For Someone Who Says The Season Is Too Long, Rafael Nadal Sure Is Playing A Lot Of Exos!

This is all Uncle Toni’s doing. He’s to blame for everything wrong in tennis today.

November 23rd, 2013 at 12:30 pm

They are just promoting tennis. It’s their duty and exhos are nothing like tournaments. Playing one match at each exho hardly compares to playing a Masters tournament.

They need time out to do what they want, like Nadal playing a Poker tournament.

November 23rd, 2013 at 12:39 pm

Players can and will do whatever the heck they want in the off season. Why criticise?

November 23rd, 2013 at 1:19 pm

This thread was written for one reason and one reason only. We all know what that is.

Vamos, Rafa, and thank you for resting your body for 7 months……it has paid dividends for you…in more ways than won!! BTW I know to spell one. Lol

Have a good fun time and enjoy yourself. From the looks of the photos, you are!!

November 23rd, 2013 at 1:36 pm

They play these exos to raise money for their respective charities, not to pad their bank accounts. Richard Branson made a sizable donation to Rafa’s foundation in exchange for Rafa’s presence at the Necker Cup. There was also a lot of partying going on as everyone can see from the twitter pics. The South American exos are tributes to two players who retired this year and, again, there was more fun than work. Again, the money goes to the players’ charities, plus the matches promote tennis in new markets. It’s called giving back. You should look into it.

November 23rd, 2013 at 1:58 pm

SG1,
Agree with you. If not for that infamous evil uncle, Federer would have won 25+ slams by now and his fans would not have turned into hooligans. Life would have been much more peaceful for them.

November 23rd, 2013 at 2:09 pm

These exhos are hardly the real deal. Nole wins one, Nalby wins one, and Rafa wins two. From Necker Island to Argentina there’s been nothing but accolades for Rafa. No stress, no strain, just love. It’s like a holiday or vacation while promoting what it is he loves to do. Have you seen any of the pictures Sean? Did any of it look like work? Vamos Rafa, enjoy your break.

November 23rd, 2013 at 2:16 pm

@slice tennis , life is more apeaceful with ur hero around :) 17 >13 so what are u talking abot ? chill off and come again in 2 years

November 23rd, 2013 at 2:20 pm

Although ive no time for celebrities that promote charities,i would say exhos give the players time to relax and also try new tecniques to hone their games.

November 23rd, 2013 at 2:23 pm

Wish the top players would donate money from these exhos to charities. How much money does one really need

November 23rd, 2013 at 2:32 pm

If the money already goes to charities, then i take my statement back. As far as taxing on the body, i cant imagine these matches would be more taxing than a practice session for them

November 23rd, 2013 at 2:34 pm

My opinion is that the celebrities are involved in charity related stuff just to promote themselves more. Just PR stuff and a kind of investment to build up their image.

November 23rd, 2013 at 2:39 pm

As Okiegal mentioned above we all know the reason why Sean came up with this article.
Sean, you are really smart. You know your stuff well. Salute.

November 23rd, 2013 at 2:44 pm

Some people don’t seem to get it. It’s really nothing like playing real matches. No stress, no pressure, no worrying about points. Plus, they complained about the number of mandatory events.
Sure they are getting a lot of money, but I don’t see anything wrong here. Ok, they have to play the matches, but like someone else said it’s not more than a practice. People in those countries will not complain that they can see them. I know I wouldn’t. Exhos will always happen after the season, if people want it or not. It’s an easy way to make money. It has nothing to do with their complaints. Surely some people will always criticize them.

November 23rd, 2013 at 2:45 pm

Rafa has already said “This is my holiday”. So, he enjoys playing some stress free Exos (Sean. little or no stress on the famous knees), has fun, helps his charities, receives more and more adulation from his fans and by the look of things is having a blast out there. What more can he ask for?
Vamos Rafa!

November 23rd, 2013 at 3:29 pm

Knee controversy;
Looks like a Duck, quacks like a Duck. It’s a Duck.

November 23rd, 2013 at 3:51 pm

I give up, throw up my hands…..Rafa can’t win. He gets ridiculed for everything he does. Oh, silly me, he is winning and that’s the problem!!

Vamos Rafa and enjoy your life and stay healthy…..You da man!!!

November 23rd, 2013 at 4:03 pm

And you just know Rafa can’t just sit still for a longer period of time. So why not. I doubt Rafa’s knee would be better if he not played those exos. He wouldn’t be allowed to train then either, which he surely will do as well in December.

