Rafael Nadal Slams ATP Time Rule, Calls It A “Disaster”

by Tom Gainey | March 10th, 2013, 8:08 pm
  • 190 Comments

Rafael Nadal was victorious in his first hardcourt match in 50 week last night, beating American youngster Ryan Harrison 76, 62 in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Afterward, the 2-time champion there wasn’t all smiles. Rafa took aim (again) at the ATP’s new enforcement of the time, which he says, is actually making him play faster now.

“I am doing because somebody very smart puts a new rule that is a disaster, in my opinion,” Nadal said. “Not in places like here that is dry, you know, not very humid place, but is completely disaster when we are playing in tournaments like Acapulco, Brazil, or Chile.

“I cannot support that, because for so many facts in my opinion the rule is wrong. First thing, because the rules go against the great points of tennis.
Because if you see the highlights of the end of the season, I didn’t see not one highlight, the best points of the season, I did not see not one ace.


“The best points of the season are long rallies and amazing points. With this 25 seconds, you play a long rally and you think you can play another long rally next point?

“So the guy who really accepted this rule was not very smart, in my opinion,” he added. “You know what I did? Maybe somebody‑‑ maybe nobody did at the ATP, but I went back to my matches, great matches, in Grand Slams, playing long rallies in big tournaments, and when you play like a 30 points, you know, 30‑shots rally, 40‑shots rally like final of Roland Garros, like final of Australia, like final of any good tournament, you know, how much time we rested?

“You have to see the third set of the US Open 2011 against Djokovic, and you tell me if the crowd was very happy about what happened in that set or not, and tell me if with this new rule that can happen again. Please.”

Nadal is right. The best points of the season are often during lengthy rallies, however that doesn’t allow the players for extra time afterward. Some are back ready to serve within the 25 seconds ATP limit (20 seconds in Grand Slams).

At the start of the year the ATP modified their time rule allowing umpires to give players a fault instead of a point penalty when they exceed the 25 second clock. Previously the umpires were too scared to hand out a point penalty, but a fault is a softer blow.

Nadal did say his knee is feeling better but he remains cautious.

“After seven months I’m not gonna take crazy risks,” he said. “But I am here. When I am playing a tournament, if you know myself, my mentality is try my best in every moment. I really don’t think about my knee, but is true that for me today after seven months out of competition is easier to start and play on clay more than grass. Is true that we have the clay court season not very far.”

Rafa, though, did reiterate his stance against the amount of hardcourts on the ATP World Tour.

“ATP have to find a solution and not continue playing more and more tournaments on this surface that is the harder one for the joints and for the knees, for the foot, for the ankles, for the back, for everything,” Nadal said.

Nadal will play Leonardo Mayer tomorrow in the third round.


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190 Comments for Rafael Nadal Slams ATP Time Rule, Calls It A “Disaster”

Humble Rafa Says:

How is a man supposed to get ready and play in 25 secs. People have routines, plus double routines for break points..we can all agree that there should be no time limits.

I need a minimum of 1 minute to get ready.


Skeezer Says:

I am doing because somebody very smart puts a new rule that is a disaster, in my opinion,”

Waaaaaahhhhhh! Uh…uh …….Waaaaahhhh! Sniff sniff.

How come the AO finished without a hitch? You know Rafa, the one YOU didn’t play in? And no one complained that it was rigged for the faster players. Did Djoker need more time to win at the AO this year? Nope. Answer; get in shape, and quit with the tics.

That said, i could see them implementing a longer time for long points, but how do you rule over that? You can’t, a worst nightmare. Play on.


Deborah Says:

Yet, there are retired champions of the game who played for years on hard courts and are still playing on hard courts. Slow hard courts are the culprits. Having all surfaces almost the same is the problem. And, who are the players with the most absences due to injuries: Nadal and Hewitt, both grinders.
I know, let’s just change the rules to suit Nadal. Fair, right?


Liz Says:

I have been waiting for years for them to warn and penalize Rafa for time violations. I think they should follow the rules during slams as well. Watch a tape of the 1981 Wimbledon final between McEnroe and Borg; neither athlete went to the towel once during play. Rafa and all players need to play by the rules.


Skeezer Says:

“know, let’s just change the rules to suit Nadal. Fair, right?”

Oh yes, absolutely fair for Rafa.

Heres an idea. Maybe Rafa should ask to be on the ATP competitive commitee, and lets see what the majority votes for?


Humble Rafa Says:

My routines were carefully developed over 15 year time frame. ATP cannot change the time now. Routines cannot be changed in short order.


juljo724 Says:

skeezer wrote: “How come the AO finished without a hitch? You know Rafa, the one YOU didn’t play in? And no one complained that it was rigged for the faster players. Did Djoker need more time to win at the AO this year? Nope. Answer; get in shape, and quit with the tics.”

So are you saying that NO ONE violated the time rule out of all those 2 weeks of matches at the AO?? You make it look like rafa is the ONLY one who ever violates it!

Telling Rafa to ‘get in shape’? How come he was always known as the man with the best endurance? The one no one wanted to face in a best of 5 match? You’re laughable with that comment..LOL.


Truthsquad Says:

I am a fan of Nadal and his go for broke style of play… But I miss the more gracious sportsmanlike Nadal of old… This new embittered entitled player who seems to have nothing but issues and excuses with the sport is not so much fun to follow, no?


Skeezer Says:

“So are you saying that NO ONE violated the time rule out of all those 2 weeks of matches at the AO?? You make it look like rafa is the ONLY one who ever violates it!”

No, I didn’t say that, but you just did, didn’t you?
There may have been a few violators, but the tournament went on, and no one complained about that it cost them a win. They crowned a winner. It was newly implemented, and hiccups may have occured, but no harm no foul. Overall players adjusted.

“How come he was always known as the man with the best endurance?”

I don’t agree with that, since when? And if you take that assumption, why does he have to take such a “breather” (its really tics, no? )between points? You don’t know much about endurance.

As much as the Rafa fan club thinks Rafa is right, he is wrong. I can see his point of view on the long points for all……..maybe. I said maybe. But how to enforce that? More loop holes to abuse it imo, thats all it is.

Look, Novak admittingly was an abuser as well, but took the medicine, adjusted, and won AO. He is not whining now, is he?

#toomuchkoolaid


DC Says:

Hardcourts have made the sport more popular across the globes. The require almost nil maintenance and are much cheaper to maintain, making it possible for the general public to play the sport.

Basketball players play on cement too.

The sport of tennis should be focused on shot making rather than defense. Players should learn how to hit better shots to finish the point quickly.

Though i do agree that the time limit should not be fixed at 20 seconds, especially after long rallies, maybe 40 seconds for rallies longer than 10 shots.


jane Says:

“I am doing because somebody very smart puts a new rule that is a disaster,” and ““So the guy who really accepted this rule was not very smart, in my opinion,” he added. “”

Nadal uses the singular here, as though it was decided on by one person, which is odd. I assume he’s being sarcastic, though it’s tough to know for certain without the video.


Skeezer Says:

@Truthsquad

Truth.

@DC

Good post.


Sirius Says:

Thank God that its 25 sec. If they enforced 20 sec rule, u might never have made a first serve! Lol

Stop that whining and change ur style. No one is telling u to play longer rallies. Keeping the points short is also good for ur knees. And nobody VERY SMART invented that rule. It was right there, but just couldn’t be enforced for the likes of u


Michael Says:

Nadal is not able to express himself in English. His diction is not fluent. He is still to learn the language. That being said, it is necessary that there should be strict time limit between points since players should not take undue advantage and rest between points. Players like Rafa and even Novak sometimes take too much time between points and that is undesirable, not good for the sport as well as the spectators. Rafa needs to adjust himself to the new rule. Novak too these days do not make much ball bounce before his serve and he has curtailed himself. Instead of complaining, Nadal needs to amend himself and adjust to the new rule.


nadalista Says:

Finally, another thread Rafa haters can vent their simmering hate. Vent away, please! Not good bottling up all that pent up negative energy.

Why, we could even say Rafa is a force for good, giving some people an opportunity to unwind their tortured souls with every opinion he expresses!

Vamos!!

#SoulWhisperer


Sirius Says:

^ where is the “hatred”?


nadalista Says:

“The sport of tennis should be focused on shot making rather than defense. Players should learn how to hit better shots to finish the point quickly.”

I am sure Marion Vajda, Ivan Lendl and Toni Nadal (amongst others) have never come across this inspired advice! They need to be told…..I mean, educated on what tennis really is about. Nice if you could send them a post.

“Though i do agree that the time limit should not be fixed at 20 seconds, especially after long rallies, maybe 40 seconds for rallies longer than 10 shots.”

Thank you. From what I have read, this is Rafa’s opinion too. But of course, if it’s Rafa saying it, it’s selfish and sacrilegious.


nadalista Says:

@Sirius, I will draw pictures for you when I get the time.

