A completely meaningless match in terms of future bearing on the tournament will take place when fellow Spaniards Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer collide at the World Tour Finals on Friday. Nadal has already clinched the group, while Ferrer is out.
Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer will be facing each other for the 30th time in their careers when they wrap up their round-robin campaigns at the World Tour Finals on Friday afternoon.
Nadal is dominating the head-to-head series 23-6, but it stands at a far more competitive 5-4 in Nadal’s favor on hard courts. The two Spaniards most recently squared off in their only meeting of 2015 on the clay courts of Monte-Carlo, where Nadal survived a quarterfinal test 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.
Fast forward seven months and this is a strikingly different world No. 5. So far this fall, Nadal has finished runner-up in Beijing and Basel, made a run to the Shanghai semifinals, and reached the quarters in Paris. At none of those four events, however, did he perform better than he has through two London matches. Nadal cruised past Stan Wawrinka 6-3, 6-2 then erased Andy Murray 6-4, 6-1.
This is the first time since Rome in 2013 that the 14-time major champion has defeated two top-four players in the same tournament.
Ferrer also stormed into the O2 with plenty of momentum, having captured recent titles in Kuala Lumpur and Vienna. But once again a steep step up in competition has proven to be too much for Ferrer to handle. The seventh-ranked Spaniard lost his opener to Murray 6-4, 6-4 before blowing a 5-2 first-set lead against Wawrinka and falling 7-5, 6-2.
Ferrer’s baseline game has been solid this week, but his serve has given him no chance so succeed against the best players in the world. In two outings, the 33-year-old has combined for zero aces and 11 double-faults (eight against Murray, three against Wawrinka).
A proverbial “dead” match is not a particularly enthralling proposition for the fans, but if you could pick two players to contest such a match, Nadal and Ferrer would be the two. Their effort levels can never be questioned regardless of circumstances. Unfortunately for Ferrer, Nadal’s best effort vs. his own best effort is a significant mismatch right now.
Pick: Nadal in 2
[polldaddy poll=9186410]
[polldaddy poll=9189460]
anyone NOT have Nadal in 2?
i have ferrer winning this at 80% confidence rate. They both have nothing to play for. If ferrer plays hard just because he wants to win, i dont see Nadal giving 100%because why waste so much energy and risk injury for no reason? Might as well save his energy for the quarter finals
This all depends on if Ferrer wants to give 100%. If Ferrer gives 100% there is absolutely no reason why nadal should wear himself out for a pointless win. If both of them don’t care and not giving 100% then nadal ftw
definitely not a POINTLESS win! extra 200 points mean a lot to Rafa…
nats beat me to it. Rafa needs matches at high level and the points are nothing to snub.
Rafa has one mode: try his best.
Same as Ferrer.
Quarter finals????????? Nadal is already in the SF.
Points Oh yeah. That really matters.
Think for a moment, Rafa beats Djokovic and Fedrer to win this. So he have to beat top four in the world in one single tournament.
I agree! There are points on the line. Also, I don’t see Rafa giving less than his best. I don’t think he can do otherwise. Ferrer will be playing for pride and trying to salvage something from this tournament.
I am picking Rafa to win in 2 sets. I would like to see him get this done as quickly as possible, so he can be fresh and ready for Novak. That’s the big one.
There is no way I see Ferrer winning this match.
This will be a strenuous extended practice session for Rafa. How long it lasts will depend on how much Ferrer wants to salvage his pride. Fortunately his serving problems will be the deciding factor.
Rafa in straight sets
#Exho match
I wonder what percentage of the O2 spectators understand the RR format and that they will be watching a dead rubber.
Keep your mind sharp, remain confident and stay strong, Rafa!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUPu-O8UkAEYd24.png:medium
I really don’t care who wins this match.
Chris Kermode will be on SKY Sports tonight. Sky has invited question from viewers on twitter @SkySportsTennis #AskTheAtp.
https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskTheATP?src=hash
Ferrer seems to be serving first, who won the toss? (can’t bloody watch it at work)
Ferrer did
Thx ed!
Okay Rafa, let’s go 3-0!
A couple of great rallies already. Both went Rafa’s way.
He came out hitting well. Now we see where his serve is today.
native, do you mean 3-0 or 30-0 in a game? my score board is showing 30-0
shireling, rafa is playing fantastic!! is up 2 breaks and whipping his forehand like a lion tamer…
this is the rafa of old!!!
His DTLF firing today.
Shireling.
Sorry, I was referring to the fact that if Rafa wins this match, he will be undefeated 3-0 winning all three.
I can see how that would be confusing if you are following the live score! 🙂
oh, thx, I was wondering if it was lag from my pc
Now it’s 3-0 in set 1 and Rafa is on his way for a 3-0 clean sweep 🙂
Great start for Rafa! Up two breaks. Now it’s really 3-0!
Shireling,
We both said it at the same time!
🙂 it was bound to happen
I would be really happy if Rafa makes short work of this match. I want him as fresh as possible for Novak.
!0 minutes and Rafa has won four times more points than Ferrer
oops , Ferru seems to be waking up
Ferrer breaks Rafa’s serve in the 4th game.
Ferrer is intent on making a match of this.
Unfortunately, I would expect nothing less from him. Rafa has to be equally intent on not making a match of it!
Yes, Ferrer has woken up. He’s gotten one break back. Rafa needs to stay focused and win this set. No more breaks of serve, Rafa!
Ferru breaks again, 3-3..what the * is wrong with Rafa?!
Rafa drops his serve for the 2nd time.
Rafa went into a hibernating mode…Wake up, Rafa!!!
Nothing Shireling. Dont panic.
Ferrer has suddenly remembered how to serve.
4-3 Ferrer…
It’s now back on serve. Ferrer 4:3. Rafa to serve.
5-4 Ferrer, Rafa serving to stay alive in set 1
Rafa is mastered “how to bring the opponent back into the match”…
5-5
I doubt Rafa would be prepared to annihilate Ferrer today even if he has the chance.
Ferrer suddenly remembered it was Rafa he was playing 🙂
Rafa serving for the match. Hope he practices to do that on the first set point.
Ferrer is an incredibly nice guy.. judging from interviews I’ve listened to and read
he is.. and they are friends…
Rafa breaks
ed, I don’t think either of them will hold back.
