Thursday 28 July 2011

Rafael Nadal - Arthur Ashe Kids Day @ US Open

The USTA announced today that reigning US Open Champions Rafael Nadal and Kim Clijsters, world #1 ranked Novak Djokovic, former US Open Champion Andy Roddick and the 2010 US Open Wheelchair Champion David Wagner will team up with actor Bradley Cooper, New York Knicks All-Star Carmelo Anthony, and pop star Cody Simpson at the 16th Annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess Saturday, August 27 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y., from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.Hosted by TV personalities/actors La La Anthony and Quddus, the show will feature more musical guests and tennis stars set to be announced in coming weeks.  The popular full-day tennis and music festival for children and adults alike – including interactive games, musical entertainment and tennis activities – will also feature performances from up-and-coming stars including Girls Nite Out, Action Item, Jacob Latimore and Nickelodeon’s The Fresh Beat Band.  Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day Presented by Hess will kick off the 2011 US Open, which runs from August 29 – September 11.

More details here

Rafa & Novak Playing Doubles In Montreal (although not together)

Thank God, after last years mess up in Toronto that I was witness too. 

Courtesy: TenBalls

Montreal, July 27, 2011 – Rogers Cup presented by National Bank Tournament Director Eugène Lapierre

announced today the doubles entry list for the 2011 tournament. This year's draw will be very strong as the top

eight teams in the world as well as five Top 10 players have confirmed their entry.

The top-ranked Bryan brothers will be back to defend the title they won last summer in Toronto. Meanwhile,

Canadian Daniel Nestor and his partner, Max Mirnyi of Belarus will be seeded second. Several players have decided

to team up with their compatriots. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will team up with Janko Tipsarevic, Rafael Nadal will

play with Marc Lopez, Gilles Simon will make up an all-French team with Richard Gasquet and two-time defending

Rogers Cup champion Andy Murray will partner with his brother, Jamie Murray. In addition, Gael Monfils and Jo-

Wilfried Tsonga have entered alongside Pablo Andujar and Stanislas Wawrinka, respectively.

Wednesday 27 July 2011

Sunday 24 July 2011

Rafael Nadal v Novak Djokovic in Mexico

I have found a little more information. I have copied the original translation (for those who speak Spanish) & the Google translation. 

Los actuales dos mejores jugadores de tenis del mundo, el serbio Novak Djokovic y el español Rafael Nadal, deleitarán a los capitalinos aficionados al deporte blanco con una exhibición que ofrecerán en octubre o noviembre próximos en un escenario por definir entre el Zócalo de la Ciudad de México y la plaza del Monumento a la Revolución.

Novak Djokovic tiene dos años menos de experiencia en el circuito de la ATP que Rafael Nadal, pero eso no lo limita para jugarle de tú a tú y protagonizar esta temporada una de las rivalidades más fuertes en el tenis.

La Secretaría de Turismo del Distrito Federal, a cargo de Alejandro Rojas, ya recibió la confirmación de los representantes de ambos tenistas para jugar en la Ciudad de México en un evento que servirá de promoción de la capital y que se denominará "El partido por la Paz".

A decir de Rojas, el Jefe de Gobierno Marcelo Ebrard quiere que a través de esta presentación se proyecte al mundo una imagen segura y pacífica de la Ciudad de México.

Ebrard será quien tenga la última palabra para definir el lugar donde se montará la cancha en la que se enfrentarán Nole, campeón de Wimbledon y número uno del mundo, y Rafa, monarca en Roland Garros.

"Ya hay un compromiso previo, un sí de parte de ellos, incluso me dicen que Nadal está muy optimista y deseoso de venir a la Ciudad de México. Lo único que podemos decir ahorita es que ellos vienen", aseveró Rojas.

"Los dos tenistas más grandes del mundo actualmente vienen a la ciudad más grande del mundo, a la Plaza más grande de Latinoamérica. Esto sería entre octubre y noviembre, dependiendo de la agenda de los jugadores. Además, como es una exhibición, no requieren tanta preparación y no van a competir", añadió el funcionario.

