Rafael Nadal - Foundation Receives ATP Grant

The ATP has announced the 12 inaugural recipients of its ATP ACES For Charity grant programme. Grants of $10,000 each will be awarded by the ATP on an annual basis to charitable causes nominated by ATP World Tour players and tournaments.

This year's recipients include The Rafa Nadal Foundation, the Bryan Brothers Foundation, the Japan Tennis Association's earthquake relief fund, and organisations supporting a range of causes, including healthcare for children in Memphis and Bucharest, relief for victims of natural disasters in Pakistan and Japan, sports and education programmes for disadvantaged youth in Washington DC and the Congo, and social services for the disabled in Argentina and China.

The ATP ACES For Charity programme, launched earlier this year, is a global initiative aimed at giving back to communities where ATP World Tour events are played, as well as recognising and supporting tournament and player charitable initiatives. Click here to learn more.

The recipients of the 2011 ATP ACES For Charity grants are:

Players

Bob & Mike Bryan: The Bryan Brothers Foundation is dedicated to supporting and developing the dreams of children in Ventura County, California and around the world, helping at-risk youth survive and thrive. It seeks out specific families and children in need, working with them directly to ensure that they have the opportunities they need to succeed. Its beneficiaries have included City Impact, Andre Agassi's Charter School and the Bogart Pediatric Cancer Research Program.
Bryan Brothers Foundation

Ivan Ljubicic: Special Olympics Monaco, nominated by Ivan Ljubicic, focuses on the empowerment and acceptance of people with an intellectual disability through sport. The organisation provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults, giving them continuing opportunities to participate in their communities, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and have fun. Ljubicic has been the Ambassador for Special Olympics Monaco since 2009.
Special Olympics Monaco

Rafael Nadal: The Rafa Nadal Foundation, launched in February 2008, aims to provide opportunities for socially disadvantaged youth. The Foundation offers educational programmes using sport as a tool for personal and social integration, passing on values such as effort, self-improvement and respect.  It is currently affiliated with three projects: the Vicente Ferrer Foundation in Antapur, India; the Special Olympics; and the Aldeas Infantiles SOS.
Rafa Nadal Foundation

David Nalbandian: The David Nalbandian Foundation aspires to create positive conditions that help people with a disability lead better lives. It has equipped special needs schools and hospitals throughout the province of Cordoba in Argentina, and opened a community centre that integrates specially adapted technology. Later this month, the David Nalbandian Foundation will open a Rehabilitation Centre, which will provide healthcare programs and services for the community – reaching a population of 120,000 people – in a state-of-the-art facility. 
David Nalbandian Foundation

Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi: The Haq Foundation, established by Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi, supports various charity and community welfare projects, such as scholarships for the poor and assistance for victims of natural disasters. In conjunction with his role as Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Development Programme, Qureshi is helping to create awareness of flood relief efforts in Pakistan and raise funds to construct houses for those displaced. 
United Nations Development Programme

Tommy Robredo: The Tommy Robredo Foundation organises activities which allow sports training for people with a disability, mainly wheelchair tennis. It also raises awareness of the importance of sport as beneficial to mental and physical health, and as a stimulant to personal growth and well being. The Foundation holds an international wheelchair tennis tournament, the Santi Silvas Open, which attracts the world's top male and female players. 
Tommy Robredo Foundation

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga: Attrap La Balle ("Catch the ball"), founded by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and a group of friends in 2009, provides underprivileged children in the Congo with access to sports activities. In addition to renovating existing facilities, the organisation has built a sports centre in Pointe Noire, which provides training for the most promising athletes. Attrap La Balle also aspires to improve hygiene and nutrition in schools. 
Attrap La Balle

Tournaments

China Open (Beijing): The Bethel China Foundation, nominated by the China Open, provides foster care, education and professional training for Chinese orphans who are blind or visually impaired. Key initiatives of the Bethel China Foundation include "The Love Is Blind Project", supporting 60 blind orphans on its 17-acre project site just south of Beijing, and "Project 555", offering training to other orphanages throughout China to better care for this community.
Bethel China Foundation