Thank you.


Tennis Tutor Says:

Make tennis fun and clean. 25 seconds in between.
Mandatory blood testing in all tournaments, for all quarter, semi and finalists immediately after the match. In slams, allow a maximum of one medical time out/break before the side changeover, which should not exceed 3 minutes including the changeover time! NO medical time out in other tournaments. It should be an all out war till players shake hands …. Also, institute weekly blood and all sorts of other stringent testing for those ranked in top 20! And, 8-12 blood tests for those not within the top 20. How ‘about that?


alison Says:

I agree with Truthsquad,i enjoy watching Rafa play tennis,and to see him looking so happy back playing tennis was a joy,and going by the Harrison match he did seem to get a move on between points which was good to see,but he has indeed lost alot of his innocence which was one of the things i always found appealing in him,when i 1st saw him playing,which is a shame,hes actually turned into a bit of a moaner,come on Rafa play tennis please,its all the fans want.


nadalista Says:

I am so happy Rafa has “growed up” into such a mature, thoughtful young man. And the way he is not afraid to go out there and be himself, speak his mind without second-guessing what other people think of him, his honesty…….that just appeals to me because well, that just happens to be who I am too!

Rafa never was a Peter Pan. People CHOSE to mistake his politesse for sluggardness. So he refuses to play the fool and people are upset? Not his problem. Play on, Rafa.

We Rafans always knew, and saw, better.

This fan wants to watch Rafa play tennis AND listen to his opinions, thank you. Like I have said on another thread, nobody is forced to listen to Rafa’s opinions.

Vamos!!!

and yes, Rafa Kool Aid tastes soooooo good!


Giles Says:

http://alturl.com/6v3j9
I posted this article yesterday and I am posting it again for those who missed it.
It is pretty obvious that the “somebody very smart” is none other than Mr Federer who has instigated the enforcement of this new rule!
How else does Mr Federer increase his chances of beating his nemesis? Oh yes, let me guess, Rafa gets points docked and Mr Federer beats him!
The article says “He’s a master politician. It’s no wonder he received votes in an election he didn’t even enter”.
#MrFedererIsPathetic!!


nadalista Says:

^^^Thank you, @Giles, am seeing this article for the first time.

Federer is entitled to his opinions, so is Rafa.


Giles Says:

alison. ??? “but he has indeed lost a lot of his innocence”. What does that even mean? People should remain innocent forever? People shouldn’t grow up and mature? WTF


Giles Says:

Just read a tweet from Neil Harman of the Times:
“The reason Larry Ellison was not here to watch Djoker tonight is that he was playing tennis against Rafa on his own court”.
Hahaha. Luv it! #GoodChoice


Giles Says:

http://alturl.com/8oyso
Rafa playing tennis with Larry Ellison.


Alex Says:

That article is some year old garbage by none other than Chris Chase..

You must be really desperate if your posting that kind of material. Are you using advanced google searches to find such junk or will you read any crap to somehow try put down Federer.

Pathetic!

You and Chris would make a great couple ;)


Andrew Tennis Says:

I agree with alison and truth squad. Enough of the whining rafa. just play.

We get it:

no time limit between points, unlimited medical time-outs. tennis only on clay. 2year ranking.

We have received your complaint. thank you.


Giles Says:

http://alturl.com/w36sg
Watch this kid trying to copy Rafa. Lol
He does a pretty good job!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

I just hope they don’t bend this rule again. I think it would be good for tennis future to have this 25 second rule enforced. Maybe the current top players may find it difficult to adjust initially, but atleast the guys coming up would be better prepared for the clock.

I’m not sure if Rafa really cannot adjust or it’s just an ego issue he has with the officials. He is a very very smart tennis player. I’m surprised he is not moving along with this. Maybe he is just taking it too personal rather than seeing the reason behind the decision.


Ben Pronin Says:

Nadal fans, I guess you should take some solace in the fact that every other line Rafa says becomes it’s own article. Literally, these aren’t even full interviews.

Last night, in watching Djokovic, there was another problem that came to light during the match. Djokovic received a violation because he was over the limit by 3 seconds. He argued a little in saying that he was already at the line. He got over it pretty fast but had a quick exchange with the ump during the change over.

Basically, Djokovic made a good point in that the ball boys and towels take about 10 seconds off the clock. And the ump agreed but made sure to point out that the clock doesn’t stop when the player reaches the line but when he actually starts his serve. Djokovic said thanks for the heads up and went about his business. But how many other players do you think are unaware about this technicality? I’m sure a lot. And it also makes for an interesting question. Is that the appropriate time to stop the clock? Or should it be stopped once the player is at the line? I think, at least, the clock should stop once the player bounces the ball the first time.


nadalista Says:

“Rafa playing tennis with Larry Ellison.”

Steve Tignor;
Larry Ellison;
Jimmy Connors;
Andre Agassi;
Nadalista;

#RafaKoolAidDrinkersFoerever!!

Damn, I keep good company, if I may say so myself…

What’s not to love?

Now, I look forward to a tennis-x blog counselling Larry Ellison about the evils of being a Rafa Kool Aid Drinker…….hehehehe!


nadalista Says:

@Ben Pronin, thank you for a mature post about this time violation enforcement issue. I wish we had more like on this blog rather than the anti-Rafa drivel we get every time Rafa and time violation are mentioned in the same sentence.

This is what Rafa is doing, asking people to THINK and then talk about the issue, rather than just nodding, “yessir massa” because Roger Federer said it is a good idea. You raise issues which need to be addressed and players have a RIGHT to bring them up. THEY are the ones who have to abide by any rules made, not some prejudiced, fat, carb-loading couch potatoes who think they know the sport just from watching TV, and treat players like circus monkeys.

Unfortunately, some people see the word Rafa and red mist descends on them……..we know why.

Personally, I wish Rafa was not so popular that journalists hang onto his every word, including those who write for tennis-x blog. But, that’s Rafa. He is what he is: a rock star, a pied piper if you will.

@Giles, please send that video of the kid copying Rafa’s on-court mannnerisms to Rafa, I am sure he will love it! If you check his Facebook page, he sometimes posts videos fans make for and about him.


Giles Says:

^^^ I think what stands out is that Larry Ellison preferred to play tennis with Rafa rather than watch the Djoker match!!
#LifeIsFullOfSurprises


Giles Says:

nadalista. I have no idea how to post the video to Rafa. Am not on Facebook. Perhaps you can?


nadalista Says:

@Giles, I am not on facebook either but I know a Rafan who is who will be only too glad to send it to Rafa!

Regarding Larry Ellison’s choices, he is not stupid. He is not the kind of guy to be swayed by the constant anti-Rafa propaganda out there. He knows class and intelligence when he sees it. Like they say: birds of a feather stick together.


Ben Pronin Says:

I think anyone would rather play with a pro than just watch one… C’mon, if he watched Nadal instead of playing with Djokovic, that’d stand out a little more.

Nadalista, I know what you mean. I’m tired of all the bashing, generally of any player but as of late it’s just one way traffic against Nadal.

In any case, I do think that’s Nadal’s primary issue with the rule. We, as fans, can complain all we want about how slow a player is. And some of them are slow. But are we going to extend the rules to the ball boys? I wouldn’t say I’ve ever seen a particularly slow ball boy, they usually weed those out in tryouts. Same with the towels. I know the argument that back in the day the players never toweled off, but that was then and this is now. Wasn’t Lendl the first one to start this trend anyway? Why not blame him during this whole mess? I don’t see that changing anytime soon and I don’t think it should. It’s a part of the culture of the game now.


Giles Says:

I would have thought towelling off is a natural process especially for players who sweat, and some sweat more than others. Most of the tourneys are in extremely hot locations. If they don’t towel off, sweat drips on the surface and thus becomes slippery!
We all know Rafa sweats buckets and even shortly after he has towelled off you can literally see a fresh band of sweat dripping from his face.
So, what is the answer??


Giles Says:

http://alturl.com/xpdmz
Weather forecast for IW for next 5 days!!!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Ben,

If the clock stops when the player steps on the line, then if the relax standing there for next 10 secs is there a way to stop them from doing that. In this case they would rather come and stand on the line and towel them rather than on the sidelines right? I think the rule probably states the point should start in 25 mins, which makes more sense.

Ofcourse umpires can use some assertiveness in the time based on the situation of the match like in the 5th set or a 25 shot rally etc.


ocgirl Says:

Oh, I see, this is where all the Rafa-bashers hang out. Won’t be back here again as I prefer the sunny side of the street. Before I check out let me say that, although he can’t express himself elegantly in English, I think he makes valid points about both the time limitation and about hard courts. He’s been explicit about the fact that he knows that the situation will not change during his career but he is thinking about the future, about the next generation of athletes. After a career like his he is more than entitled to express an opinion. He’s always been a straight shooter. xoxo, over & out! ¡Vamos Rafa!


nadalista Says:

@Giles, Roger doesn’t sweat, so Rafa shouldn’t sweat. Just as the sport of tennis should be about shot making rather than defensive play, tennis players should not sweat, why would they sweat when they are shot-making, gliding around?

