He’s fine.

He’s been training full on for at least a week now. And he is already in Chile, entered in both singles and doubles.

Action speak louder than words and in rafa’s case his schedule in SA swing is not one of someone overly concerned with his knees soreness.

I reckon it’s just hoopla over nothing re the soreness.

My take:

He’ll play the SA swing and then pull out of one or both of IW and MIAMI.

After 7 months and counting out rafa will most certainly put a premium on maintaining his knees as best as he can.

So likely will cut down the HC schedule as much as possible and however possible.

January 29th, 2013 at 12:42 pm

How is playing singles and doubles the best way to maintain his knees? Oh that’s right, magic clay heals everything so the more time he plays on it the better he’ll feel, obviously.

January 29th, 2013 at 1:00 pm

@Ben:

I think his knees are fine now.

7 months of rest, no operation and training daily on court now after doing a great amount of fitness work in the gym: he surely must be fine.

He’s gone to Chile and is entered in both singles/ doubles.

Clearly he wants to get as much time on court, on clay to get back into the swing of things.

As i said, this is just a lot of noise over nothing.

January 29th, 2013 at 1:11 pm

Brando. Agree with your posts. Btw he will be in Chile on Friday.
Ben. Rafa is more than a bit apprehensive returning to the tour and wants to get a feel of competitive tennis hence his entry into the doubles.

January 29th, 2013 at 1:46 pm

Yeah, yeah. So basically, clay is magic again.

January 29th, 2013 at 1:46 pm

^^ Rafa fans certainly hope so! Lol

January 29th, 2013 at 1:52 pm

“Sarcasm is often the refuge of the weak and is employed by men (and women) who are too much of a pansy to say what is really on their minds”

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200706/field-guide-sarcastic-masters

January 29th, 2013 at 1:59 pm

ok,
If his knees are STILL sore, what was the real reason he didn’t play AO?

January 29th, 2013 at 2:22 pm

Let me give you a clear update on my knee status.
It is level 8.6 right now. Most of you know, its on a 10 scale. It has been improving 0.1 every week on any surface, on clay, it goes up 0.3 per week. So, it’s an uphill climb, for sure.

I save a lot of money playing on clay, instead of paying those damn knee screwers, I mean doctors.

January 29th, 2013 at 2:25 pm

ok,
If his knees are STILL sore, what was the real reason he didn’t play AO?
–
There is a 12 page medical explanation, if you care to read. Also available on the internet, is how the Arrogant One captured the world’s imagination last week by losing. Your pick.

January 29th, 2013 at 2:26 pm

^oh, and that cursing, it must have been that too,no?

January 29th, 2013 at 2:29 pm

Hi Nadalista, I was just making a joke about hearing Rafa went to the challengers. sorry.

Really without fit and healthy Rafa the GS draws lack. He has a unique style and personality and though I may not be a Rafa fan, I miss him in tennis. I hope he is fine on the South American Swing. Ferrer might not be too happy. Usually Ferrer at least gets his 500 points in Acapulco. Rafa will rule.

January 29th, 2013 at 2:32 pm

What’s on my mind is this is once again a ridiculous contradiction between words and action. Even if Nadal feels like his knees are 100%, why risk it by playing more tennis than necessary?

What makes sense? Trying to get in a bunch of match play or gauging his physical condition and then deciding how much more (or less) match play he needs?

January 29th, 2013 at 2:35 pm

^^ Rafa will treat it as a training session, that’s all.

January 29th, 2013 at 2:50 pm

Ben,

Are you following the breaking story re; PEDs in the MLB?

January 29th, 2013 at 3:26 pm

Now for goodness sake, you guys, don’t blow a gasket – Rafa will play doubles with Nalbandian in the Brasilia Open!
Shhhhhhhh!!

January 29th, 2013 at 3:27 pm

Yeah I saw a little. Plus Ray Lewis is linked to IGF-1.

January 29th, 2013 at 3:31 pm

I wouldn’t read too much into the knee statements. Historically Rafa has always played down his chances. I think he just wants to lower expectations – nothing wrong in that. It’s just his particular tic.

What we should be hoping for – and that means all Fed, Nole and Murray fans – is that he IS fine and can regain the No.4 spot before RG and Wimbledon. Am I wrong in thinking that all of us would rather he wasn’t seeded 5 at those tournaments? The last thing Nole wants is to face him in the QFs while trying to achieve the career slam. Or Fed & Andy while defending their Wimby points. No?

January 29th, 2013 at 3:52 pm

I don’t know. Why? I’d say Nadal is easier to beat in a quarterfinal than a final. Even at RG. He tends to pick up steam and play his best towards the end. I wouldn’t say a quarterfinal is an early round but it’s not final. Plus, for Djokovic for example, that’s less pressure if the career slam is on the line. And on grass especially, where Nadal has been vulnerable earlier in the tournament, Murray and Federer would probably have a better chance to beat him.