BRD Nastase Tiriac Trophy (Bucharest): The Heart Of Children Association, a charity partner of the BRD Nastase Tiriac Trophy tournament, helps children with heart conditions and contributes to the development of cardiac surgery in Romania. In 2009, the Association successfully campaigned for the establishment of a pediatric cardiac surgery centre at the Marie Curie Children's Hospital in Bucharest – the first of its kind in the region.
The Heart Of Children Association

Regions Morgan Keegan Championships (Memphis): The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, affiliated with the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships since 1993, is internationally recognised as a premier pediatric cancer research centre and is the only one of its kind where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. In addition to childhood cancers, research and treatment at St. Jude includes sickle cell disease, influenza and pediatric HIV/AIDS.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships (Tokyo): The Japan Tennis Association, organiser of the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships, aims to assist individuals affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Eastern Japan this past March. Proceeds from its charity fund go toward the Japan Red Cross and to local youth tennis groups through the Tohoku Tennis Association headquartered in Sendai, the nearest major city to the earthquake epicentre.
Japan Red Cross

Legg Mason Tennis Classic (Washington, DC): The Washington Tennis & Education Fund (WTEF), a beneficiary of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic, combines tennis and education in three main programs – including its flagship Arthur Ashe Children's Program – that serve 1,500 children annually. It seeks to improve the life prospects of DC youth, particularly those from lower income communities, through academic, athletic and community-building activities that teach discipline, build confidence and improve academic performance.
Washington Tennis & Education Fund

A piece of Rafa court for sale

I have a spare piece of the court sold by Rafa's official website from the charity match he played against Roger back in December.

The only thing wrong is that the case is broken, this is the reason i have 2 piece, the proshop sent me a replacement.  I have put the item up for sale on Ebay.

http://tinyurl.com/6enu3ea

Please feel free to ask any questions

€1 million raised by Rafa & Roger in Madrid

Courtesy: deportes.es

Google translation

One million euros, a million dreams.

Exactly a week ago, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer fought in the Magic Box in Madrid one of the most exciting matches of the season, the "Unite for Children, a charity whose funds were meeting for Rafa Nadal Foundation.

Today has been known that the figure collected that day was 1 million euros, an amount may increase in coming weeks as they are selling pieces of the track that was played.  For the first time in the history of tennis, fans can take home a piece of the surface on which the match was played.  Each piece will be kept in a perspex box and shall be signed by Rafael Nadal.  They can be purchased through the Foundation website http://www.fundacionrafanadal.com
 
They have raised funds through ticket sales and through the front row, anonymous donations, which increased the day 22 during the celebration of the match thanks to the collaboration calls made during the broadcast of TVE. "No said too to thank all the people who welcomed us and all persons, sponsors and partners that helped us take the project forward.  The Foundation will continue working and transmitting the values that led us to create, "says Rafa Nadal, a founding patron.  These are the three values that characterize the Spaniard and that he wants to convey to the smallest through the Foundation.
Rafa Nadal Foundation

Rafa Nadal Foundation was established in November 2007 with the aim of providing opportunities for children and adolescents with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds.  Offers education programs and use of sport as a tool for personal and social integration.  "2010 was an important year for the Foundation. Earlier this year, we created the "More than just tennis" with Special Olympics Spain.  We recently signed an agreement for a major project of integration and SOS sport.  And just days ago, the Foundation visited India to open a school in Anantapur born through collaboration with the Fundación Vicente Ferrer, "said Claudia Blasi, Director General of the Foundation.

This school is part of the first project of international cooperation that have taken place.  Rafa had the opportunity to meet some of the children who will be trained in that school, and thanks to the Foundation may also receive psychosocial support, health and nutrition.  They, as the motto of the Foundation, will also have a chance.

Rafael Nadal Interview with Swiss press

Interview with Rafael from Blick, a Swiss newspaper

Rafael Nadal, you are very popular in Switzerland. It's a pity that you don't play here usually. Why not more often?

Rafael Nadal: It is my first match here against Roger but I played in Basel in 2003 and 2004. I lost both times in the first round. You never know: Maybe I will be here again in the future. It is really exciting to play against Roger in his homecountry - especially for charity. That's the most important.

Have you ever been in Switzerland on vacation? Can you ski or snowboarding?