Rafa changed his mind. He wants some practice for tiebreaks 🙂
you got that right nadline, they’re deucing the s* out of each other in this game
Oh crap, TB
Why is Rafa nervous in a match that doesn’t matter? He will be mega nervous in the SF.
I don’t understand how Rafa let this set get to a TB. Unless it’s all about tomorrow.
I don’t believe that Ferrer is ahead in the TB. I so don’t want this to go three sets.
Rafa wants the crowd to get their moneysworth and will play three sets 🙁
Depending on the quality, that may not be such a good thing, no?
Hey Rafereer, Shazza called, she want’s her crappy serve back.
Fedole are laughing for five minutes each.
SIX service breaks???
I cannot believe how nervous Rafa is. Unbelievable.
Why?
This match doesn’t matter, why the nerves?
Anxiety is not logical.
He was nervous against Nole in an exhibition last month that everyone here claimed meant nothing.
rafa’s range has gone…either hitting short balls for ferrer to murder or going long….
true…
I truly do not understand this at all. Rafa losing a TB to Ferrer 7-2? Really? This is just unreal. He’s played so well this week.
now, this speaks a volume for tomorrow…I am very disappointed to hand the set to Ferrer like this…”Welcome back” Rafa of 2015… 🙁
Ferrer playing his part too. After a tentative start he was storming by the end of the set.
I’m sorry but Rafa simply cannot afford to slug it out with Ferrer when he has to play Novak tomorrow. I don’t know where this came from.
kind of glad I can’t see it at work…
This is what I fear about Rafa. He can come out and start hitting short, misfiring left right and centre. If he plays like this in the SF, he’ll be slaughtered by Djoko.
^Yes.
Rafa should just play freely against someone he virtually owns.
Rafa is owned ATM.
By anxiety.
Anxiety? Against Ferrer? What does he have to fear from him?
He doesn’t fear Ferrer.
He fears himself.
#Anxiety101
I don’t care how well Ferrer is playing, Rafa should beat him easily. Two breaks up and he loses both of them? This is concerning.
The 1st set stats, Part 1:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUQ7izaXAAAZh19.png
🙁
The 1st set stats, Part 2:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUQ7lIsWwAA0z6Z.png
18 UEs from both is insanely bad tennis.
Look at Rafa’s serving stats! He’s getting a good percentage of first serves in, but winning only 54%? Also, 42% of second serve points? That’s dreadful.
Too many UE’s from both guys. Rafa just gave away that first set. I don’t think Ferrer is doing anything special at all. This is about Rafa letting it get away.
I called it first post Ferrer will win because this match don’t matter too much to nadal. I’m not saying he is losing intentional I’m saying he won’t try as hard and risk injury or being tired for the finals. For example if there was a shot that requires stretching to get nadal won’t go for it unless because this match don’t mean much. But if it’s finals he will do everything possible to keep the ball in play.
David has always pushed Rafa indoors, even in his hay days. Ferrer’s in your face style is very much against Rafa’s naturally tentative play.
Nadal can still win but that depends on how much Ferrer wants this. Nadal will prob give 70% which is equal to ferrers 100%
But Rafa has been so aggressive all week.
Shireling, check their head to head record.
It doesn’t necessarily follow but I agree this match is not a good portent for tomorrow. Rafa is being too predictable and letting Ferrer dictate.
Thinking Rafa’s just preoccupied with the semi’s.
Rafa needs to be winning matches efficiently. It’s hard to believe this is the same Rafa who beat both Stan and Murray easily. He cannot afford to be out there slugging away with Ferrer for a three setter.
If he has those serving stats tomorrow, then he will be toast against Novak.
Nadal is saving energy and not risking injury for tomorrow’s semis that’s why he is losing. Nadal doesn’t have to win today so why push himself
The number of times he has challenged and been wrong is also a sign he is retreating into his shell.
Yes, Rafa is usually pretty good with his challenges. He’s got a great eye. That means something is definitely off with him today. I hope that it’s just the fact this match doesn’t mean anything and it’s all about tomorrow.
stop dropping the ball short rafa!!
As Djoko and his team are watching Rafa to pick up pointers, Rafa is hiding the new Rafa to be let him out only tomorrow!!! Vamos Rafa!
haha, was thinking the same, Mary!
I asked myself that question a while ago. Are we clutching at straws? I hope not!!!!!!!!!
Good point. That’s the only credible explanation.
No.
What do you mean, “No.” It would be normal for a Rafole to be on Rafa’s mind enough to drop a set and level of play – maybe even lose the match. Nole and team will keep this in mind. It won’t fool anyone.
Gosh, I hope you are right, Mary! 🙂
To compound his woes he’s heading for a time violation too. Rafa please pick up the pace NOW.
haha Mary, that could be it!
I’d love to hear what Rafa has to say about this performance.
Ferrer is the worst opponent one can get who has not qualified and therefore can play freely…he’s got nothing to lose…it’s his last match and he will run at every ball and do wonders just to win the point…not good for Rafa…from the perspective of match duration and being physically demanding for Rafa…
Nadal shouldn’t even be playing today. He showed up most likely for the fans.
Holy smoke. Ferrer’s serving at 91% (80% points won)
he showed up cause he has to due to the incredibly stupid rules they made up for this joke of a tournament
Thats why i said ferrer was going to win when this post was opened. Nadal shouldnt have any interest to exhause himself and risk injury which significantly decreases his chances of winning. Im not saying he is tanking, im saying he is not trying as hard because this match dont matter much and he has to worry about tomorrow.
Then why did he win the second set? What you are saying doesn’t make sense.
This reminds me also about how Feli played against Rafa. Feli like Ferrer would play aggressive attacking tennis against Rafa and that’s the kind of tennis that Rafa hates to play against. Ferrer on the HCs tends to be more aggressive and goes on an attacking mode and points are shorter, not giving Rafa time to work the point and settle into his rhythm.
Rafa tends to recoil into defensive mode facing players like this, bad habit as I think Rafa’s attacking game is not bad at all and should counter attack with attack.
yeah Lucky, wishful thinking… I’ve been asking for the same all throughout Rafa’s career
I assume everyone wants him to lose the 2nd set?
lol, yes but in a manner that doesn’t imply tanking in any way
Ricky, I don’t want him to lose the match, period.
so much for tanking.. 2nd set Rafa
If Im not wrong Rafa had a set point in the first set. He could have won the match by now…..