Who knows, maybe they will introduce another edict: only 3 sweat drops allowed in a set!

Here is the full transcript of Rafa’s post-Harrison interview, for anyone interested:

http://rafaelnadalfans.com/2013/03/10/rafael-nadal-intwerview-transcript-bnp-paribas-open-2013/#more-131


nadalista Says:

@Ben Pronin, here is a transcript of Rafa’s reasons for his dislike for the 25 second rule enforcement:

http://rafaelnadalfans.com/2013/03/10/rafael-nadal-is-still-unhappy-with-25-second-rule/

Choice quote:

“I cannot support that, because for so many facts in my opinion the rule is wrong. First thing, because the rules go against the great points of tennis.

Because if you see the highlights of the end of the season, I didn’t see not one highlight, the best points of the season, I did not see not one ace.”

No aces on the highlights reel——priceless!


skeezer Says:

^ that’s because Rafa was not in it, lol.
Again, we have 1 top player incessantly complaining this and hard courts, is he the majority? Just sayin…. And sure he has a right to his opinion, he’s never been shy in letting everyone know.


nadalista Says:

^^who said Rafa is the majority or wants to be the majority?

What does a majority have to do with expressing one’s opinion and other people listening? And listen they have, because the time violation enforcement issue is on the Player Council Miami meeting agenda!

#Fail
#Tryharder


jane Says:

Ben, I thought Nole handled it really well; I was kind of surprised by the 3 seconds, and I believe it was at deuce. But I thought the exchange between Nole and the Ump after Nole won the point was very respectful.

Personally I think it’s okay that Rafa speaks his mind; he’s been on the tour a long time, and frankly I prefer when players speak their minds as opposed to always being politically correct.

And as for Ellison playing with Rafa, great, but imo I doubt it’s meant as a slight against Novak. Larry is clearly a fan of Rafa’s, so if he gets the change to play him of course he will, and perhaps he thought the Nole/Fognini match would be straightforward – little did he know, ha ha. Never underestimate Fabio!


skeezer Says:

^^^
Maybe he shouldn’t have quit the council, and / or volunteered to be on the comp. committee? The best way to help is to GET INVOLVED. Last I read he QUIT his involvement with the ATP. He could have doing THAT as an example the 7 months he has not been playing, pushing to make the differences HE wants.

And please don’t go a on the usual defense rant of “hater”, fat, couch potatoes and such. THAT is hating. I didn’t read one iota of the word hate by any of Rafa’s critics on the other thread. Keep it real. Just because posters have an opinion of what Rafa says doesn’t mean they hate Rafa. Why don’t you just ask the poster straight up?

Its ok for Rafa to criticize the state of Tennis, but not tennis fans? The reason it sounds all so disingenuous is it mostly benefits him. An opinion. If you can’t see that you are Rafa blind.

As for Miami, I too can hardly wait what comes out of THAT meeting.

#waaaaayyytoomuchrafakoolaid


jane Says:

skeezer, not sure if your arrows are for me, but I can’t remember why Rafa left the council.


skeezer Says:

@jane……not for you…..response to my good friend nadalista’s post ;)


Alok Says:

In most other sports there isn’t any complaints on the time rule because there is a clok.

Tennis has always had a time rule, except in the lat 4 or more years the rule has been ignored and the younger players just seem to follow the olders players in whatever they do.

The rule has to be reinforced at sometime, and now is the right time as there are young players entering the sport and shouldn’t be following the bad habits that are in place.

I don’t understand why there are complaints about the rule as it’s been always there, except some ignored it and did whatever pleased them.

ATP should not have to remind the players of something that’s always been in place.


Brando Says:

@ Skeezer: seriously man: GET OUT OF THE CLOSET! Your a RAFA FAN- admit it! You post about him without fail on a daily basis, commenting on every thing related to rafa from his tennis, his itinerary, tennis politics, favorite food, surface, Pussycat Doll, adverts and above all else his anatomy- most especially his behind! I mean WTF: just end the game here man, would you please and admit your unabashed, fanatical, die hard, passionate obsession about Rafa! I promise NO ONE here would be surprised or knock you for admitting this apparent truth. It’s far better than venting your passion for him via b!tching at every possible oppurtunity in ANY news related to rafa. It comes across not as wise, casual observation but self denial of your clear, apparent, touchingly twisted obsession for the man! Please: leave the koolaid in the fridge and come out of the closet with admission of your long standing love for Rafa! Your fellow Rafa fan, Brando!


Sirius Says:

Great post at 9:48 , skeezer. Loved the part –

“Its ok for Rafa to criticize the state of Tennis, but not tennis fans? The reason it sounds all so disingenuous is it mostly benefits him. An opinion. If you can’t see that you are Rafa blind.”


Ben Pronin Says:

Jane, yeah, they were both respectful. But they also showed the clock on the point following the violation and, technically, he exceeded by about 2 seconds again. And it didn’t look like he was messing around or anything. I’m starting to lean towards 30 seconds being more appropriate.

Nirmal, good point. Which is why I’m thinking it should be the first bounce. I mean if the player deliberately just stands there then it’s up to the umpire to determine the necessary course of action. As much as we (I) love to compare this situation to basketball, it’s still different. There’s still subjectivity here that doesn’t exist in basketball.


Giles Says:

Brando. Spot on, you sure have that skeezer person sussed out! Lol


Giles Says:

Apparently Rafa also pointed out (I bet nobody has thought of this before) that by speeding up play that TV channels will have a hard time running commercials. He makes a very good point here.


Brando Says:

@Giles: LOL, there really is nothing to suss out regarding Skeezer IMO- it’s pretty obvious what the reality is TBH. Skeezer strikes me as the kind of closet rafa fan who’ll go around saying various different things mostly negative about his fav, all the while having a tatoo across his forehead that warns : DO NOT take any notice of the waffle I write. Truth is I LOVE rafa. Just like I love koolaid- which is ALOT! Thankfully folks here are not oblivious to his love, passion ( most especially for Rafa’s butt based on the numerous references he makes to it) that he has for Rafa. I think it’s time he admits it to himself- that’s all!


skeezer Says:

^err.. no. They usually do the commercials during change overs. Not in between points…..


skeezer Says:

@Brando

How did you know? I look at my Tattoo’d Vamos! forehead in the mirror every day :)


juljo724 Says:

Ben Pronin Says:

“Nadalista, I know what you mean. I’m tired of all the bashing, generally of any player but as of late it’s just one way traffic against Nadal.”

And usually from the same posters,skeezer, sienna, dave, trufan are the most prevalent in every thread. Even on a thread for roger, skeezer had to start up complaining about rafa. It’s becoming disgusting.


Brando Says:

@skeezer: LOL, that’s my boy!:-)


juljo724 Says:

skeezer, just look or listen to stats or the commentators concerning Rafa’s endurance. I know I didn’t drink any koolaid before stating that Rafa was known for his best of 5 endurance, and other players have commented about his stats in a 5th set. Posters here have even stated that in a best of 5, if it came down to 5th set, they would favor Rafa. Quit playing dumb and trying to deny it.

As far as Rafa quitting the council, I say he did the best thing. He felt he was not doing any good for the players and he thought maybe someone else could do better for the players. If he was truly intent on pushing his agenda through, he would’ve stayed so he could. That makes common sense. Instead, he let someone else take his place, in hopes that the players would be helped. That does not sound self-serving to me.


Fleischer Says:

nadalista Says:

“Because if you see the highlights of the end of the season, I didn’t see not one highlight, the best points of the season, I did not see not one ace.”

No aces on the highlights reel——priceless!

Wow…what a great analyst…..i have never thought about it.
What a pity….he cannot express things clearly in English


rafaeli Says:

Skeezer Says:
“I am doing because somebody very smart puts a new rule that is a disaster, in my opinion,
Waaaaaahhhhhh! Uh…uh …….Waaaaahhhh! Sniff sniff.
How come the AO finished without a hitch?”

You mean the forgettable AO? No Rafa, no epic match!


Giles Says:

I predict that this time violation rule is gonna change. You heard it here first!!


rafaeli Says:

Roger was behind enforcing the 25 secs rule because he thinks that by hurrying Rafa and Nole between points he stands a chance of beating them.


Giles Says:

Spectators pay big bucks to watch a tennis match. Many pay big bucks just to watch their favourite players.
Having said that what do you think they would prefer, a two hour match or a one hour match?
I know what I would prefer, a two hour match without a doubt!


juljo724 Says:

Another point to think about: If say, James Blake, gave his opinion on the time violation…..do you really think it would make as much news as Rafa giving his own opinion?

Common sense tells you if Rafa says something, his popularity will automatically make it news.


