No Rafa For A While

Official Press Release:

Rafa Nadal would not be at the Semifinals of the Davis Cup and will stop for the next 2 months
"I have to recover and I'll be back once the pain is gone"
Manacor, Spain, September 3rd, 2012.- Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal will not play in the next 2 months and will stop to rest and recover his knee. Among other things he won ́t be able to be at the disposal of the Spanish Davis Cup captain for the semifinals tie against the USA.
Rafa has partial tear of the patella tendon at the distal pole of the patella plus an inflammation of the Hoffa's fat pad of his left knee.
Since the diagnosis of that tear, Rafa has been receiving medical treatment consisting on specific medication, physical therapy and a progressive program of rehabilitation and muscular potentiation.
For Rafa Nadal "I have missed the Olympics and the US Open in the last few weeks, tow of the most important tournaments of the year and that I really wanted to play. I really want to be back competing and enjoying the tennis tour, but I have many years in front of me and my knee needs some rest. I will be back when I have no pain and able to compete with guarantee.
I feel better after the meeting with my doctors and happy knowing that the evolution of the past weeks has been positive and surgery has been avoided. I will continue to work with the plan my doctors have established to be able to compete as soon as possible in the right conditions.
I would also like to thanks all for the support I ma receiving these days."
Doctor Angel Ruiz-Cotorro will hold a Press Conference at the Real Club de Tennis de Barcelona on Tuesday September 4th explaining all details. *** Rafa Nadal won't be doing press interviews in the next days. 

New Blog

Hi Guys & Gals.

I have created a new Blog for you to follow:

http://teamrafole.blogspot.co.uk/

Sabbatical

I am not able to give this site the time it deserves so I am taking a break to help out at www.thetennistimes.com.

This site has been very good to me with Press Accreditation & opportunities to interview players so I need to give them my full attention now.

I hope you all understand and will follow me on TTT, we will still cover all Rafa's news.

Rafael Nadal - Indian Wells Round-up

Player party arrivals



Pre-tournament presser:

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal came into the interview room on Thursday afternoon after a strenuous practice session with Frenchman Gilles Simon and gave his first press conference in more than a month as he prepared to return to the ATP Tour in Indian Wells, California.

Nadal had announced his intention to take off the entire month of February even before his epic six-hour match with Novak Djokovic in the final of the Australian Open on January 29. Rumors circulated that Nadal was struggling to shake a persistent shoulder problem.

But when asked how he had spent the time off last month, he said simply, "relaxing, resting, and spending time with family and friends." When pressed about whether he had hit many balls during the break from competition, he said, "I practiced, as always. Nothing really, really special." There was no hint of rehabbing an injury or a physical problem or a "beat-Djokovic boot-camp" of any kind.

Nadal conceded, without being specific, that he had been working on some things: "It's important to have time off to work on things you need to improve, but the result isn't immediately known. You need time. You need time to adapt. You can do a lot of things very well in practice but you need to adapt these things in your game later."

Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the Olympics

The longer Nadal spoke, the clearer it became that the main reason for his hiatus from competition in February is the calendar for the next six months: "This starts the most important part of the season for me, from here to Wimbledon. And this year is an Olympic year. So I have to be ready for everything."

He continued, "After a month without competition, always the beginning is tough. Hopefully this month plus off has helped me mentally and physically to get ready for this tough part of the season. I have to think positive, and practice as hard as I can and compete every day as hard as I can." He recognized that staying in peak form from Roland Garros in mid-June until the Olympics in mid-August is going to be a difficult challenge for all the players. Then barely a month after the London Olympics, the 2012 season's final major, the U.S. Open, looms.