Rojas no reveló el monto del pago de garantías que exige todo tenista profesional ni el costo total de la organización, pero afirmó que los gastos correrán por cuenta de patrocinadores y que el GDF se encargará básicamente de logística, seguridad y promoción.

El Zócalo capitalino estuvo contemplado en febrero de 2009 como sede de un Derby de Jonrones previo al Clásico Mundial de marzo de ese año, pero finalmente el evento no se realizó por falta de permisos.


The current two best tennis players in the world, Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal and Spanish, will delight the capital's white sports fans offer an exhibition in October or November next on stage to define between the City's Zocalo Mexico and the plaza of the Monument to the Revolution. Novak Djokovic is two years less experience in the ATP Rafael Nadal, but that does not limit you to play you one on one and star in this season one of the strongest rivalries in tennis. The Ministry of Tourism of Mexico, by Alejandro Rojas, and was confirmed by representatives of both players to play in Mexico City at an event that will serve to promote the capital to be called "The Party for Peace ". To say Rojas, Head of Government Marcelo Ebrard wants through this presentation is projected to the world a safe and peaceful image of Mexico City. Ebrard is who has the final word for the place where the court is to be mounted where they will face Nole, Wimbledon champion and world number one, and Rafa, king at Roland Garros. "There's a prior commitment, a yes from them, I even say that Nadal is very optimistic and eager to come to Mexico City. All we can say right now is that they come," said Rojas. "The two world's largest players now come to the largest city in the world, the largest square in Latin America. This would be in October or November, depending on the agenda of the players. Moreover, as is an exhibition not require much preparation and will not compete, "he added. Rojas did not disclose the amount of payment guarantees, demanding professional tennis player or the total cost of the organization, but said that the expenses borne by sponsors and the GDF is basically responsible for logistics, security and promotion. The Zocalo was laid in February 2009 to host a Home Run Derby before the World Baseball Classic in March of that year, but eventually the event was not held due to lack of permissions.

Original article here

Friday 22 July 2011

Rafael Nadal - Where To Buy The Book

From Rafa's Facebook page. 

Buenos días a todos. Ya podéis reservar el libro de Rafa en los siguiente sites: amazon.com, bn.com, borders.com o indiebound.com.Esperamos que os guste. Rafa's team

Good Morning. You can already book Rafa's book at the following sites: amazon.com, bn.com, borders.com or indiebound.com. Hope you enjoy it. Rafa's team.

Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic - Exhibition Match in Mexico City

So far all I can find is this Tweet:

JamesLaRosa Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal to play an exo in Mexico City in Oct or Nov. Como se dice "tennis porn" en espanol?about 14 hours ago by James LaRosa

Hopefully more news will be available soon

Rafael Nadal - Autobiography Ready For Release

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is nearly ready to release his autobiography, recently posting an update and a picture of the book's title page to his Facebook followers.

On Thursday, Nadal posted, "Hi everyone, after a year working with the well-known writer John Carlin, I want you to be the first to know that the book is due in August and and I want to share with you the title page. What do you think about it? Also, very soon I'll release the first chapter only for you ;) . Rafa"

The title page shows a closeup of a serious-looking Nadal, with the words "RAFA: Rafael Nadal and John Carlin" at the bottom of the page.

The autobiography will reportedly center around Nadal's career accomplishments, including behind-the-scenes stories of his most notable victories.

In April, non-fiction publishing director Adam Strange of Sphere, who had bought UK and Commonwealth rights to Nadal's memoir, had said, "It's a real treat to have this book as I've been a fan of Rafa's for some time. The world number one is a ferocious competitor on court and yet manages to display a grace and humility off it that is completely charming, and quite unusual in today's sporting world. His list of achievements and records is extraordinary."

Strange had added, "Along with the rest of his millions of fans worldwide, I'm very much looking forward to finding out what makes him tick. Rafa is an intensely private person and until now he's not talked openly about his personal and family life."

Sphere's current release date for the book is August 23, and according to Strange, Sphere anticipates that the memoir will be very successful.