January 29th, 2013 at 3:55 pm

I remember when Shriekapova wanted to test her shoulder after sitting out with injury, she entered doubles only at a tournament to see how things would go. I’m wondering if Rafa considered that option.

As for his ranking, I’d bet that the RG and Wimbledon seeding committees would put him in the #4 spot

January 29th, 2013 at 3:58 pm

Those are valid points and I agree largely. But in a best of 5 against Nadal I would never use “easier”, regardless of the opponent.
There will still be a mental and physical toll – maybe moreso for Andy & Federer. I’m eager to see a match between Lendl Andy & Rafa. And Federer, well, even you have stated that he gets brain freeze vs Rafa in the slams.

January 29th, 2013 at 4:05 pm

@ RZ – excellent point. I forgot that the Wimbledon seeding committee march to the beat of their own drum. You’re absolutely right.

January 29th, 2013 at 4:06 pm

Rafa will be just fine come Roland Garros even if he’s seeded 10 or 20. He has a headstart on the big boys on clay while they have to try to get their game together on the red stuff. #NoProblem

January 29th, 2013 at 4:46 pm

P.S. He just needs to be healthy!!! #GoRafa

January 29th, 2013 at 4:48 pm

An interesting article for Novak’s fans:

http://www.changeovertennis.com/stats-the-strange-tale-of-novak-djokovic-and-tiebreakers/

January 29th, 2013 at 4:56 pm

I think he just wants to see how he does playing for first time since last May. It’s a shame he hurt his knee much worse in the over-five-hour match with Jokavich in last year’s Australian Open. His knee was taped up, and it was much worse after that long 5 set match. He Nadal been 100%, he would have disposed of Djokavic last year for Australian Open championship… However, now, we can only hope Nadalis going to be ok again. He was advisedm by the doctors he decided to go with, to do the physical therapy route instead of surgery. I hope these doctors were right, because it’s been a grueling 8 months of work by Nadal to follow their directions.

January 29th, 2013 at 5:27 pm

Off topic, don’t know where to put, Tomic has done it again. He was booked for speeding yesterday in his yellow ferrari with SINCITY plates and this time lost his license. Police spokesman said: “He’s had chance, after chance, after chance. Maybe this will do him some good, but he is off overseas so sadly it probably won’t make any difference.”

January 29th, 2013 at 5:28 pm

Ben Pronin Says:
Yeah I saw a little. Plus Ray Lewis is linked to IGF-1.
—————————
Wayne Odesnik is on the same client list as A-Rod.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/report-alex-rodriguez-miami-clinic-biogenesis-supplied-ped-performance-enhancing-drugs-012913

January 29th, 2013 at 5:39 pm

“And on grass especially, where Nadal has been vulnerable earlier in the tournament,” (Ben)

But earlier means first week, not quarters. The reason not to want to play Nadal in the quarters is that you might then have to play two more of the big4. Imagine Murray having to beat Nadal, Federer and Djokovic. And so on.

January 29th, 2013 at 6:03 pm

Now that Nole speed up between serves, I hope that Nadal would also find a way to conform to the 25-second rules somehow. This past AO had been quite refreshing to watch in that most players do not take forever to serve!

January 29th, 2013 at 7:43 pm

It may be news to some people here, my name was not on the list. Now you know.

January 29th, 2013 at 7:50 pm

I hope that Nadal would also find a way to conform to the 25-second rules somehow.
–
I tried to get it under 40 secs but couldn’t. My routine wouldn’t allow it. The only option is to cut the butt picking from my serving routine, but that will throw off my serving rhythm.

January 29th, 2013 at 7:51 pm

Humble Rafa,

You look like a 15 years old and your knees is so bad. I look like am 80 years old. But my knee is good. AND I play fast.

These is what you get for play the so much defense, you play like old man. Next thing, you ARE old man. Older than Olderer.

January 29th, 2013 at 10:17 pm

@al

Here here! And where did all that so called complaining by the players about it? Pffft! Oh wait, Ot was a no issue. Players adapted, we enjoyed more tennis, less tic ing.

January 29th, 2013 at 10:27 pm

Older than Olderer.
–
Have you seen his tummy? He is not pregnant, but…

January 29th, 2013 at 10:45 pm

I hope Nadal is not rushed to return as knee injury is serious and should take as much time as it needs to heal.

I’ve suffered from calf in jury (tennis leg) & it took me 1 month just to be able to walk “cane free”

January 29th, 2013 at 10:49 pm

had a minute today so i made a little something for skeezer and the crew…

http://i.imgur.com/GcXKc2Z.png

January 29th, 2013 at 11:08 pm

@thark

Nice, well done! :). Looks like the GOATS idolize him so much they willingly brand themselves. Such devotion!

January 29th, 2013 at 11:18 pm

Where is the GOAT owner in that pic?

January 29th, 2013 at 11:24 pm

I’m with DA: the more points Rafa can pick up on the SA swing, the better. ;)

Thanks for the article mat4 – had a quick look at the graph and it doesn’t surprise me. Off to read the analysis now because I am curious!