The Rivalry with Djokovic

At the suggestion that he has been spending his time off searching for a way to beat Djokovic, who defeated him seven times in 2011, Nadal interrupted:"No I never say that. You like to say that. I say always the same; I want to improve I don't want to improve to beat Novak, to beat Roger, to beat nobody. I try everyday to improve my level of tennis, to be a better player year by year. If that's enough to beat Novak, fantastic. If not, I'm gonna keep working. When I wake up every morning and go on court I don't think about Novak, I think about the things I need to keep improving, I think about myself. That's worked well in my career, all of this time. Maybe now it's not working any more well, hopefully yes (smiling), but that's my way. That's the way my mind works. I don't have the spirit of revenge. I don't have the spirit of, you know, obsession with another player"

In response to another question about whether Djokovic was the latest example of the theory that the player at the top makes everybody better, Nadal said:"You never know. History is not the same for everybody. I believe having somebody in front always helps, to have a reference, to see what you need to improve. At the same time I prefer to be in front."

The 2012 Australian Open Loss

When asked whether it's taking a long time to digest the loss in Australia, Nadal replied: "I have always said "No, I accept the losses. I accept as well the victories, too. I came home very happy with the way I played in Australia. In the final I wasn't happy about the 2nd and 3rd set, but in general it was very positive for me. I did a lot of things much better than 2011, even though I never like to compare. I felt more energy, more rhythm in my legs, more power on the shots. I felt that I can hit more winners than before. So that always opens a bit more your mind. If you can hit winners, you can win more free points and less difficult points without running that much. That makes a big difference in my game."

Was he aware of how people around the world had felt about the final in Australia? He concluded, "No it was great, a very emotional match, very long, very good attitude from both of us (in my opinion), and it was a good quality. Dramatic, physically demanding. I felt I had to win that fifth set, and I failed. Finally he won. That's it. I was happy to be part of that match. Now I keep working."

Waiting for the award ceremony in Melbourne to begin, Nadal confessed, "At that moment, I was very scared about cramping. That was a great battle, we were destroyed physically, we were both a little bit scared about cramping before the ceremony. So we asked for the chairs. Tough match for both of us, more for me. A great battle of sport. We went to our limit in almost a every point."

Time Codes and Umpire Discretion

In his press conference at Indian Wells the day before Nadal's, Roger Federer had apparently objected again that the umpires are not enforcing the rule about the 25 second interval between points, mentioning Nadal by name. Nadal's response was, "You know, everything depends. The rules are there, but you cannot really expect players in a six hours match to play rallies of crazy points and rest 20 seconds. Maybe somebody is ready to do it. But if the umpire thinks the player is not doing the right thing, then the warnings are justified. My mentality is that under normal conditions, yes, but you have to understand how the match goes. And that is the work of the umpire"

On Why He's Playing Doubles at Indian Wells with Marc Lopez

In 2010, Nadal and Marc Lopez won the doubles title at Indian Wells. They are playing again this year: "I think the doubles is good practice for everybody. The problem is that our tour is hard enough. If you don't have physical problems, for sure, to play doubles helps. My reason for playing here is that I didn't play for a month, you have days off, and if you lose you have no chance to keep playing in competition, and I'm playing with one of my best friends."

Waxing Philosophical About Life on Top of the Game

In response to a final question about Djokovic's accomplishments, Nadal said he has brought "tennis to another step. But he continued, "Nobody is forever. You have one player for a while, then comes another. The same's gonna happen to Djokovic, two years, five years. Somebody's gonna be better than him. That's history, that's natural. That's the beautiful thing of the sport and the game. I don't know if I'm gonna be the one that I'm gonna improve on Djokovic. I'm gonna keep working hard everyday to keep having chances to compete against everyone with good chances of success. But the periods of victories for everybody have an end, and that's really a part of life."

Short video coverage of the interview is available here The coverage starts after a very short advert.

Leo Mayer is Rafa's 2nd Round opponent after he beat Falla in 3 sets 2-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-4. This will be their first match.

The Doubles got off to a good start for Rafa & Marc as they ousted 3rd Seeds Nestor & Zimonjic 6-4 6-4.

And finally, Rafa scored a goal :-)

Rafael Nadal - Indian Wells

Andy Roddick doing his best impression of Rafa at an exhibition match against Roger.  He actually wasn't that bad.



Rafa is in the running to carry the Spanish Flag in London for the opening ceremony of the Olympics according to LiveTennisGuide. He is up against Judoka Isabel Fernandez and canoeist David Cal as they too have a very good Olympic record. Announcement will be made in June.