He’s making hard work out of it. How I wish he has a better serve and earns some cheap points … I blame Toni for not developing Rafa’s serve from young.
absolutely! he would have won a lot more…. Toni helped him a lot in many aspects but he messed this one up
The 2nd set stats, Part 1:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CURErNmWcAANQgX.png
🙂
The 2nd set stats, Part 2:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUREtkoWEAA2E0x.png
Ferrer went from 14 winners in set 1 to 3 in set 2
Wow. Rafa ain’t losing this!
Too cute with the dropper.
Rafa was supposed to take it easy today but now his competitiveness took over and he is trying hard to win. Rafa is going to pay tomorrow against king nole. He really shouldn’t be excreting himself like this on a meaningless match.
But this is good now!
Rafa wins a few points for this match. If I was the coach I will tell nadal to tank today because he needs everything to have a shot to beat dojokovic. Too bad nadal going to be gased out tomorroe
this is a nightmare
We’ll see. But I had to laugh when suddenly bam! Rafa shifted gears 😀 Ferrer tried to match him and the set I thought was a slam dunk, for one or the other, turns into a match!
It could be that Rafa wants more match play.
He’s getting that with a vengeance!
All this for a dead rubber. The first game in this set lasted longer than many whole sets 🙁
First game in the set is a glimpse of what Nole needs to be expecting tomorrow, is how I’m seeing it. I don’t know exactly why Ricky said this is a nightmare.
Hawkeye: if you’re watcing. Hope you’ve clocked it’s hot in the O2 but Rafa’s not dripping from the face today.
Novak is in his Darth-Vader Crio Chamber sipping a non alcoholic Daiquiri right now
Rafa better win this now; spends so much energy and may affect his match tomorrow. He has himself to blame for serving and playing so poorly when serving for the first set.
This match is going too long. Perhaps Rafa feels he should go for this 200 points because he knows he is losing tomorrow.
Thats possible
Definitely great logic. 200 point consultation prize lol
Plus the $167,000.
#PocketChange
will somebody please shoot ferrer?? this is going on forever….
He jammed his foot and is treading gingerly. That’s all he needs 🙁
is not auspicious that rafa is serving second….a few mistakes or ferrer winners and he’s out after expending all this expletive effort…
ferrer did not even show up in his previous matches and he is killing himself on the court today…
yeah…he’s really getting on my nerves….
I heard the collective sigh of relief from here 🙂
I have been so frustrated watching this, that I didn’t even want to comment. Rafa having an issue with his foot is all he needs. This is all for nothing. It’s something that Rafa is going to have to change. He needs to win sets when he’s up two breaks. This should have been over.
It’s going to be insane if Rafa loses after all this effort.
This is bad news for the semis.
Oh and Rafa doesn’t need more match play when he’s going up against Novak tomorrow.
Okay, Rafa finally gets the break! Now serve it out and end this, Rafa!
YES!!! now serve it out rafa…..
He has to serve this out. I can’t stand it anymore.
serve it out, serve it out, serve it out
phewww.. going home now
YES!!! he had to win that match…couldn’t just let it go for the sake of momentum…
will they please find someone to fix his serve?? would save us so much grief….
Amy: the serve is there, he’s just miserly about when he brings it out.
ed, he’s a positive scrooge with it!! not in the xmas spirit at all….
You have to laugh – the best singles match so far this week was a dead rubber.
am sure nole is splitting his sides right now…
^So true! But I can’t laugh because it may cost Rafa tomorrow.
Define best.
Rafa winnnnnnnnnnnns!
A loss would have put him in a bad mood, so even though it took too long, a win is better than a loss. I’m glad they gave the viewers a worthwhile contest. It costs a lot of time, money and effort to watch particularly for those who are at the O2.
Vamos Rafa!
That was a pretty good match for what could have been a dull, dead rubber 😉 Congratulations Rafa and Fans!
The match stats, Part 1:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CURRhUlWsAEmrYP.png
🙂 🙂
The match stats, Part 2:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CURRj02WUAEkQ7i.png
amy, on the contrary, Rafa didn’t give anything away about his strategy for the SF. I think Nole and his team will be a bit confused.
even if he loses this has been a very positive tournament for him. stands him in very good stead for the beginning of next year. i am also very pleased he was able to get to grips with that match after losing his confidence and focus…that is a good harbinger for the future…
Rafa made it! He finished the group stage 3-0!!!
Vaaamoos!!!
http://www.funutilities.com/files/smileys/07/02/100.gif
I love it when Rafa plays early, I can now sit back, relax and enjoy the rest of the matches tonight.
How about being ripe for Novak tomm for the taking after this long match
I’m all-in on dojokovic tomorrow. No way nadal is winning. Nadal excreted himself way too much no way he is fit enough to have a chance. Nadal should of tanked today. If he loses tomorrow its his poor planning
I hate Rafa Ferrer matches.. I knew this would happen. Rafa is softened for Novak now after this marathon just as Murray softened Rafa for Federer in 2010.
Just hate this and I frankly don’t like Ferrer for this very reason, he literally troubles Rafa to make it a slugfest
exactly!
Yep, I really dont like Ferrer for this reason. I thought Ferrer should put in more effort vs Murray instead as Murray was even a more defensive player than Rafa. Why only put in effort vs a fellow Spaniard? I’m really pissed with Ferrer. Not happy with Rafa’s play too, for playing so poorly to lose the first set when he had set point serving for the set after just breaking Ferrer in the previous game. Novak is not going to let Rafa off playing so poorly.
it’s the match up thing…. esp on an indoor court, Ferrer can make life difficult for rafa. He can take the ball so early on his backhand and change direction too. His inside out forehand also troubles rafa. Against roger, for example, his inside out forehand often gets neutralized by roger’s slice and Novak is able to change direction of the ball and does not allow Ferret to camp in his backhand corner to hit forehands.
@luckystar, rafa’s making tremendous progress. For him to reach a level where he can meet everyone’s expectations is going to take some time. Remember how everyone got so pessimistic after his loss to Stan in Paris? look where he is now. I know losing the first set was frustrating but he won a good match in the end. Just look at rafa..he is really happy and confidence is shooting up. So, very positive scenario overall.
Novak was not great against Berdych either. He has also not been playing too well. I know he’ll raise his level for rafa and come out all guns blazing but rafa will try and I hope he can be competitive.
have been watching tennis this week?
No. Rafa troubles himself and opens the door for opponents like Ferrer to “make it difficult.”