November 23rd, 2013 at 4:12 pm

Blah, blah, Sean Randall got nothing to write about these days tennis is done for the year but he needs to pay bills so he writes dumb pieces like this one…

November 23rd, 2013 at 4:14 pm

And skeezer continues to quack!

November 23rd, 2013 at 4:22 pm

If it looks like a clay pigeon, walks like a clay pigeon and coos like a clay pigeon….well it must be a clay pigeon……guess what our guy does with clay…..being the master potter….shoots them down one by one!! Fed up with articles on the never injured knees….reading between the lines, of course!

VAMOS RAFA…..continue to have fun and supporting your foundation! This is a great thing you guys are doing for charity and the fans.

November 23rd, 2013 at 5:17 pm

I actually think travelling can be more taxing than the exhos themselves. I just hope no player uses these exhos as a justification/excuse for a subpar performance in 2014. I don’t think Federer’s 2013 problems had anything to do with the exhos he played in 2012. By the same token, it shouldn’t be the case for Nole or Rafa either.

November 23rd, 2013 at 5:28 pm

The AFLAC Duck just appeared on my TV in a commercial…….checked his knee…..not wrapped!! Definitely a healthy duck!! LOL

Vamos Rafa!!

November 23rd, 2013 at 6:28 pm

Your missing the big picture Sean. These stars are making money for themselves and for their charities, but more than that they’re promoting tennis. Without the games stars touring and promoting, tennis would die a slow death. What’s silly, is the idea that Rafa should stay home and fish to protect his knee, as if there was a shield of protection around him in Majorca. I’m pretty sure the fishing for fun season has long been over. I’m also sure that a slip on a boat, or on the golf course could just as easily wreak havoc on a knee, as playing tennis at an exho.

November 23rd, 2013 at 9:45 pm

“These stars are making money for themselves and for their charities, but more than that they’re promoting tennis.”
No, I don’t think so.
We have plenty of tennis to watch that promotes the game. Its almost year round. And Rafa himself wants a shorter tour season. There is “promotional opportunity” and “charitable events” that are on tour already. Take the USO as an example. Prior to the start of the tourney there is kids day, wheel chair tennis, charitable causes and celebrity tennis with the pros.
I think some of you are missing Sean’s meaning of the article, my imo. Rafa has never been injured (chronic? Lmao) as much as he has said. Or he is nuts playing so much. Exho or no. Anyone who has chronic knee issues know very well.

November 23rd, 2013 at 11:18 pm

Does anyone on this forum who is a tennis fan of Tom, Dick, or Harry think that Rafas knees could have gotten a lot better by rehab , treatment or whatever Doctors do to make knees better?? I want to know if not …why?? This is an honest sincere question and I would love an honest sincere answer.

Thanking anybody in advance.

Okiegal.

November 24th, 2013 at 12:25 am

They seek attentions and money to their level. You seek attention at your level by writing a thread like this..

November 24th, 2013 at 12:31 am

You obviously have no idea what you’re talking about so here’s a little information for you.

Rafa built and runs a school in the poorest area of India. It costs him $2 million per year to keep it going. On top of that, his foundation generously supports a number of charities in Spain including Special Olympics. The money from these exhos goes to his Foundation, yet you with your small mind and spite disparage him for doing good in the world. What have you done lately to improve someone else’s life?

November 24th, 2013 at 1:01 am

Skeezer,
Sometimes the players appear as hypocrites. Federer frequently brings back his back issues, mono, etc. But he keeps playing all those exos and making all kinds of promotional tours. And he never underwent any back surgery like Andy Murray. Something fishy.

November 24th, 2013 at 2:54 am

Okiegal
You go gal! :)

November 24th, 2013 at 3:36 am

Okiegal it seems some people will put a negative slant on each and everything Rafa does,you see the haters are p*ssed as things didnt quite go according to plan for them,Rafa wasnt supposed to have the year hes just had,he wasnt supposed to win as many titles as he has,dominate the tour like he has,reclaim the number 1 ranking etc,dont you see?he was supposed to lose at all the slams early,and fall out of the top ten,become a shadow of the player he once was,and retire from tennis,so it was a shame for them and brilliant for us that none of that happened.