January 29th, 2013 at 11:29 pm

Well that’s just it – is it Fed? Is it a goat? A decade ago the distinction was so clear but these days the lines are so blurred one has to double take… :)

As for me – all I wanted was big things from Soderling and now everyone on that boat is just adrift on the open sea…

Is that land? Oh sorry – another mirage… Drink slowly we’re running out of water…

January 29th, 2013 at 11:31 pm

HR the goat owner is nowhere to be found and the rumor mill is swirling. Personally I think he’s just not well, but there are those who keep referencing the performance enhancing properties of unpasteurized milk…

Look forward to having Old McDonald and the entire farm back together.

January 29th, 2013 at 11:39 pm

What Nadal is basically saying: I’ve been out for 7 months and my knees are still sore but i’m gonna play 3 tournaments in 4 weeks AND also play doubles! woohoo!!!!

January 29th, 2013 at 11:49 pm

^lmao!

January 30th, 2013 at 12:10 am

^lmao!
–
No need to imao. Your Humble Highness is like fine wine…get better as I play more. Playing doubles means twice the fun. Come Roland Garros, I will be ready for Coronation.

January 30th, 2013 at 1:03 am

so… the silent ban was 6 month…
ok… just checking…
nole… watch out

January 30th, 2013 at 1:09 am

HR. LMAO at your posts. Keep it up. The vultures have arrived!!

January 30th, 2013 at 3:22 am

I just had a look at the ATP World Tour matchfacts page. It is very strange not to see Djokovic anywhere near the top on the return page, but, on the other side, he is no 2 in the stats for 2nd service points won and service games won, 9th in first service points won, and he made an average of 7 aces per match.

Are we witnessing a shift in his game? If I remember well, he wasn’t broken in 5 of his 7 matches at the AO.

It puts also Stan’s performance in perspective.

January 30th, 2013 at 4:08 am

Good one Thomas!

The inconsistencies in these “stories” from the nadal camp is the main reason people suspect him of serving a doping ban. One day stomach virus, then knees are fine and then they are sore, but, hey he will play 3 of the next 4 weeks. not just singles but doubles too. [Maybe nadal camp doesn't realise that points gained in doubles cannot be added to singles points!]

I thought Nadal’s camp might plan their schedule smartly, but they are doing the same stupid things again. He will be very lucky to last till the USopen, with such stupid scheduling.

January 30th, 2013 at 6:35 am

^^ “but they are doing the same stupid things”. And why does that concern you? Are you looking after Rafa’s welfare? Worry about your fav instead. Will he be able yo keep up with Joker and Murray and hopefully a fit and healthy Rafa? You have plenty to worry about without Rafa being foremost on your mind. #VamosKing

January 30th, 2013 at 7:32 am

and why does my post concern you? Do you own this site? STFU and stop telling people what is and what is not their business.

#no one gives a rat’s behind about what a clown like you has to say.

January 30th, 2013 at 8:07 am

“Worry about your fav instead.” – Giles

That’s just a dumb thing to say. Favorite or not, a fan can worry (or not worry) about whatever player they want. It’s not like Nadal is your kid and you are the only one who has any right to criticize his behavior.

I gotta agree to Brazil Fan here. That’s why there’s so much skepticism about Nadal. It’s why his injuries are constantly being questioned. And it’s why I provide my sarcasm regarding the clay. It’s just the same thing all over again. He’s so injured but he can play an infinite amount of clay events no problem. It makes no sense.

Mat4, yeah. I mean, Djokovic didn’t serve particularly well during the Wawrinka match to begin with. But overall he had a great tournament in terms of serving, and not so great on the return. But to go unbroken and only offer up 4 break points to the second best returner in the game is a great feat. Even he expressed that it was probably the best he ever served against Murray. I hope it continues. It’ll only make him tougher to beat. I expect him to get his return game back in order, too. Not that it’s that far off, but he’s set the standard pretty high. Especially in Miami and Indian Wells where the courts are slower (unless they sped them up this year, too).

January 30th, 2013 at 8:25 am

i hope nadal will be drug tested a lot before he hits a ball

January 30th, 2013 at 8:27 am

I hope subo gets tested before he/she/whatever makes their next post.

January 30th, 2013 at 8:37 am

It does seem like thats alot of tennis to play all of a sudden,i hope that wont come back to haunt him,Giles and Brazilian Federer fan your both entitled to your opinions but theres no need to personally insult each other,or use expletives when trying to get your point across,personally i think Brando summed up the situation pretty well at the begining of this thread.

January 30th, 2013 at 8:45 am

Brando lol its called repetitive posting syndrome,exactly the same words everytime nothing new to say,we all know H/S doesnt like Rafa fair enough,but i have not got a clue who H/S does like,as H/S has never told us,or ever talked about the tennis come to think of it,i have to say whats the point?

January 30th, 2013 at 8:49 am

I hope all of the players get out of competition blood tests a lot. Isolating one player is such a dumb waste of time.

January 30th, 2013 at 8:58 am

A dumb waste of time,and a dumb waste of a posters nervous energy.