#TwoToATangoLad
Who can figure out an anagram for A Tango Lad. 🙂
ratcliff?
goat nadal
10 points for Gryffindor!!!
#NadalGoat
was going to mention that the name omitted the hashtag…
never known anyone who was more creative with hashtags!!
Finally! It was about the time. Ferrer put up a HUGE fight…there are no friends on court! When will I learn it… I thought Ferrer would give up, but no..he did not even test Wawa and lost easily to Andy and remembered to play tennis against Rafa in a dead rubber…ridiculous…
I wanted Rafa to win. I am happy that he won. Tomorrow is another day…
Vamos Rafa!
What is the issue with the foot? Injury?
I expect a straight set drubbing tomorrow and I am pissed
Sanju (at 5:07 pm),
His foot is fine.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CURVM4uWsAA8NgW.png
It’s happened before. He jammed the foot and then grimaced in pain. He didnt ask for the trainer so assume it was not too serious or something which can be controlled by the physio and painkillers if necessary.
Lots of talk and comments about him exhausting himself before the SF. If you think about it, it’s only one set more than a Slam match. We’ve seen him battle for the win when he’s on his knees from the previous match but the adrenalin gets him through. I can only think of a couple of occasions when exhaustion alone has been responsible for a loss in the later rounds of an important tournament.
Slams have a day off in between ed. What you are talking happened in 2009..this is 2015
I wasn’t thinking of just ’09 AO. He produced some Herculean feats during 2013, not just the Slams, and recently revealed he played throughout that year in a LOT of pain.
Genny SS @genny_ss · 7m7 minutes ago
Guys, re: Rafa’s foot, let’s hope it’s just something similar to what happened to him in the right foot in Beijing’s final.He was fine after
Genny SS @genny_ss · 6m6 minutes ago
In fact, Rafa’s just been asked about it in the SKY analysis of his match. Rafa’s said that the FOOT IS FINE. He simply noticed something.
Genny SS @genny_ss · 5m5 minutes ago
It happens to him from time to time since he hurt it in 2005. But he’s insisted that the foot IS FINE!
https://twitter.com/troublefault/status/667752011140583424
Going to battle:
(Reuters)
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CURC3-7WIAEXI0n.jpg
BREAKING!!!
Yes, the point is that Rafa will not have a day off now. All this week they have had a day off after each match. But Rafa played last while Novak is resting.
Rafa also isn’t a kid in tennis years anymore. He can’t always bounce back. Remember what happened with Kevin Anderson when Rafa had to come back from the brink to win in three tough sets? Then he was tired when he had to Stan.
Ferrer always makes it physical. Some of those rallies seemed to go on forever. But there is no way to know at this time if it will hurt Rafa for tomorrow. I hope not.
Earlier this year, i agree, he admitted to getting tired. IMO that was linked closely to the internal battles he was fighting not to the output of energy on the court.
ed gets it.
I doubt that fatigue will be a factor for Rafa against Nole.
Rafa says his foot is fine and he is not exhausted. He says it doesn’t matter how long the match today was he knows he’ll have to play well tomorrow against Novak. He says it was a great match for the crowd and he enjoyed it.
He needs to up his game for the SF even though Djoker is not firing on all cylinders atm.
did you also hear what he said about novak? he said he has been playing at ‘almost an impossible level’ for nearly all year ! Now, go and lecture rafa on being a detractor of himself!! LOL . Why are you not pissed now? or do you think rafa’s paid to pay tribute to novak? another LOL. don’t say he does that because he has to show respect. There is a big difference. You don’t have to use those superlatives. You can generally respect/praise and move to the next question. Rafa’s been singing praises for novak for months now because he KNOWS it and being the great , honest guy he is, he has no shame admitting and acknowledging that.
Sigh. It’s been all Novak Djokovic this year. But, finally, Rafael Nadal is getting back to his level and I am very confident he will be ready to win slams in 2016. It will be a very very interesting year!
Boom. Drop the mic.
vamosrafa (at 6:28 pm),
A fan of a player is under NO obligation to praise every player!
vamosrafa (t 6:28 pm),
I am wondering why you keep lectures about Djoko?! I am wondering what YOUR problem is.
Listen up people, do you hear there?
Are YOU every fan’s secretary?
(He never said they do – but he does call out fans for calling fans of the same players deteactors.)
Therein lies the difference.
And it makes me wonder.
vamosrafa (t 6:28 pm),
Let me remind you that posting negative FACTS about some other players (i.e. not Rafa) has been called ‘attacks’ by someone… 😆
augusta08 says:November 20, 2015 at 6:54 pm
I am wondering why you keep lectures about Djoko?! I am wondering what YOUR problem is
Listen up people, do you hear there?
VR was talking about Rafa’s own words. And a double standard.
And it makes me wonder.
who says he is under an OBLIGATION? this is not even relevant. The relevant question is : who has appointed certain fans of a player to act like guardians and given them the right to start labellng other rafa fans as detractors when the only thing they do sometimes is what rafa ROUTINELY does . Don’t wanna drag this again but just wanted to make a point. NOBODY is under any sort of obligation here , yes, but then stay consistent! If you are calling out some other rafa fan for some ‘behavior’ (which rafa himself consistently adopts ), it is only you who is doing wrong. It just creates a mess every time because being a passionate rafa fan is a sensitive topic for most and nobody likes to see the comments nadline routinely comes up with.
In short: if you are under no obligation to praise other players ( which is fair enough) then don’t expect other fans to have any ‘obligations’. Don’t have double standards! Fair enough I think. I hope it can work for everyone here regardless of what ‘type’ of fan he/she is.
@augusta, the post was not even directed at you but you once again proved what I am saying. What lectures about Djokovic? can you be specific here? I mentioned what rafa said. You hate rafa for saying that? that’s YOUR problem.
Rafa is allowed to sing the praises of his rivals but his fans are not. Fans are not supposed to be objective that’s the whole idea of being a fan. ‘Blind loyalty’ is the phrase I’m looking for.
Listen up people, do you hear there?
Fandom religion believes WHO said something more than WHAT was said even when it’s the SAME thing.
Will we never learn from history?
And it makes me wonder.
and thanks for concisely summarizing, hawkeye 😉
Listen up people, do you hear there?
“‘Blind loyalty’ is the phrase I’m looking for.”
That’s what Nazi’s were looking for too.
And it makes me wonder.