November 24th, 2013 at 5:39 am

The tennis season is in fact too long and the off season not long enough. When does the WTA wind off? Is it October?
And then we have the back to back tourneys which take its toll on the players as well.
So, in effect the season is far too long. Hope the new CEO brings some beneficial changes to the table.

November 24th, 2013 at 6:09 am

When it comes to womens tennis i believe they have it alot easier than the men,its the same whether its a masters 250,500,1000,or a GS,all best of three sets,all much of a muchness.

November 24th, 2013 at 7:24 am

http://alturl.com/pvp8m
Joker doing his bit for Rafa. Lol

November 24th, 2013 at 7:45 am

@Margot

Yes I will. I get so tired of the constant anti Rafa banter that goes on day after day. Rafa burst their bubble. Other players can do the same thing he does….but in the end, it’s all about Rafa. He is so popular!!

@Chic

How right you. They are having a tough time with the great year Rafa has had. We will have to see what 2014 has to offer. I am excited.

You gals have a nice day!!

November 24th, 2013 at 10:03 am

Serena Williams Says:

With Serena it’s ‘she doesn’t have much competition.’ Well, Roger (Federer) didn’t have much competition for a while either but they weren’t bemoaning that fact, they were never saying there’s no depth in men’s tennis. They’re quick to say it about women.”

Preach it Martina.

November 24th, 2013 at 10:33 am

Where was Sean’s “objective” anti-Fed article when he played SA last year?

Silence speaks volumes.

Hilarious!

November 24th, 2013 at 10:52 am

Sean. Are you anti- Rafa by any chance?
#JustAsking

November 24th, 2013 at 10:55 am

Rafa was asked in an interview what he would do in the off season and he said he would be playing some matches for his foundation and doing some things for his sponsors. There was a notice on the Necker Cup website that said 5% (I think) of the money paid by the guests at the Necker Cup would go to Rafa’s foundation. And playing an hour and a half long exo isn’t any more stressful on Rafa’s knees than a practice session. Nice try, though. I’m sure in your small, bitter little mind you think you proved it’s all a big hoax.

November 24th, 2013 at 10:57 am

Here is TX piece on Fed’s SA tour last year touting the bags of cash he would earn as a statement of his great financial prowess.

http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2012-12-02/11084.php

Different angle no?

Nothing new.

November 24th, 2013 at 10:58 am

Funny there were no criticisms and tongue wagging when fed played all those Exos in SA last year. There were 6, I believe, and he made a haul of around $12m. It’s ok for fed but not ok for Rafa. Why is that? Sean, can you please enlighten us?

November 24th, 2013 at 11:04 am

1. There is a huge difference between playing exos and grueling tournaments for ranking points.

2. The money Rafa is making at these exos is going to his foundation.

3. Two of these exos are for retiring friends: tennis players, David Nalbandian and Nicolas Massu.

4. Rafa is bringing live elite tennis to places where they don’t usually get to see matches.

November 24th, 2013 at 11:10 am

It was exactly the same small minded and petty criticisms earlier this year when Rafa played an Exo in MSG. Pronin for one was on his case pretending to be concerned about his knees and raising eyebrows at the amount of the fees. What is it with your guys?

November 24th, 2013 at 11:11 am

^*you*^

November 24th, 2013 at 11:14 am

The real issue here seems to be that they earn big money. I don’t remember any backlash for Fed last year either. Quite the opposite, it was written how great it was for the fans to see him. And he earns a lot of money as well. So don’t pretend to worry about Rafa’s health, when the real issue is money.
Whatever they are having a great time in South America. Good for them. I think they are more important issues in tennis than exos in the off-season.

November 24th, 2013 at 11:24 am

Sean Randall, whether players indicate openly or not what they ll use their money for is none of anybody’s buiness. Nole, Rafa and other top players can donate it all to you if they please. (am sure you are not thinking charity now). Why you are bent on getting proof on Rafa’s plans for his money is for charity just shows that you owe your landlord so much and also nose-deep in debt with your bank. #poorthing

Am still searching for SOMETHING name skeezer. #nonentities

November 24th, 2013 at 11:35 am

Sean Randall, whether players indicate openly or not what they ll use their money for is none of anybody’s buiness. Nole, Rafa and other top players can donate it all to you if they please. (am sure you are not thinking charity now). Why you are bent on getting proof that Rafa’s plans for his money is for charity just shows that you owe your landlord so much and also nose-deep in debt with your bank. #poorthing

Am still searching for SOMETHING named skeezer. #nonentities

November 24th, 2013 at 11:40 am

:like:

+1

November 24th, 2013 at 11:43 am

“http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2013/11/navratilova-sexism-still-tennis-easier-federer-be-loved-serena/49849/”

Hello Martina,
Welcome to the vamos heads club.