January 30th, 2013 at 9:03 am

@Ben Pronin says:

“……….That’s why there’s so much skepticism about Nadal. It’s why his injuries are constantly being questioned. And it’s why I provide my sarcasm regarding the clay. It’s just the same thing all over again. He’s so injured but he can play an infinite amount of clay events no problem. It makes no sense.”

Well, try and make sense of the following while you’re at it:

“Nadal has won eleven Grand Slam singles titles, including an all-time record seven French Open titles, the 2008 Olympic gold medal in singles, a record 21 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments (tied with Roger Federer), and was also part of the Spain Davis Cup team that won the finals in 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2011. He completed the Career Grand Slam by winning the 2010 US Open, being the seventh player in history, and the youngest of four in the Open Era, to achieve it. He is the second male player to complete the Career Golden Slam (winner of the Career Grand Slam and the Olympic gold medal) after Andre Agassi. Nadal has at least two Grand Slam titles on each of the three surfaces (hard court, grass, and clay), the second player to achieve this feat after Mats Wilander. By winning the 2012 French Open, he became the second male player and is one of three to win any Grand Slam tournament seven times (Pete Sampras’s and Federer’s seven Wimbledon titles).”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Nadal

January 30th, 2013 at 9:34 am

…….I’ll tell you what makes no sense to me: that someone with no success to speak of on the professional tennis circuit (that would be you), well none that I have heard of, would question Rafa’s judgement.

January 30th, 2013 at 9:54 am

@nadalista,
Whats your qualifictaions on Rafa and the Pro Tour? The posters on your wall?

January 30th, 2013 at 10:25 am

so… the silent ban was 6 month…
ok… just checking…
–
Basically what is going on in this blog is called ArroTherapy. Their player loses, and they are all in depression. They overcome the depression by me drug cheat, because internally they know I am a better player and I own their GOAT. Whatever works for you. I feel sorry for you.

January 30th, 2013 at 10:26 am

Nadalista, are you serious? Is this how defensive everyone gets now? It makes no sense for me to question Nadal’s judgement? Because I haven’t won 11 slams?

I think it’s fair to say that every type of tennis fan wants Nadal back. For a variety of reasons, of course, but we all want him back. So when Nadal is coming off an 8 month layoff because his knees suck to play a ton of tournaments right away that could be dangerous, why wouldn’t I, or anyone else, not criticize? That behavior is ripe for criticism. And it opens up the idea that it makes no sense for a super injured guy to play so much when returning. So it begs the question of how injured he really is. I don’t care if you think you’re his parent, you’re not.

January 30th, 2013 at 10:30 am

I just think Rafa is not giving best effort to return to play.

January 30th, 2013 at 10:35 am

@Brazil Federer fan
I absolutely agree. There is a big contradiction between Nadal’s actions and his words.

January 30th, 2013 at 10:49 am

For the umpteenth time – Rafa is going to test his knees in the upcoming 3 tourneys he is due to play. If his knees hold up well then, and only then, will he have a better idea of how to continue!!!! Kapeesh??
And Ben, I notice you are always attacking the Rafa fans if they so much as attempt to defend Rafa against the likes of, for example, the “Brazilian” fan. I know this is a dysfunctional forum so rudeness begets rudeness. Perhaps you should take a back seat and not judge the posters and their comments!! The “Brazilian” can defend himself if he wants so we don’t need an umpire !

January 30th, 2013 at 10:51 am

alison. You think my post to the “Brazilian” was insulting? How?

January 30th, 2013 at 10:58 am

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/feedarticle/10636121
Read Rafa’s words!!!

January 30th, 2013 at 11:06 am

I wasn’t defending him, I was agreeing with him.

I’ll agree that I’m more vocal in attack Nadal and his fans for the most part, but I criticize any fan that assumes they can 1) read minds, 2) behaves like they are related to the player, 3) ignores obvious wrongdoings. Nadal fans are very guilty are this, and so are Federer fans. Djokovic fans are getting there. But the other guys aren’t constantly injured and then constantly playing ridiculous schedules.

January 30th, 2013 at 11:10 am

Does anyone think Nadal will actually lose during Golden Swing?

January 30th, 2013 at 11:13 am

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a23NcGZfQI&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Rafa’s latest practice video and comments.

January 30th, 2013 at 11:26 am

Well, Nadal maybe does not win every tournament during Golden swing?Remember 2011?Novak got a Rome,Madrid…well,who knows-is Novak (and Federer, Murray and others ) gonna be strong on clay this year and is Nadal back to his 100%?We can only speculate and clay season is soon, so I guess we will see it.

January 30th, 2013 at 11:40 am

Giles let me clarify,Brazilian Federer Fan has a right to his opinion,and a right to disagree with you if he so wishes,however he has no right to call you names and you expletives when doing so,is what i should have said,as you are also entitled to your opinion sorry.