November 20, 2015 at 6:57 pm,
English grammar:
¤¤ English uses a/an, from the Old English forms of the number ‘one’… ¤¤
(I don’t know Canadian grammar).
‘Rafa is allowed to sing the praises of his rivals but his fans are not’
fans not ALLOWED to?? who are YOU to say that? HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAHA
I have loyalty of the highest level in that I have never supported anyone but rafa. Every single match.
BUT, acknowledging a good thing about his opponent is in NO WAY linked to loyalty. It is just having an extremely narrow, pitiful outlook on things. But again, if it makes sense to you, GO FOR IT. BUT, stop bothering others and making RULES ! NOBODY has asked you to do that and trust me, they make zero sense.
and, if we are fans, rafa is novak’s RIVAL. You what a ‘rival’ means?? don’t say they are rivals on court but not off the court. Do you remember the ‘rivals’ of the 70s and the 80s? START difference. It is what one chooses to be. Rafa is different. He is no Connors or J Mac!
* STARK contrast I meant…
Listen up people, do you hear there?
A rational fan is trying to help blind loyalty to see respect.
And it makes me wonder.
vamosrafa, don’t take these things that seriously. As Rafa says, it’s only tennis. There are far more important things in life to get worked up about.
hawkeye63 says:
November 20, 2015 at 7:05 pm
—That’s what Nazi’s were looking for too—
===
.
OMG! Someone makes efforts to turn the Grandstand into a political website!
nadline10 says:
November 20, 2015 at 7:17 pm
vamosrafa, don’t take these things that seriously. As Rafa says, it’s only tennis. There are far more important things in life to get worked up about.
Listen up people, do you hear there?
An admitted blind fandom posts on multiple forums daily and preaches what they won’t practise.
Actions speak louder than words.
And it makes me wonder.
@nadline, your assessment is extremely incorrect as this is not at all serious business to me. I can see you are speechless and don’t have anything to say because your theories make zero sense. Haha. Anyway, just wanted to convey a point, hope you got it. Do WHATEVER you feel right as long as it is not affecting other people here. Justifying the calling out of others on the basis of some absurd self-made rules is not welcome at all. Thanks.
And with this, I also wrap up my office work. Weekend is here 🙂
@hawkeye, hahahahhaa….. good one…. you are on a roll !
and also, giving reference to what rafa says is so funny! double standards again. Totally ignoring what rafa says about his rivals but taking his philosophy on life and tennis so seriously. Oh God it’s killing me!!! hahahahah
vamosrafa says:
November 20, 2015 at 7:00 pm
—@augusta, the post was not even directed at you…—
===
.
The Grandstand is a public blog.
‘OMG! Someone makes efforts to turn the Grandstand into a political website!’
lol !! what about having a sense of humor?!!! hahah
link?
okay, should I add something then. it is a public blog where fan of every player can support his favourite player in any way he/she wants to. It is not a place to spot ‘detractors’ based on ridiculous self-made rules. I hope this helps. If certain posters so so fond of rules, the owner of this lovely website, Rick Dimon , has laid out some rules. If someone is breaching them, only then point that out.
vamosrafa ( at 7:30 pm),
—okay, should I add something then. it is a public blog where fan of every player can support his favourite player in any way he/she wants to…—
===
.
Yep. And as for me, I believe that I’m entitled to support/worship or not to support/worship whomever I want, and it’s none of self-named true/real tennis fans’ business.
🙂
Listen up people, do you hear there?
“support/worship whomever I want” curiously somehow includes being secretary, wondering and being curious about other Rafans qualities.
And it makes me wonder.
November 20, 2015 at 7:48 pm
—includes being secretary—
===
.
This is YOUR business here.
😆
augusta08 says:
November 20, 2015 at 7:45 pm
“Yep. And as for me, I believe that I’m entitled to support/worship or not to support/worship whomever I want, and it’s none of self-named true/real tennis fans’ business. :)”
Nobody is saying anything to you here! blind worship anyone, I don’t have any issues as long as that blind worship does not include calling me out a rafa detractor and questioning why I am writing something because otherwise, that becomes double standards!
should be clear enough!
augusta08 says:
—includes being secretary—
This is YOUR business here. 😆
Listen up people, do you hear there?
A poster wonders and is curious about other Rafans qualities and what others are allowed to do, and calls others secretaries.
And it makes me wonder.
He will up his game, I’m sure of that. Whether he can sufficiently to trouble Novak remains to be seen. I’m intrigued to see how the match with Murray pans out this evening i.e. will Murray test him or not.
Rafa analyzes his match against Ferru:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0CENTerqeE
Anyways good job Rafa in grabbing 600 points, beating world No 2 & 4 and firmly placing yourself 5th seed for AO and ending year at No 5. He was almost No 9 or 10 during the year.
He has also almost gobbled 1740 points since USO and I think that’s great in weakest part of season for him. Only 2013 was better with 2220 points I think. He did not play much post USO in 2008 & 2010..his other great years.
I think Rafa’s heart was never really in the post USO season that’s probably why he didn’t do well because his YE ranking was usually confirmed after the USO. This year he doesn’t have that luxury so he is doing well.
Ranking points Rafa earned after the USO in 2007 – 2014 (without Davis Cup):
2014 — 190
2013 — 2020 – the best result
2012 — didn’t play
2011 — 590
2010 — 1680
2009 — 1140
2008 — 180*
2007 — 1200*
*The points earned before 2009 are recalculated according to the current ATP Point table.
nativenewyorker7 says:
November 20, 2015 at 5:18 pm
Yes, the point is that Rafa will not have a day off now. All this week they have had a day off after each match. But Rafa played last while Novak is resting.
********************
That’s one of the questions I have tweeted to SKY to ask Chris Kermode – why some players finish a match in the early hours of the morning then play against an opponent who had a whole day’s rest a few hours later. I hope they chose it.
Let us know what he says!!!
Well at least someone said something about the scheduling! I don’t like it at all!
Rafa’s on-court interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0-YgLnocio
So what do you people think will be score tomm? Novak in 2 or 3? games? I doubt anyone here expects Rafa to win tomm or does anyone?
If Rafa didn’t waste so much energy fighting for a pointless win he could of had a shot. He used too much energy plus he prrob has a number of minor injuries. No way he is winning. I really want Rafa to win because I. Don’t like nole but too bad can’t see a 65% nadal beat the big boss
Dojokovic 7:5 6:7 6:2 Rafa gasses out third round gg
If its a 3 setter..I think we should be happy. Indoor is Novaks forte..not Rafas..Novak is playing at a great level this year compared to Rafa..