Where are the haters now ?

November 24th, 2013 at 11:58 am

“Well, Roger (Federer) didn’t have much competition for a while either”

Hahahaha…she’s rubbing salt on their wounded a$$.

I am loving it. Hahahaha.

November 24th, 2013 at 12:05 pm

Are people really that surprised by the anti-Rafa bias on this site? It has existed for years. The contributors have even admitted that they’re primarily pro-Federer. You guys should get used to it and not take the bait.

November 24th, 2013 at 12:07 pm

TXHC,

Great post at 5:39.

http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2013-11-23/14234.php#comment-506059

Hope you come with more such brilliant and sharp posts instead of just trying to be nice. Way to go.

November 24th, 2013 at 12:10 pm

Slice Tennis Says:
SG1,
Agree with you. If not for that infamous evil uncle, Federer would have won 25+ slams by now and his fans would not have turned into hooligans. Life would have been much more peaceful for them.

November 23rd, 2013 at 2:09 pm

hilarious! Slice tennis, telling people not to be “hooligans”. Ha! Had me laughing all the way to the bank!

Seriously, why would someone who had oodles and doodles of money, want to play an exho? Oh, I forgot. Rafa already played an exho, the WTF 2013! But, like the rafanatics say, he doesn’t play for the money, just for the good of his charity? Rather than playing, just DONATE a ton of money and then go fishing!

Martina Navratilova said a shed load of things over the years, including Fed is the GOAT, Fed is the BEST, Fed is the most beautiful player she ever seen, she’s a bit like J Mac. Says what she says depending on her mood, who wants to interview her these days, so her statements about Fed, I guess are frequent and pretty predictable.

If you are a rafa fan, then of course the weak era argument is going to make you happy because you have nothing better to do than to snipe and swipe.

November 24th, 2013 at 12:22 pm

Wonder why fed played 6 Exos last year in SA? He’s got oodles and doodles of cash, no?And a bad back, no?

November 24th, 2013 at 12:30 pm

Madmax,

I request you to badmouth Wilander also.

He is also officially part of the vamos heads group.
“Roger is the best, on paper, of all time, but you have to say that the era when he played was the worst of all time. That’s why he was winning so much. Suddenly, Nadal and these guys came up and they’re better than him.”

http://www.insidetennis.com/2010/11/tales-marriage-muster-maria-mandarin-miners-pistol-packin-mama/

November 24th, 2013 at 12:42 pm

Sean,

“Gilles, as I wrote Federer probably passed on any exo dough this year to avoid any back issues.”

Rafa has avoided such exos (including the most glorious and hyped up one – WTF) many years in the past.

November 24th, 2013 at 12:45 pm

So my rhetorical post asking who was your fave before you started hiding behind LaMonf was deemed unpublishable by the moderator.

Brilliant!

Yes last year it’s a credit to Rog for racking up the profits but now it is somehow wrong for Rafa to do the same

Sean I can’t keep up. Are you the kettle or the pot???

November 24th, 2013 at 12:49 pm

@ sean randall – Uh-oh, why? You’re not going to slam Andy too?

November 24th, 2013 at 12:59 pm

Slice Tennis thanks i will tell the truth,but you wont find me belittling other players achievements,and i will always defend Rafa when he needs it,sometimes the negativity is justified,and sometimes it is not,but i think the negativity he is having to stomach on this thread,when all he is doing is raising money for his foundation is unfair,although i hate celebrities and the whole charity promotion thingy.

November 24th, 2013 at 12:59 pm

It takes some obtuse lines of thinking to extrapolate a conclusion from that tennis.com article to Martina joining a vamos head club.

Martina’s point is about sexism in sport and in general. What she writes has nothing to do with a vamos head club or depicting Federer per se as a sexist. It is not a knock on him or anyone. She is pointing out that sexism is still alive and well. Her frustration is not meant personally against Federer or to subtract from his legacy.