January 30th, 2013 at 12:02 pm

Yeah but Novak isn’t playing during the Golden Swing. The best players there will be Almagro, Ferrer, and Monaco. And they’re not beating Nadal…

January 30th, 2013 at 12:04 pm

Is Rosol playing the Golden Swing?

January 30th, 2013 at 12:07 pm

^Use expletives,i should say^.

January 30th, 2013 at 12:10 pm

^^^ Maybe his vocabulary is limited to such an extent that he has to resort to name calling! Ahh, the calibre of the Fed fans leaves much to be desired!! #Tut#Tut

January 30th, 2013 at 12:11 pm

skeezer. I wish he was!!

January 30th, 2013 at 12:13 pm

Novaks the best player in the world right now,and was the best player last year,however be that as it may Rafa still beat him 3 times on clay last year,just saying.

January 30th, 2013 at 12:15 pm

@Ben-I obviously don’t know what is a Golden swing-I thought the whole Clay season, but obviously you are refering to South American clay season?Am I right?(sorry for my lack of knowledge.I watch tennis for 30 years now but crap in any technicalites…)

January 30th, 2013 at 12:27 pm

@Alison:Yes my dear, but now we have Novak 0.3 version…

January 30th, 2013 at 12:28 pm

Courbon eh.

January 30th, 2013 at 12:30 pm

@Alison;You are probably right and Nadal will take most of tournaments, but I find Nole more relax this year, and kind of fancy his chances on clay this year…we will see.Speak to you soon-I have to wash my two monsters (my wife is away for a week and this is my first day alone with them…talking about hard work), cook and all the rest..

January 30th, 2013 at 12:39 pm

Ben wrote:
“Is this how defensive everyone gets now? It makes no sense for me to question Nadal’s judgement? Because I haven’t won 11 slams?”
and
“I’ll agree that I’m more vocal in attack Nadal and his fans for the most part, but I criticize any fan that assumes they can 1) read minds, 2) behaves like they are related to the player, 3) ignores obvious wrongdoings. Nadal fans are very guilty are this, and so are Federer fans.”

Why don’t you add to your 3 things, when NON-professional athletes feel that they can question the judgment of a professional athlete, just because they are a fan and think they totally understand the mind and body of a professional athlete.

January 30th, 2013 at 12:40 pm

Courbon yeah i have no idea how the CC will pan out time will tell,Novaks on the crest of a wave ATM,and theres a question mark over Rafa,whatever people may think i will just be happy to have him back playing again,anyway enjoy your washing and work lol,im doing a nightshift tonight,running after 27 old people yipee err not,speak soon.

January 30th, 2013 at 12:52 pm

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BB36sIxCcAI-ZoU.jpg
The King will be back soon! VamosRafa

January 30th, 2013 at 12:53 pm

Giles nice picture im loving the shorter hair style,he looks like hes lost some weight,or is that just me.

January 30th, 2013 at 12:57 pm

People who are denigrating Rafa for participation in clay tournaments though his knees are still sore might want to give some consideration to the fact that not only is clay a very different surface than hardcourt, but the movement required to succeed on the surface is also very different.

Of course, if those in that group want to go barreling ahead with their uninformed criticisms, continuing to make themselves look spectacularly silly, of course they’re free to do that as well.

:-/

January 30th, 2013 at 12:59 pm

@Ben:

I re-watched parts of the matches he played at the AO: a set against PHM, two against Harrison, two against Berdych (of course, the ones he won 6-1), and the whole matches against Ferrer and Murray.

It seems that: one, he has a little bit more precision on the first serve (a trend that started last year); and that his second serve has some deceptive spin. But it is true also for his FH: I noticed that Murray and Berdych very often missed their own FH in rallies when Novak played with more spin, especially Berdych, who has problems to adjust to Novak’s constant changes in depth, height and spin.

And watching again the final, I am almost certain now that Murray, in the beginning, intended to play more through the middle of the court to deny angles to his opponent. But in the course of the third set, he changed this plan.

BTW, Cahill is an excellent commentator, and Wilander was excellent too this year. Just to mention.

January 30th, 2013 at 1:04 pm

So basically all journalists and reporters should quit because they have no right to judge, interpret, comment on, or analyze a professional athlete’s decision? Even though that’s pretty much exactly what their jobs are?

So now you guys are saying that it’s ok for Nadal to overload his schedule because that’s what he’s decided and as long as he decided it, it must be right? Really? Because for years people have been saying he doesn’t manage his schedule well but now that he’s returning from an 8 month injury-related layoff, it’s ok to go right back to overloading his schedule? Where is the logic??

M, cool, so clay is match, gotcha.

January 30th, 2013 at 1:09 pm

^Sorry, should say clay is magic*.

January 30th, 2013 at 1:12 pm

Nadal will return with new racket, like I predicted 6 months ago (don’t be surprised if new strings appear this season, as well). After his 2009 debacle (French Open) Nadal changed his strings for 2010 season (can’t remember what he did with his racket that year — added weights or changed it?). He’s consistent. When he’s stung, he goes back to Plan A — even more topspin.
http://tennis.si.com/2013/01/30/rafael-nadal-racket/?sct=tn_t2_a5

Troubled knees, after 7 months layoff? Stomach virus that affects him three weeks later? Lol, Nadal is just downplaying expectations in case he loses in his first few matches after such a long layoff.