Fleischer Says:

I guess we are going to witness a similar ordeal we went through in Madrid blueclay.

After all the mess the players’ (Rafa & Co) concerns were found to be fair and finally blue clay found its deserving place (out of tennis court).

Now lets see if this time rule is going to stay or booted out.

I guess the fedt@rds are going to end up with egg on their face again.


Fleischer Says:

skeezer Says:
@Brando

How did you know? I look at my Tattoo’d Vamos! forehead in the mirror every day :)

March 11th, 2013 at 11:20 am

I guess you have tattoo’d Rafa’s ass on your forehead. You are too much obsessed with his a$$.


Fleischer Says:

Giles Says:
I predict that this time violation rule is gonna change. You heard it here first!!

March 11th, 2013 at 11:54 am

Yes, I concur with you. This rule will just follow blue clay.


skeezer Says:

Ahhh yes. The Rafa armada is here. Let the lovefest commence….

I’ll predict too. The rule is here to stay ( actually it never left ). It may or may not get tweaked, but its NOT getting booted. The “all take as much time as I want anytime I want” has ended. Get used to it.

If you want to watch more time with Rafa, there is always You Tube. There you’ll enjoy all the extra time you need.

Have fun Girls!


Giles Says:

Fliescher. Yr post 12.15 pm. LMAO!!


Giles Says:

skeezer. It won’t get booted but it will get tweaked!


juljo724 Says:

skeezer, your “have fun girls” comment after your rant about Rafa is getting old. You tend to make that comment or one very similar to it, anytime you want to complain about the attention Rafa gets. As if no male fans happen to like Rafa? As if Rafa is only liked because he is nice looking and has a great physique? As if the only reason a woman would like Rafa is for his body? Your sexist comments are stupid and annoying, and sad to say, you are the main, repeating one doing it.


Fleischer Says:

skeezer Says:
The “all take as much time as I want anytime I want” has ended. Get used to it.

BTW….who wanted such a rule ?


Orkneyfudge Says:

Not sure why there is such a fuss about this rule. It is not a “new rule” at all (only difference is that umpires are now enforcing it) but one that has been in place long before Rafa or any of the other current players started playing the sport. And before anyone says that tennis has changed over time, the majority of players still seem to manage just fine with 25 seconds. There is, however, a select handful who invariably take their own sweet time in between points, irrespective of whether they’ve just played a long 40 stroke rally or double faulted! This is not fair on those who have always followed the rule. Rules in sport are in place to promote fair and sporting play – a concept that some people seem, rather bizarrely, to have a problem with!


Fleischer Says:

Juljo,

Skeezer is a funny little weenie who thinks a 250 win is bigger than making a slam final…his world starts and ends with Rafa’s a$$….lets play with that kiddo when we dont have anything to do. Im just waiting for Rafa’s match to commence…. so lets have some fun.


mat4 Says:

I really can’t read this whole thread, although it is quite interesting. But…

Nadalista wrote:

“This is what Rafa is doing, asking people to THINK and then talk about the issue, rather than just nodding […]”

It is basically out of the context of Rafa’s prior behaviour. Rafal Nadal minds only his own interests. Whenever he argued against a change or proposed something new, it was exclusively in his own interest.

His arguments, here, are mostly bogus. The maine referee, Wayne McEwen, before the AO, said: “The players sometimes need a little time to recover, especially in the heat of the day, or in a long match”, and that there shouldn’t be lots of time-delay warnings. The umpires are quite aware that after a long point, players need time to recover, and are ready to tolerate some delay in those occasions.

But what they are trying to change, beside the fact that matches last longer, is that some players use time-delay as a psychological weapon. A tennis match doesn’t have to be a physical war, and grinders don’t have to be advantaged over attackers.

Finally, that rule existed BEFORE. I find it outrageous that a player uses his ranking, popularity, and his sponsors to bully the umpire, the opponents, the public. Today, Rafa doesn’t have to play mandatory tournaments, doesn’t have to respect time delays, for years he had protected draws… what will be next? Every ball near the lines will be called in?


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Its one thing to voice an opinion about a rule, its another to call people, and the people who manage your sport, dumb. First of all, its just childish and petulant. It detracts from your point. Second of all, its negative for your sport. In every professional league I can think of, other than ATP apparently, players, coaches and owners are fined for even critiquing the refereeing, let alone the league management.
Rafa’s message to fans is: don’t watch tennis. Its gonna suck from now on.
I think he’d be better off simply saying, “I’m not a fan of the rule, here’s why:… But all the players are treated equally, so I’ll do what I have to.”
Rafa will continue to kick ass, because if he’s tired, so is the other guy.


juljo724 Says:

mat4 posted: “Whenever he argued against a change or proposed something new, it was exclusively in his own interest.”

Excuse me? Rafa has said before that, in reference to HC, he does not expect any change IN THIS GENERATION which does include him. How is that exclusively in his own interest? In reference to the time stuff, Roger has his own agenda also, but when either is asked by the media, they give their opinions. They ARE allowed to have opinions,no?


skeezer Says:

Orkneyfudge
TV
MAt4

Some sanity and well thought out posts coming from objective posters!


Fleischer Says:

juljo724 Says:
mat4 posted: “Whenever he argued against a change or proposed something new, it was exclusively in his own interest.”

Excuse me? Rafa has said before that, in reference to HC, he does not expect any change IN THIS GENERATION which does include him. How is that exclusively in his own interest?

Good question Juljo. Let the tards come out and answer this.

Rafa has made it very clear that the current HC tourneys are already in the ATP contract for the next 5 to 6 six years and he is only talking about reducing them ONLY after the existing contracts are over which would take atleast another half a decade.


nadalista Says:

@mat4 says:

“It is basically out of the context of Rafa’s prior behaviour. Rafal Nadal minds only his own interests. Whenever he argued against a change or proposed something new, it was exclusively in his own interest.”

Well, you appear to know more about Rafa and his behaviour than I do. I cannot argue with your knowledge now, can I?


nadalista Says:

Oh @skeezer, do you have to be so predictable? Any post which has an anti-Rafa bent you pronounce well thought out and objective. Seriously, you put transparent figurines to shame……


Fleischer Says:

Great post Nadalista


nadalista Says:

“What a pity….he cannot express things clearly in English”

It always amazes me how some people are quite happy, no make that eager, to advertise their dumbness.


nadalista Says:

@Fleischer,

my comment above is directed at those who do not take the time to listen to Rafa’s comments and digest what Rafa is saying, not at you.

As you say, he comes up with some really insightful observations but because his English is limited, people just dismiss him and do not even make an attempt to LISTEN.


Andrew Tennis Says:

This is exactly the problem with raf@tards. Look at Giles’ gem of a theory :

no time for commercials? really? so nadal wants commercials between points? is he f$#%king retarded?

and you want to see rafa strut around? go ask him to parade in the Victoria secret catwalk. I dont want to see a 2hr fest where 1 player spends 1hour picking his butt! [go check djokovic’s impersonation. every one thinks that is a disgusting habit except rafatards ofcourse!

20seconds is more than enough time. if you don’t know how to end points and end up playing 4hour 3set matchs and 6hour 5-set matches, get a better coach and learn how to play attacking tennis. The time is the same for everyone. hewitt, agassi, safin, sampras, borg – all of these guys who have played lot of 5 setters never begged for extra time because they are wilting like flowers physically in the 5th set. If you are, please go to kindergarten and build castles in the sand-box.

I haven’t seen such whining except from highschool sissies. There is a very good reason why rafa has not won a title on the faster surfaces in almost 3years.


Andrew Tennis Says:

This is exactly the problem with raf@tards. Look at Giles’ gem of a theory :

no time for commercials? really? so nadal wants commercials between points? is he f$#%king retarded?

and you want to see rafa strut around? go ask him to parade in the Victoria secret catwalk. I dont want to see a 2hr fest where 1 player spends 1hour picking his butt! [go check djokovic’s impersonation. every one thinks that is a disgusting habit except rafatrds ofcourse!

20seconds is more than enough time. if you don’t know how to end points and end up playing 4hour 3set matchs and 6hour 5-set matches, get a better coach and learn how to play attacking tennis. The time is the same for everyone. hewitt, agassi, safin, sampras, borg – all of these guys who have played lot of 5 setters never begged for extra time because they are wilting like flowers physically in the 5th set. If you are, please go to kindergarten and build castles in the sand-box.

I haven’t seen such whining except from highschool sissies. There is a very good reason why rafa has not won a title on the faster surfaces in almost 3years.


nadalista Says:

@mat4,

During the Dubai Tournament trophy ceremony, Djokovic said he would like to see the Dubai tournament up-graded to a Masters 1000 event.

Given your comments about Rafa’s behaviour i.e. selfishness, I am interested to hear your take on Djokovic’s comment regarding Dubai’s ATP status.

Was Djokovic’s statement, and desire, driven by altruism, his consideration for other players or is Djokovic minding his own interests here?