Looking back on this clay era and all of Nadal’s wins – surely he benefitted by a weak clay field. If you put down Federer or Djokovic or Murray, you also diminish Nadal’s legacy. Nadal basically has not had to be very brilliant on clay to beat these loser rivals during his clay reign. Be sure to discount all GS finals where he played Federer as no big deal. Murray definitely is a putz on clay, so no big deal beating him. No big deal beating Djoker on clay either, except for Nadal clearly being injured or not playing his best during Djoker’s streak in 2011. The competition has truly been laughable on clay. Clay legend, pfft. Lousy, weak clay court tennis era, this one.

November 24th, 2013 at 1:06 pm

@the DA
Dinna u fret now hon, the cavalry is a-coming over the hill…;)

November 24th, 2013 at 1:08 pm

Sean, your usually so much better than this. Honestly, this thread smacks of Ben Pronin. Roger may have had a weak era, but you’ve got one of the weakest arguments yet on TennisX, and that’s saying something. Typical Skeezer, his world revolves around Federer and everything red, white, and blue. If it doesn’t happen at the USO, who cares :)

November 24th, 2013 at 1:08 pm

My point is that you show your bias which is why you write for Roger-X. You and Tom Gainey are cut from the same cloth so I already provided the link.

Feel free to not put up this post as I called the site Roger-X which violates the “rules”.

Just curious as to how many Fed fans are moderated compared to Rafa heads.

Actions speak louder than words unless your name is Gainey or Randall.

November 24th, 2013 at 1:09 pm

Slice Tennis Says:
Madmax,

I request you to badmouth Wilander also.

He is also officially part of the vamos heads group.
“Roger is the best, on paper, of all time, but you have to say that the era when he played was the worst of all time. That’s why he was winning so much. Suddenly, Nadal and these guys came up and they’re better than him.”

http://www.insidetennis.com/2010/11/tales-marriage-muster-maria-mandarin-miners-pistol-packin-mama/

November 24th, 2013 at 12:42 pm

wow! Slice tennis, you read such refined literature http://www.insidetennis.com. You will sure win a scholarship there.

Wilander – used to watch a lot of the Game Set and Matts. Hilarious that was too. Had Federer in to interview times over, drooling he was, into Fed’s eyes – ‘well Roger, what do you think about being the best of all time?’.

Yeah, I could badmouth Wilander, but any tennis fan will tell you that on any given day, the likes of Wilander will bad mouth – it’s called jealousy, and slice tennis, you do such a great job of badmouthing here on a daily basis. So please, do what you do best.

November 24th, 2013 at 1:10 pm

Pigoonse,
I have not heard any tennis expert say that it is a weak era of clay court tennis.

November 24th, 2013 at 1:11 pm

@ Margot – ;)

November 24th, 2013 at 1:12 pm

Sean – I hope your next article isn’t another re-hash of a re-hash. Surely there’s something more relevant we can talk about besides the same old accusations.

November 24th, 2013 at 1:12 pm

You have not heard anything about this not being the weak era of clay court tennis because none of the promoters of weak era understand that by putting down Federer, they marginalize their favorite idol Nadal. But in time, if that argument of weak era sticks, so will Nadal’s legacy on clay be struck down. Nadal got how many of his French Open titles beating a that phony Federer? And a an AO title, Wimbledon, US open against a weak field, no doubt. Nadal has had no decent competition apart from the fluke of a stread of Novak’s in 2011.

November 24th, 2013 at 1:19 pm

But that is the point, if someone continually complains that the season is too long, then contradicts themselves (all players have done that), then what’s the problem in putting it in print? States the obvious surely? But then I guess we have another 6 weeks before the season starts properly again.

Also, Slice tennis has to complain about something.

November 24th, 2013 at 1:20 pm

Madmax,

I don’t have anything to complain.

Rafa is winning slams, people are calling him the GOAT.

Vamos heads group is getting larger day by day. Many tennis experts and past greats are now in the vamos brigade.

What else do I need ?

Hope you get well soon.

November 24th, 2013 at 1:28 pm

Can someone please provide Sean Randall with Fed’s exos!!!!! If he yells any louder I will go deaf. Although he should know better than any of us…I would think. I don’t care for Fed so I had no idea what he plays. Any Fed fans????

November 24th, 2013 at 2:00 pm

Oh wait, Fed does not play exos. Got plenty of money doesn’t need to. He doesn’t even care to play Davis Cup for country why would he play exos??? Last time he played with Nadal for his charity in Switzerland and next day in Spain for Nadal’s charity. 2010???? Dude has daddy duties no time for exos.