Prediction: Nadal returns with a slightly improved serve.

January 30th, 2013 at 1:48 pm

There is a lull between grandslams and people go nuts. Scary.

I wonder what happens if the Arrogant One retires.

January 30th, 2013 at 1:52 pm

When you retire, you can stop wondering.

January 30th, 2013 at 2:04 pm

Isnn’t he retired now? Thought that is why he is blogging now…

January 30th, 2013 at 2:17 pm

HR “I wonder what happens if the Arrogant One retires”. I fear for the mental health of his fans especially Dave! Lol

January 30th, 2013 at 2:22 pm

@Ben -”Does anyone think Nadal will actually lose during Golden Swing?”

Possibly, Ben, Nadal is not sure. And that might be a reason to take on doubles as well as singles. After all, he definitely wants to enter the clay court season proper on the top of his form.

I daresay if he is winning all his singles matches, he’ll revise his doubles schedule.

If this is not the case, then his schedule is indeed a puzzle.

January 30th, 2013 at 2:59 pm

Good point, grendel.

January 30th, 2013 at 3:15 pm

In the 250 events Rafa will play 4 matches assuming he reaches the finals and in Acapulco which is a 500 event, assuming he reaches the finals, 5 matches.

January 30th, 2013 at 4:34 pm

PS. He will have a week’s rest after the first two events.

January 30th, 2013 at 4:38 pm

I have to say I don’t really understand this scheduling either – it sounds like he’s using this South American swing as a test. But what happens if he “fails” the test? Will they revisit the European clay court season? I don’t think so – I think no matter what they’re going to play Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome and Madrid, so this just means he’s guaranteed to over play before Roland Garros.

I really hope he skips Indian Wells and Miami because those tournaments make no natural sense, and will save him senseless pounding.

January 30th, 2013 at 6:29 pm

But what happens if he “fails” the test?
–
What happens if I pass the test. All of you wasted your time arguing about a stupid thing. Your Humble Highness (and his even Higher Uncle) know best.

Go sink your Australian open sorrow elsewhere.

January 30th, 2013 at 6:52 pm

Looks like everyone except rafa poster boys can see the stupidity emanating from Rafa’s camp.

It is a d@mning fact that Rafa is yet to play a complete season on the ATP. I am sure he never will. Let us not cry a river here, like the bu77 picker was injured in some road accident. His injuries are a direct result of his style of play. The same style that fetched him the 11 slams is also the major reason he gets crippled for a few months every year.

There are too many of these old-women rafa fans who think rafa is their kid and no one should say anything negative.

Alison:

I know how to respond to clowns like Giles. Think about this “maybe if Giles wasn’t such a jerk, I would respond to him like I do to you.

January 30th, 2013 at 10:47 pm

Humble Rafa:

You need a babolat spanking from uncle toni. Does uncle toni still make you wear diapers?

When will you become your own man? or atleast a man?

January 30th, 2013 at 11:25 pm

And how do we know those doubting Rafa’s judgment re his SA tour scheduling are entirely objective: the crude Rafa insults!

Oh my…..

January 31st, 2013 at 12:36 am

^rafa fan girl police

Yes all should never question or critique Rafa’ s play, decisions, nor choice of Armani underwear.

January 31st, 2013 at 12:42 am

Is it true that Rafa has never played a full ATP season?

January 31st, 2013 at 1:23 am

jane – no, it’s not true. He did in 2010 & 2011 and I’m sure if one were to check the ATP site, they’d find examples of earlier complete seasons.

January 31st, 2013 at 1:51 am

2010 – retired in AO qf

2011 – another injury @ AO.

I wouldn’t call those full seasons. Technically, yes, but compare them with djokovic’s 2012 [even djokovic's 2011 was shoddy at the end. he pretty much gave up the ghost], fed’s 2006,2007 or 2004, heck even 2005. fed/djokovic remained a factor from day1 to season getting wrapped up.

January 31st, 2013 at 2:38 am

I would like to take a look at the number of matches played per season. I am quite sure the defensive games these days must have brought that number down drastically.

Federer cutting down on schedule is normal. dude is 31. but nadal, murray and djokovic seem to be playing short seasons in their mid-20s.

January 31st, 2013 at 2:43 am

Remember, when fed played 97 matches in 2006, he played best of 5 finals in indian wells, miami, monte carlo, rome, madrid, basel and the tennis masters cup.

The other top 4 haven’t even come close to that! [djokovic did in 2012, but he lost the big matches and only won 1 slam]

January 31st, 2013 at 2:50 am

There is a huge difference in completing a marathon in one go and completing over a period of 4-5 days. resting after every 5km or so.

the more they slow down conditions, the harder it is going to be to replicate fed’s feat.