You are clear that Rafa’s pronouncements are driven by selfish interests only, so am very interested in your take on what drives Djokovic’s pronouncements, such as the one on the Dubai tournament status.

Thank you.


rogerafa Says:

“I know what I would prefer, a two hour match without a doubt!”

All Rafa devotees and fanatics(well, it applies to all devotees and fanatics) would not mind even a ten hour match if they get to see more of their darling’s OCD. If rafa expresses concerns about the reduced tv time for commercials due to tight enforcement of the time violation rule, all such fanatics would be obliged to be delighted to watch hour-long or longer commercials between points. It is absolutely wonderful to have gross and persistent abuse of this rule so long as “God” Rafa is doing it for he can not do any wrong. If Rafa, for some reason, changes his mind and starts supporting the tight enforcement, his devotees would change course and start lauding Rafa for his great wisdom. Always support Rafa’s stance whether it is reasonable or not. As purcell said on the other blog, this site is sounding increasigly like the tennis trashing site inhabited largely by weird haters and psycopaths. It is obvious a few of them have infected this blog too. It is weird how such a small number can successfully take the debate to such a puerile level.

Enforcement of rules is not a crime guys. Persisitent and gross violation is. It would be sad if the ATP stopped enforcing the rule because some players feel more entitled. The players who made it a habit to waste time irrespective of the situation do not sound credible even if they raise valid concerns regarding extreme situations.


Andrew Tennis Says:

I just hope the ATP will give a nice kick up rafa’s pants and make him fall in line. He is not even the biggest star in the game. The sport is always bigger than an individual.

If it was upto rafa and his team, there would be no drug testing, no tennis when rafa is injured and only tennis on clay.

As someone said, if he wants to talk about to rule changes go talk in the ATP council, which you quit because you could not handle it? whose fault is it that he’s an illiterate who doesn’t know how decisions are made in a professional world. sometimes you have to wonder if sports is filled with too many illiterates who have never had any education to help them develop as human beings and not just as primates.


Andrew Tennis Says:

Dubai has been voted the best 500 tournament since ages. making it a 1000 tournament is a just reward. scrap out paris or other 1000 masters which makes no sense.

Djokovic is the last person nadal fan’s should talk about. He’s not the one who became a sourpuss because he got beaten by his opponent 7 times in a row on 3 different surfaces. Till djokovic gave that beating everything was hunk-dory in rafa’s world. since then he has been on a whining marathon. Guess what? Djokovic is here for good. no amount of whining will get you any more titles outside clay when novak is around.


nadalista Says:

^^eh, is your name @mat4? That’s who I addressed my post to, not Andrew Tennis.


alison Says:

Rogerafa yeah completely agree,as a fan of his i dont for a single minute condone each and every thing he says or does,alot of it leaves me shaking my head and rolling my eyes,but what i find sad is when posters are not even capable of having a discussion without resorting to name calling and using abusive language when trying to put their point across,shame where this forum goes sometimes.


nadalista Says:

@skeezer, me hate fat people? Why would I hate fat people? It’s their faces they stuff with doughnuts and their asses they park on couches all day, not mine.

Please, give me a break………..


nadalista Says:

Leonardo Mayer has pulled out with a back injury, bad news for Rafa because he wants matches on hard court.

Bummer!


nadalista Says:

RT SI_BTBaseline:
“Was standing outside Stadium Court when the walkover announcement was made. Crowd’s disappointment at not seeing Rafa was audible. #BNPPO13”


Giles Says:

@nadalista. Don’t worry, our man will be ok. It would have been nice though to see him kicking some more A$$!!


Andrew Tennis Says:

If nadal and clowns who blindly follow what nadal says utter dumb things, they will be called out on that.

Rafa might be good at playing tennis, but he is not good at running tennis. Why else would he quit the ATP council from where he can make the changes and then whine endlessly about rules that are made. There is an ATP council and a committee. If you are a professional and you have some issues with the way the game is run, you fight the battle in the boardroom.

Just because you are uneducated and do not know how to run a company/organization does not give you the right to whine like a kid who is deprived of his toys. Grow up!


nadalista Says:

Mayer’s withdrawal is a blessing on one hand as Rafa gets to rest his knees and a bummber on the other as well because we all know Rafa gets better with match-play.

Both Seppi and Gulbis will be fancying their chances now!

#VamosRafa
#Willkeepthefaith


Andrew Tennis Says:

This is the problem with KADs. They will support their favorites breaking rules.

Go check cycling forums. There are people who want doping to be legalized because their hero got busted for drugs!

I hope tennis doesn’t come to that.


Giles Says:

Andrew Tennis. Why do you assume Nadal is uneducated? He may not be able to speak fluent English but that does not give you the right to say he is uneducated. Delve into Mr Federer’s profile and you will discover that he is uneducated!
How dare you!!
The ATP Council is a joke. Rafa is well out of it. Rather he spent his time on tennis.
Mr Federer can now have as many yes-men as he wants!


Giles Says:

Who is this Andrew Tennis geezer that has suddenly appeared on this forum?


Andrew Tennis Says:

Oh I forgot, nadal has a MBA from harvard, a PhD from Caltech and a law degree from Yale!

I am sorry if you are unable to disinguish educated people from the uneducated. I can.

Where did I mention Federer is educated? Oh, becuase I called nadal uneducated, it satisfies you [however stupid/dumb it may sound] to call to Federer uneducated? No wonder you are a nadal fan who goes to a tennis court to watch him pick his butt and groom himself for 1hour.

I don’t care for people grooming themselves, be it nadal, federer or djokovic. I care for their tennis and how fairly they play it. If they want to cheat and violate rules, I will call them stupid and dumb. If they talk like an uneducated moron, I will call them that.


Andrew Tennis Says:

Oh I forgot, nadal has a MBA from harvard, a PhD from Caltech and a law degree from Yale!

I am sorry if you are unable to disinguish educated people from the uneducated. I can.

Where did I mention Federer is educated? Oh, becuase I called nadal uneducated, it satisfies you [however stupid/dumb it may sound] to call to Federer uneducated? No wonder you are a nadal fan who goes to a tennis court to watch him pick his butt and groom himself for 1hour.

I don’t care for people grooming themselves, be it nadal, federer or djokovic. I care for their tennis and how fairly they play it. If they want to cheat and violate rules, I will call them stupd and dmb. If they talk like an uneducated morn, I will call them that.


juljo724 Says:

Andrew Tennis, I would say that with all your name calling and posturing, that you would be the one considered illiterate, not Rafa. Rafa speaks at least 3 languages, Spanish, some English and some French, how many languages do you speak? Could you even hold a press conference that would be shown all over the world? Rafa did what too many politicians do NOT do. When he felt that someone else could do better than him as to representing the players, he let them.

If Rafa was so hell bent to press his agenda as so many on here infer, he would have stayed on to “get his way” as many fedfans here say. He CLEARLY states that the HC issue will not happen in his generation, which, in simple English, means he will not benefit. No one has yet to say how this means Rafa is self-serving. You Rafa haters just try to bury it with more idiotic gossip in hopes you don’t have to actually answer a real question.


Andrew Tennis Says:

Has Nadal complained about the blood passports too? Maybe his PR will tell him it would be unwise to do so, given his reputation in the tennis world regarding his attitude towards rules.

I would refer you guys to a site. Google tennis steroid problem and you will be surprised with the dope [pun intended very much] they have on the bu77 picker.


juljo724 Says:

I guess when fed constantly railed against Hawkeye, then that was not whining. He tried his best whines but still failed to have it eradicated.


nadalista Says:

Well, at least Rafa looks cheerful after his walkover, which is more than I am feeling right now. I was really, really looking forward to seeing him play. He attended a quick presser after:

http://instagram.com/p/Wuu58FN5lu/


Giles Says:

This Andrew Tennis geezer sounds like a certain BFF poster who has suddenly disappeared from this forum.
#SamePosterDifferentMoniker


juljo724 Says:

Andrew Tennis sounds just like skeezer with his references to Rafa’s behind. I do also recall someone putting some stats on here recently that showed that Rafa was actually tested more than fed. No wonder fed likes it the way it is. He hardly gets tested.


Andrew Tennis Says:

Juljo:

I am not dmb/blind or both [like you] to see that nadal is uneducated. I can see why that is a bitter pill for you to swallow, as you worship at nadal’s poster all day.

It is quite well established that rafa is incapable of addressing issues professionally – by bringing it up where it matters. His behaviour often resembles that of a child in a pram who throws his toys out when he has a tantrum. Unfortunately for nadal and his blind worshippers, things are handled differently in a civilized human world.


Giles Says:

juljo724. Rafa speaks Italian as well.


juljo724 Says:

Giles, it may be BFF or skeezer. Just shows the sneaky tricks that fedfans will resort to in order to trash talk Rafa.


juljo724 Says:

“I am not dmb/blind or both [like you] to see that nadal is uneducated. I can see why that is a bitter pill for you to swallow, as you worship at nadal’s poster all day.”