If its a 3 setter..I am sure Rafa himself will be happy. He lost all 3 matches to Novak in straights this year.
a 3-setter would actually be really good news!
He lost 6-2 6-2 in Beijing but showed some good signs in that defeat. I believe Novak was playing a bit sharper Beijing and rafa is now playing with a lot more confidence.
Having the right patterns for the serve is key. Novak blasted away body serve returns in Beijing so rafa and Toni better decide the patterns.
Naaaa take it easy guys….he won’t be jaded for tomorrow’s match! When you are feeling positive, happy and there’s huge Adrenalin rush, you can manage. It was 2 hrs 37 mins and he won.
Novak won’t have it easy tomorrow! Probably rafa is not quite ready enough to take novak down on rafa’s least fav surface but the way he has been progressing, he is exceeding expectations all the time! Phenomenal progress. I picked him to win his group 3-0 and it is going as per the plan. I also picked Fed to beat Novak so I knew rafa-novak was a big possibility in the SF. He have it now. I am really happy about rafa’s determined efforts to make his way up to the baseline as much as he can. This is something he has done really really well in all three matches.
I hope he can have a lucky serving day tomorrow and is able to hit the forehand with enough penetration to break djokovic’s defense on enough occasions.
Just do your best, rafa. You have already accomplished your goals here so just relax and give it your all!
IF he wins, I would rate this as the best three-set win of his career.
What are you predicting? 🙂
Sanju (at 6:16 pm),
Ricky has posted “World Tour Finals SF preview and prediction: Djokovic vs. Nadal.”
He is a confident man now. No nerves. No crazy sweating. He’ll kick ass in 2016.
One thing I notice: Rafa was thinking clearly out there and changing tactics to deal with Ferrer’s aggression, a sign that he’s finally calm during match, no pannicking.
Thumbs up!
@hawkeye, what’s your take on how rafa played? I was not able to watch :/
Didn’t see it.
I’ll have a look on PVR tonight.
yep, great observation lucky…
vr he did show nerves!! he started off brilliantly, mainlining the ball and whipping his forehand. he had 2 breaks and was up 3-0…then he lost his serve against the run of play and started to be more tentative and dropping balls short which ferrer hit everywhere for winners…so he withdrew into himself and stopped taking on the ball. he did get a break to serve for the match and had set point but it was no great surprise that ferrer broke back. then he played a very nervy horrible tie-break. early in the second set he was playing pretty horribly with more short balls….either hitting short or long but then he managed to get hold of himself and started to play well again..constructing the points well…ferrer was running like a maniac and getting everything back. so yes it was great to see him adjust and manage to turn the match around and get hold of himself, but he did show nerves and vulnerability beforehand…
thanks a lot Amy!
I watched some highlights….. yeah, rafa made a really good start. Returning well, hitting aggressively but then it changed. Ferrer started hitting his forehand much better and rafa played a bad game at 3-2. The T.B was also nasty. He improved a lot in set 2 and developed some really good patters. Notice how he is able to set up more forehands after serve now. More confident with that shot.
He definitely would need to be more aggressive with his inside out forehand. More penetration AND closer to the sideline (something he has not done consistently well). Novak will track those down and send heavy balls to rafa’s backhand and then the advantage is lost most of the times.
Smart serving patterns, more aggression with the forehand (both in terms of power and placement) will be needed in abundance tomorrow.
Listen up people, do you hear there?
Some in depth knowledgeable tennis analysis.
More of this please.
And it makes me wonder.
Any match highlights ? anyone? I wanna see and assess myself.
@NNY, if you are reading, what’s your overall assessment on today’s match?
and Ricky?
I know Luckystar is not impressed.
Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiboZk-sgDE
Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ3VZcxTpWU
vamosrafa,
I was certainly not impressed with Rafa’s play in that first set. Up two breaks and then loses it in a TB? That’s shades of the Rafa of 2015 up until recently. He got into a slugfest with Ferrer and that is exactly what I wanted Rafa to avoid. I don’t want him to be tired tomorrow against Novak.
His serve stats in the first set were very poor. The combined UE’s in this match really tell the story. Off the charts for both guys. Rafa did well to fight back and get the win, but I don’t like seeing him get into this physical battle in a match that has no importance.
Rafa is going to have to serve much better and do everything better against Novak tomorrow.
Found some highlights! watching…
Djoker praises Rafa but I’ve never heard any Nole fan have a good word to say about Rafa.
I have friends who are DJokovic fans and they do appreciate rafa a lot!
Listen up people, do you hear there?
ratcliff and danica have both had very nice respectful and objective kind words about Rafa.
Blind loyalty that nadline has asked for in her own words is selective memory.
And it makes me wonder.
haha…..thanks for spotting that! one of a gazillion examples!!
one of*
Rafa fans also spoke well of Djoko till he started beating Rafa too many times. Djoko fans did not speak well of Rafa in 2013 or 2014 and suspected ATP of favoring him. Now many of them can be very condescendingly kind about Rafa because he has been no threat this year. Even then several of them have repeated the doping accusations, claimed his poor form is due to introduction of bio passport, claimed he is gay etc.
The so called objective fans have selective vision, pretending not to see inconvenient things and act superior speaking contemptuously of Rafa fans’ blind loyalty. Well no one is more blind than these “objective”fans as none so blind as those who refuse to see.
Mary (at 3:37 am),
Well said!
I read Tennis-X comments on occasion and most Nole fans are very complimentary towards Rafa.
all his life Rafa praised Fed and he still does…Uncle T. does the same and they are the ones claiming Fed is the best player ever…I do not think anyone here wanted to make an issue about it nor did we constantly bring it up…
so now when Rafa praises Novak (which Novak certainly deserves no doubt about it) and Uncle T. does it as well, what are we supposed to do? We acknowledge it and focus on Rafa…there is no reason to be confrontational about it…to be honest, I was very interested in Rafa’s assessment of his level and his prospects for tomorrow…him praising Novak is something we already know and seems so irrelevant at this point…
and if someone wants to evaluate Novak’s game and his perfect records, and praise him of course, I think it is fair to Nole’s fans who visit this site to put it on the Novak’s page or the thread related to Novak’s matches…Novak’s fans are not too much interested in reading our assessments of Rafa’s game and Rafa’s health condition…they rather visit Novak’s page and enjoy the info there…so, in a nutshell, nobody here is arguing about Novak’s brilliance…but it deserve to be elaborated (unless related to the particular match with Rafa, the situation we will have tomorrow!) in the place where it belongs: either the Novak’s thread or his fan page…
natashao, you are confusing stuff here. It is not possible to discuss tennis on rafa without discussing the game’s of his rivals! I don’t know what the issue here is :S If you want to talk about rafa’s personal life, only then it is possible to talk about rafa and rafa and only rafa. When I or some other fans analyze why rafa lost , we HAVE to discuss what rafa did not do well and what his opponent did too well (so that we can discuss what rafa can do to counter that).