Now onto important matters, the Indian Wells Draw. I am certainly happy with the seeds in Rafa's Quarter of the draw. The other side of the bottom half looks a little dodgy. Federer, Delpo, Raonic and Ferrer all lurking so it would be easy to make it once again to the final. Hopefully all knee/shoulder problems have sorted themselves out during the time off and Rafa is raring to go :-)

I will be, hopefully, watching the matches live but as I am UK based and working it may prove a little difficult at times. But, I shall bring you all the news/photos from Rafa's matches.

Vamos!

Maria Kirilenko Interview

Remember my Press Accreditation from the Paris Masters?

Well the same website, The Tennis Times have arranged for me to conduct a 15 minute interview on Wednesday with Maria Kirilenko!!!  How fab is that?

Anyway, I need your help in writing questions for Maria to answer.  Do you have a question you would like to ask?  If so reply to this post.

Thanks

Rafael Nadal - Double Delight in Indian Wells

According to the Washington Post, once again Rafa will team up with Marc Lopez and contest the Doubles at Indian Wells.

Rafa is not to shabby in this tournament having won here in 2010 & reaching the Semi Final last year.

Do you enjoy watching Rafa play Doubles?
Should he play Doubles after a month lay-off or is it good to spend time in a competitive match?

Rafael Nadal - Owes The Taxman

Bloody hell Rafa, what are you playing at here!  Pay your tax like everyone else does.  This is a serious gripe of mine, you pay your way in society no matter how much or little.

Courtesy: Tennistalk

The Spanish tax man is preparing to take a big bite out of Rafael Nadal's fortune after the world No. 2 was sanctioned for some wrongful uses of Basque country tax incentives.

The tax chaos was revealed by Spain's El Pais newspaper. The controversy was sparked by Nadal companies set up in the Basque country in 2005 and 2006 designed to take advantage of a more liberal tax regime for the quasi-autonomous northwest region.

But investigations revealed that the Nadal companies actually did no business in the region, a key component of the lower tax rates, reported to sometimes be as low as one percent. Nadal and his advisers were forced to then change the headquarters of the companies over to his home island of Mallorca, where normal Spanish tax rates prevail.

While no one is suggesting criminal intent, the sly move will cost Nadal big-time. According to the media report, the Nadals "only came to San Sebastian (in the Basque country) to eat the steak."

The Basque tax regime is designed to promote business partnerships in the economically challenged region, but the regime may be due for a change according to El Pais.

Rafael Nadal - New Home

I have been to the Dominican Republic and I can honestly say that I did not like it.  Sitting on a private beach all day is not my idea of a holiday.  Of course, Rafa will be able to get some peace & quiet over there, as long as he does not venture into town.  The locals hassle anyone who looks like a tourist.  Shame really, they are poor and need money.

World number 2 tennis star Rafael Nadal is to attend a ceremony n the weekend of 2nd – 4th March to collect the keys to his multimillion dollar home located in the Residential Playa Nueva Romana, Dominican Republic.

 

The event will be attended by Senior Executives in the Dominican Republic and the Owners of the project along with Rafael Nadal and a host of renowned personalities worldwide. On Sunday 4th March there will be a special tour around the Samana area, where Nadal and others will experience firsthand the beauty of this incredible destination. Located in one of the most exclusive areas of the Caribbean, Nadal’s new home is a two level villa, with three bedrooms, a terrace, an “usual swimming pool” and plush gardens around. The project Playa Nueva Romana Residential is part of the Group’s expansion strategy, within the real estate division, a commitment to the development of tourist residential complex. Nadal’s home is located next to the Bahia Principe Clubs & Resorts in the Dominican Republic, offering residents the opportunity to enjoy all the resort amenities.

Spain Has Doping Problem - Sports Minister

Looks like this saga had gained new life!

"MADRID (AP) — Spain's sports minister acknowledged Tuesday the country has a doping problem that needs fixing after its record in the fight against drugs came under scrutiny with Alberto Contador's ban from cycling.