At least I’m smart enough to know how to spell dumb. You must be dumb/blind or both. Oh wait, let me write it so you will understand….you must be dmb/blind or both.


juljo724 Says:

Unless you are stalking me or living with me, then I would not assume you know what I do all day.


Giles Says:

http://alturl.com/cqon8
So, why isn’t Mr Federer being drug tested more frequently?


juljo724 Says:

Andrew tennis, how many languages do YOU speak?


skeezer Says:

Rafanatics,

Your newbieness is showing. I have been posting here for years under “skeezerweezer” and then shortened it to “skeezer” this year. Many long timers here know this. I don’t hide under anonymous monikers, it has never been “my style”.

However, as Brando quite keenly pointed out, I could very well be a famous Rafa fan in disguise here that posts quite frequently under a known Rafa fan name.

Its just pure joy to be here. Love you.

Now, can we try real hard to get back to the subject matter( I mean, look at the last 6 posts, this is how far the conversation is out of whack, lol )

“Rafael Nadal Slams ATP Time Rule, Calls It A “Disaster”


juljo724 Says:

I don’t know Giles. I do know that Fed and Rafa along with many other top players are FOR drug testing. I have yet to hear of a player state that they would rather not be tested and that tennis should be drug test free.


juljo724 Says:

skeezer, your alter ego (may not be you but sure as heck posts like you) started in on Rafa being illiterate and such. Now if someone accused fed of illiteracy, I KNOW you would be all down their throats, so why can’t Rafafans defend Rafa in the same way?


mat4 Says:

@Nadalista:

Sorry to answer too late.

You wrote:

“@mat4,

During the Dubai Tournament trophy ceremony, Djokovic said he would like to see the Dubai tournament up-graded to a Masters 1000 event.

Given your comments about Rafa’s behaviour i.e. selfishness, I am interested to hear your take on Djokovic’s comment regarding Dubai’s ATP status.”

No, it isn’t the same thing. You could probably have found a better example of Nole’s selfish wishes.

First: Novak would lose 1 M of appearance fee. Then he proposed, in that interview, a sane competition among the top tournaments and a change of status not only for Dubai: tournaments would change their status by merits.

Second: It really wasn’t selfish to ask for ALL the players to earn more and play in better condition.

It is not the same with Rafa: 2 years ranking? good for him and for some players, bad for a lot of players; more clay? good for clay specialists, players from Spain and South America, bad for big players, big servers, older players. Good for the knees? Good perhaps for his knees, but on fast carpet matches last shorter, points ends rapidely; no time-delay warning? good for him, Djoko, Anderson, bad for most of the players who play faster.

No, it is quite different.


nadalista Says:

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post @mat4 but respectfully, your post just confirms your bias and lack of objectivity. Even most Djokovic fans who read his comments were surprised and disappointed by his comments for the following reasons:

1. There are already 6 HC Masters 100 tournaments (including 1 indoor). There is not even 1 Masters 500 grass court tournament. How then does the #1 player justify adding another HC tourny when there is such a glaring imbalance between the number of hard and grass courts on tour?

2. Djokovic said Dubai should be AT LEAST a Masters 1000, meaning it would also be fitting if was up-graded to a Slam! Really?

It’s plain to see, Djokovic’s favourite surface is HC so it is not a surprise to me that he would argue in favour of ANOTHER HC Masters tournament and why not? He is there to protects his own interests, which is a normal reaction. The point I am making is: you pillory Rafa for being selfish but then pivot and try to make out as though Novak is being altruistic when in fact he is being just as selfish!

At this point, I will ask you to read the following article from Tignor, especially the question on hard courts, Rafa’s response and Tignor’s take on the response. Try to take off your Novak-tinted glasses as you read, you may be pleasantly surprised. Selfish is not a dirty word.

http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2013/03/rafas-return-press-room/46748/#.UT5Hj1dX62s


mat4 Says:

Made a lot of mistakes in my previous post, hope you won’t mind.

“juljo724 Says:

mat4 posted: “Whenever he argued against a change or proposed something new, it was exclusively in his own interest.”

Excuse me? Rafa has said […]”

juljo724, when you think about it and put his hard courts whining in context, do you really think he hoped and tried to change anything?

First, he is not stupid. He knows:

1. you can’t change the structure of courts now — it is simply a question of money;

2. clay courts also put a lot of strain on the body; it is debatable if the main reason for Rafa’s injuries is his weight and his playing style or the surface.

So, I tend to believe that he just put some pressure to prepare his present behaviour: playing the tournaments he wants, skipping the others, managing his schedule and his appearance fees in the best possible way.


nadalista Says:

……..not to mention your argument about loss of appearance fees makes no sense. So he loses US$1 million in appearance fees, you think the desert Sheiks cannot afford to match or better what Larry Ellison is offering in prize money in IW? Match that with bonus earnings……..you did not think this one through, sorry.


skeezer Says:

mat4

Was trying to post earlier about “avoid the trap”, but was too late :(


skeezer Says:

juljo724,

ER; hint. I try to stay out of name calling in the posting…just fyi…especially to posters. You know the usual stuff, “tard”, Fleischer stuff.

PS: “Rafafanatic” is not name calling, is it? ;)


nadalista Says:

^^take it easy with the paranoia, @skeezer, I don’t bite. I am not out to “get” @mat4.


DC Says:

@Nadalista -there is a reason why most of the tournaments are played on HC. Becuase in most parts of the world, most of the people play most of the time on hard courts.It allows the common man to play tennis and has made the sport more popular – period.

Sportsmen should build their game according to the rules of the game, not crib that the rules are bad if they aren’t able to adopt to the game.

When the 20 second rule was made, courts were faster, rallies were shorter because of rackets/string technology etc. The main reason for players having issues with the 20 second rule is that ATP has made the courts slower, resulting in frequent longer & exhausting rallies.

Players adapted to new technologies with rackets & strings which made rallies longer – they should have rather asked for and adapted to technology which would help them hit killer shots. Players are in part to be blamed for the mess they are in – adapting to and focusing on incorrect usage of technology.


nadalista Says:

@DC says;

“@Nadalista -there is a reason why most of the tournaments are played on HC. Becuase in most parts of the world, most of the people play most of the time on hard courts.It allows the common man to play tennis and has made the sport more popular – period.”

So, this is your argument for Djokovic wanting Dubai to be up-graded to a Masters 1000 AT LEAST?

#sigh


nadalista Says:

Gulbis wins, will play Rafa next. Will be a tough test for Rafa.


Wog boy Says:

Nadalista,

“Even most Djokovic fans who read his comments were surprised and disappointed by his comments…”

Where did you get that one from? Since you pretend to speak here on behalf of all Rafa fans now you are speaking on behalf of most Nole fans. Stick to your man and don’t make things up about us Nole fans. Nole was barely making the winners speach to praise organizers for doing such a great job and making players feel like they are playing 1000 tournament, that is called nice manners. Now tell any 500 tournament that can come even close to Dubai, quality of players, moneywise, quality of facility etc? Tell me any 500 tournament that can come anywhere near Dubai and I will tell you 1000 that cannot come anywhere near Dubai.

Now one question for you: what is wrong with idea for the best 500 tournament to replace worst 1000 tournament, like in football, worst team from the premier league out and the best team from second division in?


DC Says:

The real reason for Nadal’s knee problems is that he plays with his left hand, while he is a natural right handed person.
By playing leftie, he puts more stress on his left knee.A natural leftie has stronger left arms and left knees by design of nature.
A natural rightie similarly has stronger right arms & knees.
Nadal has overloaded his naturally less stronger left knee, causing it to injure more frequently.

He should talk to uncle Tony about it.


mat4 Says:

@nadalista:

You couldn’t be more wrong. I have bias against Andy Murray, not Rafael Nadal.

Let’s see your arguments:

Djokovic, who is not a native speaker, said “at least a MS 1000”. I can guarantee that it is a false friend from serbian (WB and courbon can probably confirm it), and that it doesn’t mean Dubai should be a slam. At least, I understand that Rafa doesn’t speak English well.

Then, you’re argument if fallacious.

We are debating about what someone has said, not about what he didn’t try to do or say. You are not addressing the issue with Djokovic’s proposal (tournaments rank by merit; gains/problems for the players), but opening a new debate, that simply has not much to do with Novak. Ha! I finally understand now: you pointed that Rafa asks for more grass tournaments…

Djokovic’s reasoning seems OK: the best tournaments deserve to be MS 1000. They have to deserve their status. He didn’t mention the slams — but he could have. Let’s remember that forty years ago, Rome almost became a slam instead of RG.

Then, let’s be honest: the ATP can (with difficulties) chose, select the MS 1000, and the players have some influence on the ATP, but they can’t change the surface of the tournaments they play, nor the balls, the best they manage to did was to change the colour of a tournament.