And nobody here is talking about novak on rafa’s page! In a tournament preview, for e.g, one should keek talking about rafa? how sexy his hair are , how good his forehand is? What’s the fun when you don’t analyze in the context of other players?
I think the point is being missed here. We are not assessing novak’s game for novak’s fans to read ! COME ON! I do it because I like analyzing the game ! So do many others!
and this is NOT a rafael nadal tennis website. It is a tennis website .
nats respectfully you missed VR’s point.
He was calling out someone here for questioning a Rafan’s loyalty when they compliment Nole’s game even though it is ok for Rafa to do the same.
The Majesty has Spoken with 100% Objectivity and Fairness.
and what’s the darn business of getting to the nerves of other rafa fans by calling them rafa detractors when they support rafa with passion. I am surprised you are okay with that…..
That’s the difference between fans and click baiters.
@ vamosrafa,
no, I am not ok with that…and you know it…
but I am also not ok to read constantly about Novak’s greatness on Rafa’s page…Rafa was even greater in his old days and we did not drag about whether any of his opponents praised him…TBH I couldn’t care less if Novak or anybody else praised Rafa’s game as long as he was wining…
My point is: nadline opting not to mention that Rafa praised Novak’s level is no crime! Moreover, we did not even need to hear about it in the first place as we damn good remember Uncle T. statement “Novak is on a whole different level than Rafa” and we do not need to be reminded every second…so assessing Novak vs Rafa game nobody disputes…praising Novak…well, that’s for Novak’s page IMHO…
I wouldn’t even get involved in this discussion but I was really annoyed by the fact that prior to the match with Nole tomorrow instead of analyzing Rafa’s game and his chances for tomorrow we are being reminded how great Novak is and should discuss THAT??? And then endless arguments to follow on whether Rafa praised Novak?! Why? Who cares? I prefer to talk about Rafa and his game…that’s all…
sorry that I jumped in…it must be that I am nervous about tomorrow’s match and all I wanted was to read some very good assessments, and you vamosrafa provide very good insights…why waste your tallent in pointless discussions and endless arguments…we have hawkeye for that… 🙂
@hawkeye,
Oh! In that case I agree with both of you…sorry…I thought it was a different issue and I completely misunderstood…
but my last paragraph (10:39) stands… 🙂
Its Majesty to you nats.
#YoureWelcomeMyFan
#Humb1e
natashao2013 (at 10:39 pm),
—but I am also not ok to read constantly about Novak’s greatness on Rafa’s page…—
—I wouldn’t even get involved in this discussion but I was really annoyed by the fact that prior to the match with Nole tomorrow instead of analyzing Rafa’s game and his chances for tomorrow we are being reminded how great Novak is and should discuss THAT??? —
===
http://moopz.com/assets_c/2012/06/emoji-thumbs-up-150-thumb-48×48-140616.jpg
natashao2013 (at 11:00 pm),
@hawkeye, Oh! In that case I agree with both of you…sorry…I thought it was a different issue and I completely misunderstood…
===
http://moopz.com/assets_c/2012/06/emoji-thumbs-up-150-thumb-48×48-140616.jpg
@natashao, I don’t know what to say really because you never understood the point. You have been talking about a totally different thing. You did write that you misunderstood so glad……thanks @hawkeye for clarifying.
Nadline not opting to mention rafa praising novak was NOT the issue …. haha…. not even 1% close… I was trying to make the point that if some rafa fan praises something good about rafa’s rivals, don’t start calling him a rafa detractor bla bla because rafa, and as you yourself said, Toni aswell, do this themselves.
Praising novak and doing it on rafa’s fan page or novak’s fan page , i don’t know where you got the impression that I am talking about this but i am glad it is clear .
And never have I said any rafa fan here should mention rafa’s praises about novak’s when they write their posts?! never have and never would call anyone out for that, does not make sense.
natashao2013 says:
November 20, 2015 at 11:00 pm
“Oh! In that case I agree with both of you…sorry…I thought it was a different issue and I completely misunderstood…”
All good! I am nervous as well for tomorrow’s match. BEST OF LUCK TO OUR RAFA
@augusta once again posting things out of context. pity…. totally ignoring what @natashao wrote after that post! but usual stuff..
natashao2013 (at 11:00 pm),
“@hawkeye, Oh! In that case I agree with both of you…sorry…I thought it was a different issue and I completely misunderstood…but my last paragraph (10:39) stands…”
^ Natashao’s last word on this 🙂 a reasonable poster posted something reasonable to close it out.
I am closing this too. On to the djokovic-nadal thread.
We have gone over and over this, trying to make the point that Rafa has given credit to Novak for his achievements. The point is that since Rafa is generous and smart enough to see what Novak has done and can praise him, what on earth is wrong with Rafa fans doing same? I think Rafa is a great example of sportsmanship and also one of the best tennis brains in the game. When he says positive things about Novak, we should pay attention! Who would know better than Rafa, as Novak’s chief rival!
I think vamosrafa said it best – what are we supposed to do? Just gush over Rafa’s good looks and how gorgeous he is all the time? Yes, how sexy he is! Forget about his tennis!
This has been going on for so long and it gets tedious.
nativenewyorker7 says:
November 21, 2015 at 2:35 am
—I think vamosrafa said it best – what are we supposed to do? Just gush over Rafa’s good looks and how gorgeous he is all the time? —
===
.
Rafa deserves more than that.
natashao2013 (at 11:00 pm),
Hawk confused you. I didn’t see anyone ‘questioning a Rafan’s loyalty’ before vamosrafa raised this topic.
Listen up people, do you hear there?
Rafans focus on Rafa and pretenders focus on Rafans with nothing to add about Rafa’s game or tennis.