November 24th, 2013 at 2:08 pm

sean you are more than bent.

Moving on, Pigoonse, you speak my point really. and i say, if any player is that good to claim a surface as their favourite, let him dominate as Rafa has done across board all the clay tourney and every other win ll be what my ppl call ‘jara’. In the era when Roger was piling wimbledon without a clay trophy, everyone held their breathe for him to win at least one. The same for nole presently. If it is that important to win RG. Why discount someone who is great at defending his? Who has completed his career slam at much younger age than his compatriots.
If you Can imagine a very healthy Rafa since the beginning of his career like the likes of Rog and nole (which is a good thing) not to have had several derailing periods in their career, loosing practice, loosing points, not to mention emotional and physical toll, and still come back kicking stronger every time. With all due respect to the other parties as regards their cleaner bill of health,
Rafa rules!!!

November 24th, 2013 at 2:21 pm

Wow, Sean, what have you done??

Skeeze, madmax, do you agree with Sean that Federer was foolish in playing exo’s last year? I do. I know Federer was happy about it because he had never been to South America before but was it worth it? he had a horrible 2013. Had he rested, or better yet, worked on his fitness, maybe the result would have been different.

I don’t know why Djokovic is playing exo’s either. Why not rest up? I know his fans were saying he was tired towards the end of WTF but clearly he’s fine.

But God forbid we criticize the hypocrite that is Rafa Nadal. The guy can do no wrong! If he does it, it must be great! Since he’s playing exo’s and not real matches, then obviously his knees are fine. Just like how clay magically heals his knees, so does playing exo’s. Dumb fans.

November 24th, 2013 at 3:53 pm

Rafa Nadal – “I’ve had the most emotional year in my career and closed it out with the best possible crowd. Thanks Argentina”
So, looks like Rafa and joker had a blast in SA.
Vamos Champ!

November 24th, 2013 at 4:20 pm

Oooh I misread your ultimatum.

Ok then how is this:

I have no link that says Sean said that Roger should have done that tour nor did I ever say he did.

There is a Tennis X link provided from Tom Gainey exuding praise for the bags of cash Roger would get for said year end exho tour.

Fair enough?

BTW, just wondering, did you find that quote from Rafa saying he wanted a shorter season so that he could stay at home and rest yet? Does that sound fair?

Peace. It’s just a game.

November 24th, 2013 at 4:45 pm

What I don’t understand is why what the players choose to do on their off time is anybody’s business?? This is the most ridiculous discussion ever. Always goes back to the knee issue. If anyone that watched the Indian Wells final and saw Rafa hobbling around after it has to know his knee was a problem. He is managing his health differently now. I am not sure he did not have a secret surgery. If anyone thinks that would be impossible, it’s not. When you got as much money as he does, it could happen. Movie stars do it all time. No one will answer my post @ 12:25 PM on 11/24/13. I can’t believe there are fans that don’t think Rafa ever had knee problem…….and won’t admit 7 months rehab wouldn’t help the knee. Where are all the doctors on this forum. I would like some answers.

November 24th, 2013 at 5:17 pm

“He is managing his health differently now.”

How?

November 24th, 2013 at 5:22 pm

Pronin. Ask Rafa!!!

November 24th, 2013 at 5:28 pm

Pronin. You wouldn’t believe him anyway. Didn’t you call him a fraud, liar and a hypocrite?
#Hater

November 24th, 2013 at 5:34 pm

I can’t understand why a Humble person like me trying to feed a family irks so many people.

November 24th, 2013 at 7:35 pm

Well, Ben if you don’t know I am not gonna waste my breath trying to explain it to you……or I guess I should say……wear and tear on my fingers. Lol
I don’t know whether or not you have been a tennis fan that said that the way Nadal plays tennis he will not have a very long career because of his style of play it will cause a knee problem. Do you not think the 7 months knee rehab could have made a big difference. That’s quite a long time off the knee. I don’t know what his rehab entailed. I don’t think he ever said. But I don’t think he was doping up for 7 months like some of these threads allude to. When this is proven, I will then believe.These Exos these guys are playing are stress free and fun. Who gives a big rip what they do on off season. If he makes 1 million and gives $1000.00 to his foundation……so what….nobody’s business. I think all the fans should tend to their own knitting and leave ALL THE TENNIS PLAYERS ALONE. This same old Rafa knee discussion is redundant, annoying and exhausting.