Then, about the word “selfish”. I think I gave an answer in my previous post, but you are simply avoiding a serious conversation. Everybody has to have a sane dose of selfishness. But the problem with Rafa is that what’s good for him is often bad for the others. And that’s when to be “selfish” becomes a problem.


Alok Says:

I hope that ATP will stick to the whatever time rule is decided on and not be time rule and not be shilly-shally.

juljo724 Says:
Giles, it may be BFF or skeezer. Just shows the sneaky tricks that fedfans will resort to in order to trash talk Rafa.

March 11th, 2013 at 3:28 pm

As I see it there are a lot of new posters who have appeared, so why does it have to be Fed fans who have resorted to using the new monikers? And, what’s wrong with anyone changing their moniker? There are some posters who write similarly to some here, who are not Fed fans, and are using two monikers interchanging them.


nadalista Says:

@Wog boy says,

“Since you pretend to speak here on behalf of all Rafa fans now you are speaking on behalf of most Nole fans. Stick to your man and don’t make things up about us Nole fans.”

Thank you for your admonition, taken. I look forward to you taking your own advice as well.

In keeping with your admonition, I shall refrain from answering your question posed to me in your last paragraph for fear of offering a response with a reference to your man, which may offend you.

You have yourself a nice day.

Goodbye to you.


mat4 Says:

“nadalista Says:

……..not to mention your argument about loss of appearance fees makes no sense.”

The appearance fee is for Djokovic, the prize money is for the winner(s). It is not the same.


juljo724 Says:

alok, there is no sane reason why someone whould use two monikers on one site, unless you are trying to sneaky. It is not the first time that has happened on here. Sorry, mostly was done by fedfans.


Alok Says:

@DC, “By playing leftie, he puts more stress on his left knee.A natural leftie has stronger left arms and left knees by design of nature.
A natural rightie similarly has stronger right arms & knees.”

This is a genuine question, not a rhetorical one. Do you think it’s the reason Sharapova has suffered so many problems with her shoulders? She’s a natural leftie, who plays rightie? Thanks.


mat4 Says:

@skeezer:

I knew well it’s a trap.

But I enjoy being polite, and denouncing Rafa’s behaviour. Because it is the behaviour of a spoiled six year old child: I don’t like blue clay (before it was discovered that it is so slippery), I don’t want to play on fast hard courts, I want the match delayed because I’ve lost 8 games in a row, I am ready to have a brawl with Tsonga because I lost in the semi, I am injured because I lost…

Come on, he is a great champion (he really doesn’t have to be “perfect”), but to admire everything he says? Especially when it is, most of the time, destructive nonsense?

Finally, I am not trying to make a point for nadalista, but for others who read this blog.


nadalista Says:

@mat4, thank you for your response. I would love to continue our lovely conversation but I have told by one of your fellow Nole fans to “stick to my man”. I am sure you will appreciate it is difficult to have a conversation/argument when such strictures are put in place.

I shall leave you Nole fans to opine about Rafa and Rafa fans, wouldn,’t dream of limiting your freedom of speech in that way!

I was enjoying the conversation with you, for what it’s worth!

Enjoy your day!! Peace.


juljo724 Says:

“Come on, he is a great champion (he really doesn’t have to be “perfect”), but to admire everything he says?”

Could also apply to someone else!


Giles Says:

http://alturl.com/kdwk8
Nice interview with Rafa. No knee talk! If the press don’t ask they don’t get “knee” responses!!!


skeezer Says:

@mat4,

( Sorry, just knew it was coming, but also knew you were capable )

Totally get that. and your first paragraph is spot on.

Additionally,

“Come on, he is a great champion (he really doesn’t have to be “perfect”), but to admire everything he says? Especially when it is, most of the time, destructive nonsense?”

Says it all for me.

____

@Julio,

Could apply to whom? For me, I have criticized “my man” more than a few times, can you all say the same?


nadalista Says:

^^^Hahaha! Are you Neil Harman in disguise?

RT NeilHarmanTimes: “I just realised that I sat through a @RafaelNadal press conference in which the word ‘knee’ never came up. “


mat4 Says:

@julio724:

“juljo724 Says:

“Come on, he is a great champion (he really doesn’t have to be “perfect”), but to admire everything he says?”

Could also apply to someone else!”

Indeed it should! Honestly, do you really think I admire everything Novak says? (Although, let’s be earnest, I admire everything MS says…)


nadalista Says:

My post was meant for @Giles….


Giles Says:

Hey mat 0. That’s right, zero. FYI Rafa doesn’t brawl. He comes from an amazing family who have brought him up very well indeed. So stick your nasty comments!!


Giles Says:

nadalista. Wow that’s weird to say the least. ESP perhaps?? Lol


Wog boy Says:

“stick to your own man” was about you trying to tell the others , including us Nole fans, our opinion about what Nole said, the one that were not aware of.
That has nothing to do with YOUR opinion about what Nole said that you wanted to sell us (Nole fans and the others) as our opinion too.
Now, I am still waiting for your answer, or you are quiting same as your man did (quit), since he couldn’t sell his ideas to other players?

PS
I hope my english is better than Rafa’s and you got my message without missunderstanding it.


nadalista Says:

@Giles, they say great minds think alike! I like Neil Harmans, very thoughtful fellow. I do read his tennis blogs for The Times, very well written, even if I do not always agree with his opinions.


mat4 Says:

@skeezer:

It was a piece of cake: nadalista is a pleasant and polite poster, but had no arguments whatsoever. Not even Tignor could help her.


juljo724 Says:

mat4, plenty of people here have said that they don’t agree with one thing or another that Rafa has said. But when it disintegrates into Rafa namecalling, is when people get mad. It has been noted by the moderators and writers of this site about the Rafa-bashing by fedfans. That was what I was alluding to….fedfans.

skeezer, you have recently seen me actually present facts about the ATP Council stuff contrary to what a Rafa fan posted. So I do believe in facts, not assumptions, and I don’t blindly believe all that is presented on the internet. (Bonjour!)


Wog boy Says:

“… the one tha WE were not aware of.”


Giles Says:

Rafa is Spanish but he speaks better English than some posters here!! #Fact


nadalista Says:

Awww, c’mon @mat4! You KNOW you are talking to me, addressing @skeezer, my foot!

Compliment noted and accepted, and you are a polite and pleasant poster too, even if you don’t know what you’re talking about half the time!

Hehehehe……


mat4 Says:

@Giles:

You’re right: Rafa is very polite and well taught. But it doesn’t change the nature of his off court behaviour.

And my comments are not nasty. Yours are. Why don’t you present some argumentation? Why don’t you try to prove that I am wrong?

Just to mention it, Roger, Novak and many others are also from respectable families. And, if you really want to learn about Rafa’s background, you should read “Rafa”. I did.

———————-

Finally, I am thinking more and more to upgrade to mat5. Especially if I win the draw challenge for IW, and I have excellent chances to do it..


mat4 Says:

@nadalista:

“even if you don’t know what you’re talking about half the time!”

It was a low jab..


Wog boy Says:

mat4,

Or should I cal you mat3 since I just checked you chances of winning the challenge;)
It is not all so bad, there is a prize for wooden spooners too … you know ..


nadalista Says:

@mat4, low jab? Yay, it means my boxing classes are worth the effort!

Take comfort from this: your upper cuts aren’t too shabby either, I just happen to be blessed with a steel jaw.

Peace.


nadalista Says:

Is Jimmy Connors a class act or what? Just love this guy….

https://twitter.com/JimmyConnors/status/311232292569886720/photo/1


mat4 Says:

@WB:

You can’t be serious… I have two aces in my sleeve: DelPo and Berdych. You’ll see. No wooden spoon for me..

@nadalista:

nah… I know how you feel. It is not always easy to be a Rafa fan..


Wog boy Says:

Same posters here are not from English speaking countries, but yet they are doing their best to socialize and to talk and to WRITE and to exchange their opinions in English on English speaking blog even running the risk of being lughed at and being missunderstood.
I think, to fair, that is to commend but that is only my opinion and can be subjective, since I am one of them.

Humble Rafa, sorry I just realize I used “English” three times:(


mat4 Says:

Connors IS a class act. He always was (the seventies and eighties excepted)!

I watched a recent interview of his yesterday, and he looked great.

There is, of course, one thing he makes a big mistake: his real successor is Djokovic, not Nadal. But no one is perfect.


mat4 Says:

@WB:

“lughed at and being missunderstood.”

Indeed..


mat4 Says:

Sorry, WB, I just couldn’t resist..


courbon Says:

Yeah, we have to respect like when Australians try to speak English…Its not easy, you know!


mat4 Says:

@courbon:

WB doesn’t need enemies with friends like us..