"I don't think any player since Agassi has really captured the tennis world in the way Rafa has, so we have really high hopes for the book," Strange said.

Amazon's product description for the book reads:

What makes a champion? What does it take to be the best in the world at your sport?

Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest players in the history of tennis, has the answers. In his memoir, written with award-winning journalist John Carlin, he reveals the secrets of his game and shares the inspiring personal story behind his success. It begins in Mallorca, a small island on the Mediterranean Sea, where the tight-knit Nadal family has lived for generations. Coached by his uncle Toni from the age of four, taught humility and respect by his parents, cherished by his exceptionally close extended family, Nadal has managed the uncommon feat of becoming an acclaimed global celebrity while remaining an unfailingly gracious, relentlessly hardworking role model for people in all walks of life.

Since he embarked on his tennis career ten years ago, the twenty-five-year-old Nadal has had a meteoric rise, becoming the youngest professional tennis player ever to win all four Grand Slam titles. He collected his first one, the French Open, in 2005 at age nineteen, and from there went on to win Wimbledon, the Australian Open, and, most difficult of all, the U.S. Open in 2010. His memoir takes us behind the scenes, sharing the highs and lows of his career, from winning the Wimbledon 2008 final, described by John McEnroe as "the greatest game of tennis" he had ever seen, to the family problems that brought him low in 2009 and the numerous injuries that have threatened his career.

With candor, heart, and intelligence, Rafael Nadal takes readers on his life's dramatic and triumphant journey, never losing sight along the way of the prize he values above all others: the unity and love of his family.

Are you looking forward to the book's release? Will you be picking up a copy?


Courtesy: 10Balls

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Rafael Nadal - Back in Training - Video

Back in training



Courtesy: vamosrafelnadal

Winner of the Wimbledon Competition from Facebook was someone called Alex. Here is Rafa signing the winners racquet. Lucky person.

Rafael Nadal - Facebook Update

No idea why but I cannot post the photo of Rafa having a meal last night with Feli and another chap called Rudi.

Go to Rafa's Facebook page and the photo is there :-)

Rafael Nadal On His Bike

The holiday is over. It's back to work for Rafa now as he starts his preparation for the US hard court season where he will play Montreal, Cincinnati and the US Open in New York.

Get pedalling Rafa :)

Monday 18 July 2011

Sunday 17 July 2011

Rafael Nadal - Manacor's Best Gift

A nice little Rafa video.



Courtesy: AMMAXMMX

Rafael Nadal - More Golf Coverage

Here is another video of Rafa on the golf course



Courtesy: vamosrafelnadal

Rafael Nadal - Interview With Johnny Mac

I have only just found this video. Nice words from Rafa.

Rafael Nadal - On The Golf Course

iB3 video of Rafa on the golf course.  Though I cannot get the video to play :-(  I will have a look around and see if I can find a working link.  If anyone else finds one please post a link in the comment section :-)

Photos courtesy of MallorcaGolf

**UPDATE**

Here is a video of Rafa on the golf course






Thursday 14 July 2011

Rafael Nadal - Wins ESPY Award

LOS ANGELES -- The Dallas Mavericks made a haul at the ESPYs on Wednesday night.

The NBA champions won best team, Dirk Nowitzki won Best Male Athlete and Best NBA Player and Rick Carlisle won best Coach/Manager.

"I'm so humbled and honored by this," Nowitzki said. "It's been an unreal year for all of us on the Mavericks."

[+] EnlargeDirk Nowitzki
ESPN.comDirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks continued to celebrate their NBA championship at the ESPYs.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban added: "We had a great time and are glad we won, but the biggest deal was when my daughter met Selena Gomez."

The Mavericks weren't the only NBA players cleaning up. Blake Griffin won the ESPY for Breakthrough Athlete.

Griffin, the NBA's rookie of the year, filled highlight reels with an assortment of spectacular dunks. He averaged 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds a game and became the first rookie to appear in an NBA All-Star Game since Yao Ming in 2003.