January 31st, 2013 at 2:53 am

one way to surpass fed’s feat is to win the calendar slam.

trivia questions:

a) Name the last player [and year] in which the player won the 1st 2 slams in the year.

b) Name the last player and year in which the player won AO and FO heading in to wimbledon.

January 31st, 2013 at 2:58 am

Ahh, the classlessness and calibre of the Fed fans in the form of the “Brazilian”!! Carry on dude!! Revelations galore!! Hahaha. Fed doesn’t deserve a fan like you. Poor Fed, this is what he has to live with while struggling in back to back 5 setters!! #PityYouGuys

January 31st, 2013 at 2:59 am

Well, Giles – because of jerks like you as fans, nadal might end up in a wheelchair forever like a cripple. #karma

January 31st, 2013 at 3:09 am

^^^ Cheers, and I wish the same for Fed! #Karma

January 31st, 2013 at 3:20 am

Fed doesn’t struggle! He floats.

For struggle – check cramps and nadal and USopen. or choking banana at french open.

January 31st, 2013 at 3:31 am

^^ hahaha. Yeah, he floats to defeat!!

January 31st, 2013 at 3:53 am

PS. He should wear pink shoes and pink shoe laces more often. Did he borrow that ridiculous collection from Mirka or his girls? #Pansy

January 31st, 2013 at 3:55 am

^^ And don’t bother responding cos I’m done with wasting my precious time on the likes of you!! #Dude

January 31st, 2013 at 3:57 am

You know for the most part i really enjoy posting on this forum,and then theres days like these with posters throwing personal insults at one another that really depress me,and today is one of those days,is theres not enough hate going on in the real world,do we have to bring onto an internet forum,its only a bloody game when alls said and done.

January 31st, 2013 at 3:58 am

better a pansy than a cripple :)

January 31st, 2013 at 5:04 am

also check the pansy who was in pink when he got manhandled by soda pop in RG 2009. and got booed by the french too! LOL!

January 31st, 2013 at 5:05 am

Moderator, question for you :

Can we call rafa butt picker? Since federer can be refered to as arrogant?

I mean, atleast the latter is subjective, the former is truth and nothing but the truth.

January 31st, 2013 at 5:08 am

http://thequeerofallmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/roger-federer-shirtless-hairy-pictures.html?m=1
Yuk! #Gorilla

January 31st, 2013 at 5:12 am

men have hair on their chest. women and rafa don’t have hair on their chest. so?

January 31st, 2013 at 5:47 am

#rafa is man or woman or both? does anyone know?

January 31st, 2013 at 5:48 am

I feel you, alison. If only I had moderating privileges.

January 31st, 2013 at 8:36 am

Thankyou Ben i dont mind objective critisism,or there would be no point in been here otherwise,but when players get called cripples,pansys,or is so and so a man or a woman,its all a bit bellow the belt,especially when their only crime is to play tennis,and sadly its becoming like this all too often,with posters coming here to hurl personal insults at each other,i used to enjoy posting on here i dont really think i do anymore,shame as theres alot of good stuff too,im seriously thinking of doing a sabatical for good.

January 31st, 2013 at 10:21 am

Knees are sore…

Nothing that Deer Antler spray can’t fix…

January 31st, 2013 at 10:29 am

Not so sure about winning, probably that’s why the knees are sore

January 31st, 2013 at 11:02 am

I wouldn’t mind getting me some deer antler spray. IGF-1 is a miracle drug.

January 31st, 2013 at 11:06 am

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/01/Features/FedEx-Reliability-Career-Clay-Court-Records.aspx?
Rafa fans. Love all the warm comments on Facebook. #WelcomeBackKing #GoodLuck

January 31st, 2013 at 11:19 am

Federer’s 2006 will never be repeated by anyone. 17 tournaments, 16 finals, 12 titles, all 4 slam finals, 3 slams, Lost the french finals by a whisker (tie-break in the 4th), won the YEC, won 4 masters titles, finalist in 4 other masters, and this was when all masters finals were best of 5, as well as YEC final. 97 matches total. Hardly lost other than to Nadal on clay, that too in close matches (remember the 5 hour Rome final)?

January 31st, 2013 at 11:32 am

Lost the french finals by a whisker (tie-break in the 4th)
–
Since when did 4th set tie break loss become a whisker.

January 31st, 2013 at 11:39 am

Thanks for the link Giles.

January 31st, 2013 at 11:46 am

^ You’re welcome. Our champ will be in Chile tomorrow.

January 31st, 2013 at 11:59 am

Since Rosol. (this is for the not-so-humble-rafa).

Or since Delpo beat the crap out of him in the 2009 semi at USO – 6-2, 6-2, 6-2.

Or wait? Since Djokovic beat the crap out of him in 7 consecutive finals, including two on clay and 3 slam finals, in 2011.

January 31st, 2013 at 12:54 pm

^^^Wow, does that mean that King Nadal has no more cr@p left in him????

