. It’s tough to figure out the mangled translation. But then Uncle Toni says – history is not repeated. So is he saying that this is not happening again? It’s kind of confusing. He also seems to be saying that there can be some fatigue after a great year. Maybe that’s what has happened to Rafa.

      I am hoping that something happens, something “clicks” inside Rafa at Madrid. He has a really good draw and playing in front of his home fans should help. It would be something if he could turn it around at the one tournament where I didn’t think he would win again this year.

      We will have to watch and see how it all plays out. 😀

      Reply

  5. http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/304705.html

    “Having Djokovic for a shadow may be just what Nadal needs, but no matter how things work out in Madrid, keep in mind that for Nadal it’s all about Paris and the French Open. And it’s unlikely that “a little bit” will go missing there.”

    The one sensible thing of note from the self-styled clay curmudgeon…..

    #Bodoism

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    • ….and he is in Rafa’s half, perfectly capable of taking out Verdasco or Seppi and giving Fed a true fright.

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  12. “Though he has spoken of some lingering demons from his Australian Open loss to Stanislas Wawrinka, Nadal appears ready to turn the page on that loss. “The defeat in Australia is the past,” he said. “We don’t have to talk anymore about Australia. It’s gone.”

    I second that, Rafa. Let’s move on………..

    Vamos!

    Reply

      • I already said that I feel good about Rafa’s prospects in Madrid. Reading his words only reinforces my belief that it may not take much to turn it around. I like that Rafa said he’s working on some little changes. That really gives me a positive feeling. I would be worried if Rafa felt that he had to overhaul his game or do something major. This indicates to me that Rafa knows he is playing some good tennis and it will just take a few little things to get going again.

        You never know what will make the difference. It could be a quality win against a challenging opponent, the support from his home fans or something that will just kind of “click” in Rafa and bring out his best.

        I think Rafa’s got a really good draw and there is a real opportunity to get some momentum in Madrid.. I am feeling much better right now than I did after MC and Barcelona.

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      • Beating Stan will give him the right push and maybe free the demons too.

        I so hope for a Rafa Stan final here

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  14. What I do not agree with in the SI.com article is the following, which I find a tard disrespectful to Rafa:

    “Nadal may receive a boost by the withdrawal of second-ranked Novak Djokovic, who announced Sunday he couldn’t play the event because of a wrist injury that had already affected his play at Monte Carlo last month.”

    Rafa does not need boosts from Djokovic’s or anybody’s actions. On clay, Rafa’s matches are on his racquet. When Rafa took time off injured, I never heard anyone say Novak’s chances were boosted by Rafa’s withdrawal.

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    • ^^I’m sure Rafa smiled politely, took the piece of paper and handed it to Benito to discard in the usual manner………

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    • jpacnw,

      Oh my goodness! I have no doubt that Rafa must be used to this kind of thing. But the ladies just keep on trying! 😀

      Reply

  18. What a goal!!!!! Cristiano is a genius!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now you can show a picture of Rafa after that equalizer, hehehe!!!

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  19. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/05/sports/tennis/nadals-time-springtime-in-paris.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0

    “Nadal’s genius has been his rare blend of tennis savvy and tennis amnesia. “It’s like what just happened doesn’t matter,” Annacone said. “All that matters is now, this second, and the next four seconds.””

    Thank you! This is why I could not understand why he was still hanging onto that AO 2014 final long after it’d gone. But I am glad he said in his Madrid pre-tournament presser he’s put that behind him now.

    Hala Madrid…….

    Vamos Rafa!!

    Reply

  20. The AO was a special disappointment because the final was his to lose. Had he been up against one of the Big 4 and unable to compete it would not have been so disappointing but he was up against someone he’s owned all his career.

    I have been very unforgiving of Federer for spoiling Rafa’s moment in AO 2009, but during the presentation ceremony this year I totally understood where Federer was coming from. He too was about to equal Smprass’s record of 14 slams and he didn’t.

    Maybe, there is a jinx that no one can equal Sampras’s record in Australia. 🙂

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    • If you notice, Rafa’s career has been one of highs and lows. AO 2014 was a definite low obviously but I am quietly optimistic the “traditional” high is round the corner………..

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    • Anacone is spot on ! but I agree that the Aus open was too harsh on rafa. He was totally prepared to lift the trophy and equal sampras. The whole world knew it was going to happen. He had never even lost a set to Wawrinka. Suppose rafa had lost to wawa fair and square(though that is near impossible), then rafa would have handled the loss better. The fact that he was unable to COMPETE badly hurt him. It was a grand slam final on a hard court , double career slam on the line and you are unable to play your tennis? can’t imagine how bad a feeling that must have been. He really was shattered but seems to slowly get over that debacle….

      Reply

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