Read more: http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/sports/article/Sports-minister-Spain-has-doping-problem-3321623.php#ixzz1mjW8tbPH"

Full Article Here

Rafael Nadal - Behind The Scenes - SI Photoshoot

Want more half naked Rafa? What a daft question, of course you do :-)



Courtesy: Rafaholic

Rafael Nadal - The Swimsuit Model

February is a good month to be a Rafa fan.  Last year we had the Armani photos to cheer ourselves up with. 2012 continues the trend and brings us Rafa once again without his shirt but this time modelling swimwear along with Bar Refaeli for Sports Illustrated Magazine.

Here is a link to the SI website where you will find the official photos and a few videos.

Enjoy :-)

Rafael Nadal - What Is Going On!

What is it with the French lately?  I have only skimmed the articles over the past week but I guess they have gained a dislike for Spanish athletes in the wake of the Contador affair.

I won't post the video from Canal+ that has provoked such an outrage from the Spanish authorities, so much so that they are to sue the French TV company as I really don't want to get involved in this type of news.  I will not give a platform to unbased rumours, whether it is for or against Rafa.  Give me 100% proof of something I will post it.

In the meantime I do believe that Rafa has been training hard even though he is not due to play again until March at Indian Wells.  Let's hope he can put this mess behind him and get on with what is important, winning tennis matches!.

Rafael Nadal - Post Final Press Conference

Q.  How are you feeling physically? 

RAFAEL NADAL:  Fine.  No, I'm tired, sure.  Physically was the toughest match I ever played, if not the tougher.  I am tired.  

Q.  Has this sunk in, the results, the magnitude of the match? 

RAFAEL NADAL:  Can you repeat?  

Q.  Has the results sunk in yet?  How do you feel mentally as well as physically? 

RAFAEL NADAL:  Yes.  No, no, no, nothing to do on that, no?  Just accept.  

I think we played a great tennis match.  It was I think a very good show, my opinion.  I enjoyed being part of this event and this match.  That's the true, no?  

I wanted to win, but I am happy about how I did.  I had my chances against the best player of the world today.  I played one against one.  For a long time I didn't felt that I was playing in less advantage than him, you know.  

I didn't play at lower level than him for a long time, so that's a very positive thing for me.  I am very happy about my mentality tonight, the mentality worked like in my best moments.  

So very happy about the beginning of the 2012 season.  That's all that I can say.  

Yeah, I had big chance for the 52, yes.  I had that easy passing shot with the backhand.  I miss it, yes, but I was 43 Love40 in the fourth, too.  Anything can happen when the match is there.  

Important thing for me, during all 2011 I didn't play much like this.  I'm happy I am in the real right way. 

Q.  If the day before the championship someone would say you would play a fivehour53minute match in the final, would you have been completely surprised that you could even compete? 

RAFAEL NADAL:  Well, seriously, 20 hours before the tournament start for me I was more worried and try to play the first round, try to play the tournament, because I had a really strange thing, as you know, the Sunday afternoon. 

So that's past.  I was lucky.  Recovery was fantastic.  I had very good people around me here working for me, doctor, physio, so that helps a lot, no?  

If you are alone here, you don't have this team around, is impossible to recover that.  But I am lucky that I have all of this team around me.  Without them, probably I gonna be at home two weeks earlier, no?  

So very happy for everything.  Very happy with my level during both weeks.  Is the moment when I realize the whole tournament did I well.  I did a lot of very positive things, much more than in 2011 for the most of the time.  

I played more aggressive.  I played with more winners than ever.  My serve worked well.  The mentality and the passion was there another time better than probably never another time.  

So that's very positive aspects on whole game that I am very happy, no?  So I just lost the final of a Grand Slam.  I am not happy to lose the final, yes, but that's one of the loses that I am more happy in my career. 

Q.  Did you feel at any time in the fifth set the match was in your control?  Given that he had to play so long against Murray a couple nights ago, were you surprised that he could stay with you that long? 

RAFAEL NADAL:  No.  I didn't have any doubt that he would be ready for that, no?  But the match under control when you're in the fifth set, when you won the fourth like this, you don't feel the match under control in that moment.  You are worried in every point, no?  