Wog boy Says:

Berdych cannot do it three times in a row, to beat Federer and this is slow court doesn’t suit his game plan against Federer.
Delpo doesn’t have a chance for the same reason against Andy but Andy has to make it to QF, I will ask Margot and DA to send some fish oil based lubricants or Singer one to IW, they are nuturally based and better than WD40;)
WD40 is not good on the long run, tends to damage bolt and screws;) It is only temporary relief, Andy needs permanet solution.


Wog boy Says:

Here we go. Are ganging up again, mat4 and courbon?


Wog boy Says:

mat3,

Blame English language … they put double letters and they don’t need them, theu put C in the word but they say K, but then they put KING and not CING, they put “I” but the say “AI” and so on. If your native language is phonetic language in which “you write what you say, and you read what is written” than you are in all sorts of trouble trying learn to speak, read and write English.
And you,MAT3, stop being picky;)


mat4 Says:

@WB:

On a more serious note: I am not certain that Berdych can’t do it three times in row, especially here. It is true the surface is slower, but the Czech hits flat, and he is… big, powerful. I even tend to think that the slower court will play in his favour, but, of course, I could be wrong. But, definitely, I don’t see a big difference in terms of tennis.

The mental part could be the most important.

Del Po against Murray? They haven’t played since 2009. Murray was better, then, but Andy has sometimes problems with big hitters, like Berdych, and although he is the clear favourite, I believe that Del Po has a good chance.

JMDP is in good form, played the semi here two years ago, and he generally played quite well since the Olympics, with the AO as his only big miss. If he makes the QF, he will be tough to beat. But he still has to make that round.


courbon Says:

@Mat 4:Well, I guess you are right there…he,he,he

Also, I asked my father in law about final when Saint Etienne lost and he told me that referee was bad, not Curkovic’s fault…There are even good Partizan players, belive it or not
Red Star Belgrade is obviously much superior team but try to explain that to some people…


mat4 Says:

BTW, how do they calculate the “average score per tourney”? I see that the average is 38.12, but only a few Murray fans have 37 and the vast majority is over 40.


mat4 Says:

@courbon:

It tried to find that goal on youtube, and there is indeed a short film about the 1976 CC, but the goal is difficult to see.


Wog boy Says:

mat4,

I have to be honest, as much as Nole’s defeat against Federer is by far hardest to digest, their matches bring the best tennis out of both of them, Nole/Rafa and Nole/Andy are great matches but different sort of tennis. In Dubai it was rather the case of Federer losing than the case of Berdych winning. Federer had the match on his racquet. He is not going to make same mistakein IW if they are to meet.
As much as I like Delpo his hard hiting FH and BH, are taking its toll during the course of match. If the points are quick he is winning, if the other player can extend the ralies Delpo is losing since he is using to much body strenght just for one single shot, after 4-5 exchanges he is droping his power and needs mor recovery time. That is why he is notorius in taking longer beetwen the points. If you look tha way he hits his FH, his whole body shooks, if normal player is using 60% of his body strenght to hit a ball, Delpo is using 80% and that is to much. Andy can keep the ball in play for as long as he wants and that doesn’t work for Delpo. Look at Nole, He give Delpo back every ball and after 4-5 shots Delpo is starting to missfire.
Daes it make any sense to you you, I know what I think but it is hard to put it on the paper inEnglish, blame on English;)


mat4 Says:

WB:

I just watch parts of the novak-delpo QF at RG in 2011. Beautiful match. I forgot how well Novak played during that clay season. But still, I believe that Novak’s FH is better now.

I think Murray doesn’t absorb the pace as well as Novak does.


Wog boy Says:

mat4,

In that case you noiticed how Delpo was exhausted, he pays the prize for his hardhitting and not being able to have short points with Novak. That was the case at USO too, that was fantastic match.
Andy has differen style, while Nole is sending back everything he can with interest too, Andy tends just to send them back but that still makes Delpo working and hiting hard for a longer than he usually needs. Advantage Andy;)


mat4 Says:

Anyway, I am still the clear favourite to win the challenge..


Wog boy Says:

If courbon entered the challenge you would have a chance to avoid wooden spoon, but he didn’t ..


nadalista Says:

@mat4,

1. Au contraire, it is VERY easy being a Rafan. Think about it, it’s OTHER people who agonize and obssess about Rafa’s “shortcomings”, we just sit back and listen. Listening is not a tough job.

2. Regarding Jimmy Connors, take solace in the fact that his opinions are heavily influenced by his drink of choice: RafaKoolAid. Not easy being objective when you are living under the influence. Btw, he has impeccable taste in beverages, true connoisseur.


mat4 Says:

@nadalista:

On a more serious note: all those posts… it is not about Rafa. The boy does his job, which is to play and try to win, and it is what I expect him to do. I really don’t care much about what he said, or Roger said, or Novak said, although I sometimes like what Murray said, because he has an excellent sense of dry humour. I even had a polemic with Dave about Rafa, and, believe me, that’s something no one wants to have. The man puts more energy in his posts than I do in scientific papers.

It is more about the reactions of Rafans. Rafa said this… Rafa said that… Oh, it’s great — he broke the rules again… what a beautiful lie…

Although I don’t agree with the -tard(s) words (although, Notards for Nole fans would be… what?), I am sometimes tempted to use it. I expect and love to read posts about the game of a player, his FH, BH, strategy, and from Rafans I expect to be the best connoisseurs of Rafa’s game. Did it change? Did Rafa lost weight? (alison thinks he has.) Did he work on his movement? Should he hire another coach? Questions like that. The rest is really irrelevant.

Of other things, two clearly bother me, I have to admit. The question of doping. I have serious suspicions and good arguments for any of the top four (and 5, 6, 7…) to be doped. The question of fixed draws — and although some fans deny it, it is definitely not a question of are the draws fixed or not, they definitely are — but how much did they change tennis history. (We see that Novak, after signing for IMG, has usually a piece of cake of draw: USO, Shanghai, AO.) I honestly think that both Djokovic and Murray would have had more important trophies were the draws fair.


alison Says:

^Hope Andy wins Wimbledon this year,go Andy ^.


nadalista Says:

Hi mat4,

I am glad you prefaced your post with, “on a more serious note……” because this compels me to confess: posting on tennis-x blog is a light-hearted diversion for me, it is not a serious vocation. Okay, I am in danger of revealing my predilection for dark humour here……..

For me, tennis is a game, not a matter of life and death. Rafa is a young man with a good talent which he is exploiting to the full, good luck to him and God bless. He has a game and attitude to life I enjoy, no more no less. My enjoyment of Rafa’s game is not a zero-sum game: the flip-side is not disliking or hating his competitors.

To dislike or hate someone is an emotional investment, albeit negative, just as liking someone is an emotional investment. I have a finite amount of emotional energy, so I have to choose wisely how to expend it. This is why you see most of my posts being on Rafa i.e. positive emotional investment, and not much on others. Can’t afford to waste precious energy on dislike/hate. I do like Murray, though.

To you, my posts on Rafa may come across as being “all about Rafa”, to me it is a judicious expenditure of my finite emotional energy. You hardly see me posting about other players. It’s a choice. May be boring to you but sorry, and I say this with great respect, I am concerned about my utility curve, not yours.

Some people are the opposite of me i.e. they get their satisfaction from trashing other players i.e. they are emotionally invested in players they dislike or even hate. Here’s my theory: the reason I engage this other “species” is to try to understand their emotional investment decision matrix. Their decision matrix is so different from mine I am fascinated.

Okay, now I’ve put you to sleep. Now back to Rafa..

You would rather I talked about his forehand, backhand, inhand etc, etc. I don’t because there are other people more eminently qualified to discuss those technicalities than I am, and I read VORACIOUSLY what these experts offer. Just because I do not bring those details to discussions on this blog does not mean I do not think they are important or I have no interest in them. Like I said, I come to tennis-x blog for fun, not to be educated or to educate. It’s a choice.

Oh, it also helps that I do not take myself too seriously. Conceit is not a quality I find attractive, in myself or others.

On the other issues you raised:

Doping. My line is innocent until proved guilty.
Draws. I am with you there, I believe they are fixed by the tournaments to suit their own commercial ends. Does this compromise my utility curve? Absolutely not!This is one instance I am happy to play the fool.


Giles Says:

nadalista. Great post.


Giles Says:

^^^ PS. Great to have you on side! :-))


nadalista Says:

^^Thanks @Giles.

Sara Errani on Rafa:

http://bnpparibasopenblog.com/2013/03/bnp-paribas-open-5-minutes-with-sara-errani/#more-2058

BNPPO: Do you have a player on tour that you’ve always looked up to?
Errani: I like very much Rafael Nadal. For me, he’s an idol. I like to watch him play to see how he’s doing everything. He’s an amazing person and an amazing player.


jamie Says:

I see my messages were deleted. Interesting.

Anyway.

Nole won’t win RG. Nadal will.


Giles Says:

nadalista. Another fan! They just keep coming! #RafaEffect

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