No, I have never been to Switzerland to take a rest. I don't have that much free time and when you are from Mallorca it is difficult to get enthusiastic about another holiday resort. When I have retired one day I have to try to go skiing even though I will be really bad in it.

You are going to play these two exhibition matches after a long season. Do you still have - or already again - energy?

I started practicing 13 days ago. So for me it is a part of the preparation for the next season. It's true that I didn't had that much vacation this year. But when I started to talk with Roger about this idea we both immediately agreed. It would be stupid to use tiredness as an excuse for these events.

You help disadvantaged and handicapped people with your foundation. What do you learn from encounters with them?

That all help of the world is still too less. We live in privileged countries and are privileged people. I would feel bad if I wouldn't help. I learn from those encounters - especially a few months ago in India - that they have nothing bot are happy nevertheless. I was very impressed about this. But I want to make them more happy.

Do you feel a pang of conscience because you earn so much money and live a luxury life?

When you have been to countries like India you don't give much on luxury, hotels and glamour. That's for sure. But those things have never been important for me before as well. I try to live a normal life.

When you talk about a normal life: Do you have attendants in Mallorca or do you go grocery shoppping alone?

Honestly said: I'm only one of many in Mallorca. And I like this. I live a normal life, have the same friends and not much has changed. Therefore I like to go home after tournaments. It's the perfect place to live. When someone is looking for me in Mallorca he will find me there. And that's the same for the rest of the world. I'm a 24 years old man who plays tennis, nothing more.

Do you notice that you are well received at press conferences with this attitude?

The only thing I want is to stay loyal to myself. I want to be myself. As normal as possible. I don't want to get well received by anyone on purpose. What I say is what I think. Nobody is telling me what I have to say on a pressconference. I'm normal and honest. That's what gets you closer to the people.

2010 has been your most successful season. You even played convincingly at the World Tour Finals. Have you learned from Roger Federer to schedule your year better, to make more rests and to skip the Davis Cup?

I learned a lot from Roger during my career, without a doubt. But in this case it was my body who taught me the lesson.

Many think that you can be able as the first player since Rod Laver to win the Grand Slam. Who or what can prevent you from this?

You have to make clear to the people that you don't win Grand Slams that easily. Every major tournament is a strenuous effort. The US Open in New York are the most difficult one for me. That won't be different in 2011. The conditions with the surface are quite complicated for my game. Honestly said I don't like to talk about that I aim for the Grand Slam. I live with the pressure but I do realize that such a feat is nearly impossible.

Are you at the peak of your career? It would be frightening if you could get any better.

I don't know. I feel great and had an incredible year. To be honest, I don't know if I will be able to repeat it.

For many people you are already a living legend. Some compare you with Roger Federer and say that you will become the best player in the history one day. Does this make you proud?

No, no. The numbers speak a clear language. It would be stupidity to say I would be better than Roger or that I could compare with him. He has 16 Grand Slam titles and I have 9.

But are his numbers reachable for you?

At the moment it's too far away to think about it. I just want to get better all the time. Roger has been a role model for me because he improved his tennis over the years all the time. He never stood stil even though he is meanwhile 29 years old. I don't know where I will be at this age.

You are very modest and don't like it to compared with legends. Why?

Of course you like to hear it to be compared with the big players. But I have to take my racket and to prove myself all the time. Compared can be later on.

You and Roger are different characters. Does something combine you beside tennis? Are you friends or mostly brand colleagues and rivals?

There is a certain language barrier between us which is difficult to bridge. You just have to look at the video in which we promote the exhibition matches. We couldn't stop laughing. Once he hears Spanish it's over with him. Roger has always been good to me and I whink what's happening with us and what we managed to do is fantastic for the sport. Tennis has definitely profited because we are there.

Does the rivalry after a close match continue into the locker room?

No. The rivalry is just on the court. We both want to win. But when the match is over it would be absurd to have a bad relationship.

Courtesy: Blick

Rafael Nadal - Red Carpet Walk

The Red carpet walk before Rafa's Gala. If the video will not play try watching in IE and turn off your pop-up blocker. If that still fails click the Courtesy link below.

Courtesy: ondacero

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer & Julio Iglesias

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer & the Disney Gang

Whilst I have already posted a video of the after match ceremony this one has English commentary & if you fast forward to 08.27 you get to watch Mickey Mouse and his gang come onto court and greet the players :)



Courtesy: milk8812

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer & the kids clinic

Short video of Rafa & Roger having their photo taken with the kids after they held a tennis clinic prior to the Madrid charity match.