January 31st, 2013 at 1:38 pm

alison

dont tak a too long sabbatical, in case u hav made your mind up actualy.

January 31st, 2013 at 2:31 pm

alison

i prefer u stayin here. or even if u go, just keep droppin a post frm time 2 time

January 31st, 2013 at 2:37 pm

Thanks Huh i really appreciate what your saying and ill take your comments on board,especially your second post.

January 31st, 2013 at 3:01 pm

So when does it start?
I think TEAM Nadal was relieved that thr names of the other sporters on the fuentes list and computer were not released.
That wiuld have been a deathblow to spanish sports.

7 players Valencia 5 Real and 6 Barça players.
Not to mention three top spanish tennisplayers.

Rafa was in deep trouble. so now that the spanish court has silenced fuentes and stole his computers etc everything can stay within spain….for now.

January 31st, 2013 at 4:20 pm

We are now awaiting the start of the golden swing.

He is playing the minor leagues this year.

January 31st, 2013 at 4:22 pm

Giles,

Don’t worry, Nadal must have refilled his crap in the last 8 months. He is just primed to get it beaten out again from Djokovic. He will pick on it before every serve too…..

Lets see if he plays IW at all.

January 31st, 2013 at 4:39 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZAo0Uq1VYY&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Rafa at the airport. Safe journey champ. VamosRafa

January 31st, 2013 at 4:49 pm

http://thetennistimes.com/rafael-nadal-greatest-shots-of-his-career-so-far/?
WOW!!

January 31st, 2013 at 4:54 pm

Off topic,

Nole is pissed off with clay court in Belgium for DC match. He said that it is the worst clay court he had ever played and dangerous since players can get injured eaisily. The response from Belgium organisers was, it is not like RG, but still playable. I just wish he isn’t there.

January 31st, 2013 at 8:43 pm

Any clay is good clay. Why would anyone complain about clay is beyond me.

Clay is meant to be loved, worshipped and kissed. It’s like chocolate.

January 31st, 2013 at 11:11 pm

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BB_vGSLCMAE8pzo.jpg
Happy chappy turned KING!!

February 1st, 2013 at 2:59 am

HR,

But not the one you cannot slide, apparently. Even yor Humble Highness would like it.

February 1st, 2013 at 3:06 am

Should say “wouldn’t like it” of course.

February 1st, 2013 at 3:08 am

Wog.boy. I must admit it looks a bit rough! Trying to sabotage a certain player perhaps??

February 1st, 2013 at 3:16 am

Giles,

I haven’t seen it, but what they said it is too soft so when they try to slide they dig themselves in, it was laid on indoor parquet, bounce is strange, roof is leaking. It wasn’t only Nole but Troicki and others too, they haven’t seen such clay court before.

February 1st, 2013 at 3:38 am

Wog.boy. Let’s hope no one is injured!

February 1st, 2013 at 3:41 am

Finger crossed, though from what I heard ITF stepped in.

February 1st, 2013 at 4:11 am

@HR

if any or all clay is good, why His Humble Highness Rafa Nadal complained about the Madrid clay then?? u r just outta your mind somtimes(lik the rest of us), missin few bits here n there, when actin rafa here, lol ;)

but hop u dont mind. keep postin, ur posts i lik much

February 1st, 2013 at 4:13 am

Giles thanks for that video there is some great memories there,and thats a cute picture too lol.

February 1st, 2013 at 4:29 am

#TennisReporters: “Nadals’ influence on Vina del Mar: Groundskeeper partly preparing clay court to Rafa’s liking.”

http://www.estrellavalpo.cl/impresa/2013/02/01/full/12/

February 1st, 2013 at 11:10 am

if any or all clay is good, why His Humble Highness Rafa Nadal complained about the Madrid clay then?? u r just outta your mind somtimes(lik the rest of us), missin few bits here n there, when actin rafa here, lol ;
–
Clay is supposed to be red. Would you take your ketchup if it’s blue.

February 1st, 2013 at 12:11 pm

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BCCBPomCEAASR57.jpg
Rafa visiting the President of Chile!

February 1st, 2013 at 12:13 pm

Rafa may be there again to spoil another player’s run for a calendar year grand slam. If Novak overcomes that hurdle, we may be in for a treat by the end of the year. I would like to see one athlete do it in my lifetime. It doesn’t matter who because whoever it is will be most deserving.

February 1st, 2013 at 12:23 pm

Giles another nice picture,Rafa really cleans up nicely,very classy and very handsome thankyou.

February 1st, 2013 at 12:32 pm

Coming back with a new racket and new knees. Expect a bigger serve, even quicker over the court and another French Open. Next.

February 1st, 2013 at 2:30 pm

HR

who said ketchup or clay can only b red? now we’ve all kinds of things includin non-red ketchup n blue, green n purpl clay! n fed won all!!! ;)

February 1st, 2013 at 2:44 pm

Hi, Jonathan.

I often read your interesting blog. I could be wrong, but didn’t notice you here before. So, welcome!

February 1st, 2013 at 7:04 pm