Well, with the 42 was advantage because I felt very well physically in the moment.  I felt with very positive energy, and I played a fantastic first point of the 42 with the forehand winner down the line after he had that return.  

Is something unbelievable how he returns, no?  His return probably is one of the best of the history.  That's my opinion, no?  I never played against a player who's able to return like this.  Almost every time.  

It's true I had big mistake with 3015.  But it's not moment to think about that.  That's another just moment in an almost sixhours match.  Forget about that knowing that I really had real, very real chances to have the title and to win against a player who I lost six times last year.  

But I didn't.  I never put him in this situation during 2011, all 2011, so that's another positive thing for me.  I didn't have mental problems today against him.  I had in 2011 all these mental problems.  Today I didn't have.  I compete with normal conditions against him, no?  

So that's another positive thing.  Probably never say that many positive things after I lose.  (Laughter.) 

Q.  You always said that Roger is the greatest that ever played the game.  How great now is Novak? 

RAFAEL NADAL:  Now he's the best of the world.  That's how great it is.  Five Grand Slams, so the history says that he has a part in the history today winning five Grand Slams, winning a lot of titles, No. 1 of the world. 

We'll see where he arrives. 

Q.  You have been a part of two of the real epic battles in tennis history, this and the 2008 Wimbledon final.  Is that something that you're proud of or a reason why you think you...  

RAFAEL NADAL:  A pleasure.  That's means that I did a lot of things well to compete against best players of the world and winning on them, losing on them, but always having tough matches.  And final 2008 Wimbledon and this one was very special. 

For me it was a little bit more special the 2008 (smiling).  But I really understand that was a really special match, and probably a match that gonna be in my mind not because I lost, no, because the way that we played.  

So that's happy be part of these two great matches, my opinion. 

Q.  Where does that rate?  How tough was that?  Was that the toughest match?  Toughest game you have been involved in?  Where does it rank? 

RAFAEL NADAL:  I think it's the longest one that I played ever. 

Q.  Are you going to watch it again on videotape? 

RAFAEL NADAL:  Too long.  (Laughter.)  Highlights only.  

Q.  When you're in that match, did you ever look at the clock?  Did you ever look at the clock during the match, at the time? 

RAFAEL NADAL:  The time?  No, you watch, you look around and you see the watch, five hours, four hours, three hours, finally five hours, 30.  Seems like never gonna finish, no?  

But that's nice be there fighting, you know, trying to go to the limit, bring your body to the limit of his chances.  Something I really enjoy, and I always said is good suffer, enjoy  enjoy suffering, no?  

So when you are fit, when you are, you know, with passion for the game, when you are ready to compete, you are able to suffer and enjoy suffering, no?  

I don't know if I express very well, but is something that maybe you understand.  So today I had this feeling, and is a really good one.  I enjoyed.  I suffered during the match, but I enjoyed all the troubles that I had during all the match.  

I enjoyed.  I tried to be there, to find solutions all the time.  I played a lot with my heart.  I played a lot with my mind, and is something that is nice to be around and not just play tennis. 

Rafael Nadal - So Close Today

Oh man, I am knackered after just watching that match never mind playing it.

I feel so much for Rafa right now.  He fought, gave it everything he had and it was not enough.  I am sure I am not alone in thinking that he had the match won when he broke in the 5th set.  I was just waiting for Rafa to hold serve a few more times and that would be it, Australian Open #2.  But no, Novak found the energy from somewhere and snatched the victory away.

Comparing the final today against those of 2011 gives me hope for Rafa.  No doubt this is going to hurt, I am sure he is very downhearted right now in the locker room but he needs to look at the match, maybe in a few days.  Look at all the positives.  He was certainly more aggressive at certain points during the match.  He has pushed Novak like no one has done before.  He has improved a hell of a lot from the defeats of 2011 and he can be very proud of his match today.  I strongly believe that he will get that win over Novak this year, don't know when but it will come.  When it does the game is going to get very interesting.

Until that time Rafa, have a good month off, relax, don't let this get you down too much.  Prepare well for Indian Wells and remember that we are all with you.

VAMOS!