Courtesy: efe

Foundation match reports

Nadal beats Federer at Tennis Exhibition Match at Caja Magica in Madrid - ‘Joining Forces for the benefit of Children’

Yesterday in Zurich, it was Roger Federer who defeated Rafael Nadal but today in Madrid it was a different story.

The world number 1 beat Federer 7-6 4-6 6-1 in Madrid during the exhibition tennis match called ‘Joining Forces for the benefit of Children’ to raise funds in favour of the Rafa Nadal Foundation.

The money they raised at the Caja Magica will go to help children with disabilities as well as those who come from disadvantaged communities.

“To me, today is a very special day. I am lucky enough to be able to do what I love to do which is to play tennis, but at the same time, through my Foundation, I get the opportunity to help hundreds of kids who are not as lucky.”. Said Nadal before the match.

“I want to thank Roger, the people who have come out to see us, and our sponsors for allowing us to make this project a reality,” said the Spaniard.

“I want to thank David Bisbal for his help and for joining us in such a special day. I’m sure the crowd will really enjoy his music,” he added.

After the match,Nadal and Federer will attend the ‘Galería de Cristales del Ayuntamiento de Madrid’ for a gala dinner which will close out a two-day charity. This social event will be attended by elite sport stars, fashion icons and other famous Spanish personalities who will be treated to a private concert by Julio Iglesias.

“I give my most sincere thanks to Julio for making such a long trip to be with us. I’ve always been a fan of his and for me and my Foundation, it is an honour to have one of the biggest international artists participating at this charity event,” continued the Spaniard.

Today, Nadal was in danger of seeing history repeat itself when he surrendered the second set, like he did yesterday, but he battled back with two breaks in the third.

After trading breaks to start the match, the set headed to a tie-break after Federer faced down three break points at 4-all and Nadal saved a set point in the next game. Rafa took the mini-break to go up 3-1 in the tie-break and sealed the set with an ace.

Federer secured the only service break in the fifth game of the second set, but Nadal quickly took control in the third, racing out to a 3-0 lead. He converted on double break point opportunity to go up 5-1.

Nadal sealed the win with a powerfully angled forehand crosscourt shot.

Nadal says Federer’s “gesture to play a game here to raise funds for needy people is incredibly generous.”

Federer responded by saying it is wonderful that Nadal supports charities “at such a young age.”

“I just can say thank you very much to Roger to come here to Madrid and support my Foundation today,” said Nadal. “I did yesterday, and both of us are very happy that we can finally have this event and raise a lot of money for these kids. I know with what we’re going to raise yesterday and today, it’s not going to be decisive for that, but it will be a help and if everybody is convinced that everybody can help, it’s going to be important to improve a little bit this world.”

 

Courtesy: menstennisblog

Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer - Gala photos

Here are a few pictures from the Charity Gala at Cibeles Palace.

Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer - On Court Ceremony

Here is the post match ceremony after the Foundation match in Madrid.



Courtesy: vamosrafelnadal

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer & Disney

A few photos from the pre-match entertainment prior to the "Unidos por la Infancia" in Madrid.

Rafael Nadal playing football tennis

Short video of Rafa kicking a tennis ball before the match against Roger for "Unidos por la Infancia"

Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer - Madrid match photos - Part 2 UPDATED

Photos from tonights "Unidos por la Infancia" match between Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer.

Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer - Madrid match photos - UPDATED

Photos from tonight's "Unidos por la Infancia" match between Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer.

More photos of Rafa & Roger - Madrid press conference

Pre match press conference for the "Unidos por la Infancia" match between Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer.

Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer on Spanish TV

A short video of Rafa & Roger on Spanish TV this morning ahead of tonights match.



Courtesy: vamosrafelnadal

Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer on a plane

A cracking photo of Rafa & Roger on the flight from Zurich to Madrid.  Look at Rafa, he looks like he is in a major strop.  And that white polo neck, yikes.  LOSE IT!!!

Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer - Madrid Photos

Here are a few photos from the press conference this afternoon in Madrid ahead of today's Charity Foundation match.