Saturday Night Live comedian Seth Meyers hosted the show for a second straight year. He opened the telecast by joking about the NFL and NBA lockouts before taking some digs at the Miami Heat. He then cracked some jokes about Giants closer Brian Wilson's unique outfit choice.

The always eccentric Wilson would have won the award for best dressed athlete, had there been one. All eyes were on Wilson as he walked down the red carpet in a full-body spandex tuxedo, complete with black high-tops and a cane.

"Justin Bieber could have set himself on fire and not have had a crazier outfit than Brian Wilson," Meyers told reporters.

Fan voting determined the winner of the ESPY for Best Play. The honor went to Abby Wambach of the U.S. soccer team for her overtime goal that tied Brazil in the quarterfinals of the Women's World Cup. The Americans advanced on penalty kicks and, after Wednesday's win over France, will play Japan in Sunday's final.

The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage was presented to Dewey Bozella, who was sent to prison in 1983 for a murder he did not commit but won his release in 2009.

Other winners at the ESPYs:

• Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas won Best Championship Performance for helping his team to the Stanley Cup championship. Thomas stopped 238 of Vancouver's 246 shots as Boston won in seven games.

"It's been a month, but it still really hasn't sunk in what it means to the city and whole New England area," Thomas said.

• Reigning Olympic downhill champion and three-time overall World Cup ski champion Lindsey Vonn won Best Female Athlete.

Vonn professed to having "Bieber Fever" during her acceptance speech.

"Justin Bieber, will you take a picture of me for my Facebook page?" she asked the pop star as he sat in the audience.

• BYU's Jimmer Fredette, who led the nation in scoring with 28.5 points a game, won Best Male College Athlete. Fredette was drafted ninth by the Charlotte Bobcats, who then traded his rights to the Sacramento Kings.

• Anthony Robles of Arizona State won the NCAA wrestling championship despite being born with one leg. He was the recipient of the Jimmy V Award and the Best Male Athlete with a Disability.

• The Philadelphia Eagles' 38-31 victory over the New York Giants was named Best Game. In a the December game at New Meadowlands Stadium, the Eagles scored 28 points in the final seven minutes, 18 seconds to take first place from the Giants in the NFC East.

• The VCU men's basketball team won Best Upset. VCU defeated heavily favored Kansas 71-61 to reach the Final Four.

• Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers won Best NFL Player.

"I'm very happy to win but I would really like to focus on us as a team," the quarterback said. "I was brought up to be humble and that's how I live my life. I'm glad I won but I didn't do it alone."

• Pitcher Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies won Best MLB Player. Halladay also won the ESPY for Best Moment.

• Five-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson won Best Driver.

• Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury won Best WNBA Player.

• Ten-time world title winner Manny Pacquiao won Best Fighter.

• U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy won Best Male Golfer and Best Record-Breaking Performance.

• Two-time major winner Cristie Kerr won Best Female Golfer.

• Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams won Best Male and Best Female Tennis Player, respectively.

• Maya Moore, who helped UConn to two national women's basketball titles, won Best Female College Athlete.

• Snowboarder/skateboarder Shaun White won Best Male Action Sport Athlete.

• Four-time defending world surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore won Best Female Action Sport Athlete.

• Kentucky Derby winner John Velasquez was named Best Jockey.

• Paralympic gold medalist swimmer Mallory Weggemann won Best Female Athlete with a Disability.

• Australia's Jason Belmonte was named Best Bowler.

• Los Angeles Galaxy's Landon Donovan, the all-time leader in scoring and assists leader for Team USA, won Best MLS Player.

• Sprinter Tyson Gay, who holds the U.S. record in the 100 meters (9.69 seconds), won Best Track and Field Athlete.

• Former Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich, who returned from bone cancer, won Best Comeback.

• Arian Foster of the Houston Texans won the Castrol EDGE NFL Strongest Performance.

• Stanford women's athletics and Florida men's athletics won the Capital One Cup, which recognizes excellence in collegiate athletics.

• "The Fighter" won the Best Sports Movie.