And it makes me wonder.
And like always, Nadline is going to go quiet and then resume her routine of counting detractor eggs very shortly. Or are we in for a shocker this time?! Stay tuned 😀
No, I’m just chuckling reading your posts. Don’t take it that seriously, is my advice.
Listen up people, do you hear there?
A blindly loyal fan admits to chuckling at the response to her repeated endless jibes.
There is an internet term for that.
And it makes me wonder.
andy murray going to bust out super syan and beat everyone and take down first place
bold call
ps nice email address
OK vr, you can call me a fanatic and I can call you a detractor. 🙂 The word detractor recognises that you are a Rafa fan but you stray a bit sometimes from the three line whip. 🙂
nopes, thank you but I have more logical perspectives. I have never ‘strayed’ a bit because I have supported rafa 365 days every year from 2005 onward and I don’t need you verdict on my loyalty LOL . Analyzing a match and his rivals is in no way linked to loyalty as long as your outlook on things is not too narrow.
and NO, you CANNOT call me a detractor. I am fanatic and so are many other rafa fans here.
Just means you are not blind like some fans admit and are proud to be.
And it makes me wonder.
YUP! that’s better. I am not a blind fan(atic) and just a fan(atic) and totally happy with that 😀
I am a Rafan(atic) and I’m happy with that!
.
I believe that I’m entitled to be or not to be a fan(atic) if I so wish, and it’s none of self-named true/real tennis fans’ business. 🙂
we are very pleased to stay out of this ‘business’. You are totally entitled but you ar enot entitled to anything when it comes to saying things about any other rafa fan. As long as you are doing that, don’t think anyone would have a problem.
and by fan(atic) I meant Rafan(atic). I am ending this now….
Focus on Rafole now….. VAMOS RAFA!
vamosrafa says:
November 20, 2015 at 8:14 pm
—you ar enot entitled to anything when it comes to saying things about any other rafa fan.—
===
.
Read carefully comments above and on previous page – and you’ll find out WHO is writing about others! 🙂
Listen up people, do you hear there?
Claiming to not be the one being “curious” and “wondering” about others by a fanatical secretary is none of our business.
And it makes me wonder.
it was for the purpose of addressing an issue , an issue which is ongoing and gets to the nerves of many people! so for THAT purpose, the post was being addressed and it was very clearly mentioned why it was being directed at someone. I have zero interest otherwise. I hope the ‘minding of own business’ can be implemented.
I am much happier discussing rafa and his tennis as evident in my 99.99% posts.
Listen up people, do you hear there?
Unfortunately discussing rafa and his tennis happens to be less than 0.01% for some fanatical blind secretaries here (unless you include twitter pics, retweets and gifs).
And it makes me wonder.
Chris Kermode says he is going to take the Nadal/Ferrer match today to a seminar for young players to show them that dedication and commitment in a match is how pros should behave no matter what’s on the line because people pay god money to go and see them.
At least he admits ticket prices are too much for us mere mortals.
Has he gotten back to you yet nadline?
Let me know and I can have Benny follow up if necessary.
@ 8:29 pm,
I am wondering why someone is posting announcements related to his personal imaginary friend (“Benny”).
Listen up people, do you hear there?
Someone thinks that being a fanatical secretary has to make them wonder about a Rafan and yet it’s nobody’s business.
And it makes me wonder.
One of my questions was put to Chris Kermode which was whether they would consider using hawkeye for foot faults, double bounce and let. He said the hawkeye technology wouldn’t work of them.
I could have explained that nadline. The rest of the body would too frequently block one or more of the 6-7 camera angles necessary to make the call. In addition, it’s accuracy at best is no better than 3 mm.
we’re all fans, that’s what matters I guess. Otherwise we wouldn’t spend so much time and energy here. I doubt Rafa has ever read any of our comments. Pity, cause he could take a good point here and there.
Even though sometimes I can’t understand nadine and augusta’s relentless safeguarding of anything to do with Rafa I admire it and I think this site is all the better for it. Nadine has been like a landmark in this horrible spell of which Rafa seems to be finally getting out.
Rafa doesn’t read here???
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/1036182/chris-griffin-what-o.gif
LOL… thanks. perfect avatar for this discussion too. 😀
You’re not kidding. About as dumb as it can get.
But it takes two to A Tango Lad, I suppose.
ratcliff ( at 11:05 pm).
FYI: this is the start of the ‘discussion’
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUSpT1OWUAAlZwo.png
Shireling1 (at 9:15 pm),
Rafa reads comments posted somewhere else.
So, I’m afraid, hawk’s actions on this site have been effect-less.
🙂
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUMXy-_UkAQKbGX.png
No worries. Thanks to augusta for providing Benny’s contact info thus being the catalyst for a connection between TennGrand and Rafa, Rafa is informed.
Oh you better not shout, you better not cry, you better not pout I’m telling you why. Rafa Laws are coming to town.
He knows when you are bleeping. He knows when you’re a fake. He knows when you are good and bad so you better be good for Rafa’s sake!
@10:59 pm
I keep wondering why someone is posting announcements related to his personal imaginary friend (“Benny”) ?!
Listen up people, do you hear there?
Someone thinks that being a fanatical secretary has to make them wonder about a Rafan and yet it’s supposedly nobody’s business what they think.
And it makes me wonder.
Shireling,
I agree with the part about not understanding their relentless safeguarding of anything to do with Rafa. But the next sentence or two, I simply cannot agree with it at all. Having been on the receiving end of attacks for supposedly not being a true blue, dyed in the wool. first rate, perfect Rafa fan myself, I have to disagree there.
Seconded.
nativenewyorker7 (at 2:45 am),
I am wondering if anybody is lecturing other posters more than you do.
Shireling, I agree with you 100%.
I agree 100% that Rafa is the Best.
Video by ATP. Rafa’s post-match interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rF8n3Y3H-lg
lol hawkeye
Yes, hawkeye has been on fire here! He is good at providing some much needed levity!
Seconded.
@2:42 am,
It’s called polluting (the internet)
😆
Listen up people, do you hear there?
Rafans focus on Rafa and pretenders focus on Rafans.
And it makes me wonder.
Keep your mind sharp and focused, stay confident, be strong and fight fiercely, Rafa!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUU0h1qUEAAEZHb.png:medium
I’ll re-post this, it’s meant for SF. 🙂
If you had posted this on the right page, Rafa would have won.