Health Management….more clay…….fewer hardcourts……and let me see….more exos for fun and relaxation. Fun and relaxation is good for anyone’s health…Me thinks!!

Ben, you have a good evening. I will finish my football game and hope my Dallas Cowboys can pull off a win…..tied 21-21………in the meantime….

VAMOS RAFA!!!

November 24th, 2013 at 7:35 pm

This article helps to explain how Rafa has continued to adapt to beat the top players on hard court this year and protect his knees.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/tennis/2013/09/09/2013-us-open-rafael-nadal-second-us-open-and-17th-major/2791131/

Says Wilander, “He’s a new breed, and we’ve never seen anything like it.”

Preach it, Mats!

November 24th, 2013 at 7:44 pm

@Giles

Ben directed that to my post at 5:17 PM.

November 24th, 2013 at 7:44 pm

Rafael Nadal dixit
Some people accuse us that we asked for more vacation and then played exhibitions, those who say so have no idea what the sport, “commented Rafa Nadal in London. The world number one put his speech on the table an issue that could be questioned by fans.

“It gives the illusion of knowing people and places, to play with a different pressure, so no harm us physically. I never complained but the long calendar over the mandatory tournaments. That is what creates wear that does not allow us to extend the race, “settled the best racket in the world.
Do not know what motivates the writer of this article directly or indirectly point to Nadal, but it seems that bothers you or want to find a wound to encourage opponents of Spanish when he’s not, he has been and will be the only one to do. It is valid to start a sterile debate again?

November 24th, 2013 at 7:45 pm

In a pre-match interview before the US open final, Rafael Nadal said, “My backhand has completely changed from what it was two years ago, no? I now transfer weight onto my right leg to protect my left knee.”

http://dawn.com/news/1042410/nadal-god-mustve-had-a-plan/1

Vamos!!!

November 24th, 2013 at 7:49 pm

Hilarious thread. So funny. Now the vamos heads are attacking the site writers. Of course! Remember, “….but in the end, it’s all about Rafa. He is so popular!!”
And they continually try to bring in Fed into an article that is about Rafa. Hehe. Jealousy will always be there.

Lookout, pretty soon they’ll petition to have the site name changed to http://www.vamosheads.com.
Good luck with all this Sean. Maybe you should write a make up article that says Fed is a bad man so they will feel better.
Out.

November 24th, 2013 at 7:52 pm

Is there a Doctor in the house….a real Doctor?? This site needs a knee specialist asap!!

November 24th, 2013 at 7:57 pm

Rafael Says:
Some people accuse us that we asked for more vacation and then played exhibitions, those who say so have no idea what the sport, “commented Rafa Nadal in London.

Preach it, Rafa. No offence Sean.

November 24th, 2013 at 8:01 pm

@Ben re; 3:53
Yes. And I have critiqued Feds game, and decisions negatively on occasion. But vamos heads were not here at that time, apparently. Whatever. Blind.
Good post Ben.

November 24th, 2013 at 8:05 pm

see what you will cause, Sean?
The greatest troll of this site and poor failed, continue their little game of cause rather than pointing convincing arguments why of things. It’s what makes unemployment, that pitiful.

November 24th, 2013 at 8:22 pm

Okiegal, your Cowboys did it.

Yes 7 months helped, but what is he doing differently now? Sean’s criticizing him for overplaying. It doesn’t matter if he’s going 100%. You see Derrick Rose tear his meniscus the other night? Or when Brian Baker did it at the Australian Open? Sometimes it just happens. And it can happen in an exo even when he’s not going 100%. So, as Sean asks, why risk it? And the reason he points at Nadal is because Nadal is always so adamant about the schedule being too long. Does anyone know the surface the exo was on? The glacier certainly isn’t clay.

November 24th, 2013 at 8:24 pm

Steve 27, are you American?

November 24th, 2013 at 8:24 pm

Okiegal,
Yeah congrats on the Cowboys. Romo got the job done today.
Btw you’re not a vamoshead.

November 24th, 2013 at 8:40 pm

Skeezer, you can address me and only me…..I made the “popular” remark. Everything I said is true. It always goes back to Rafa and his knees. I don’t want to see a thread saying Roger is a bad man…..why would you say that?? I like Roger Federer. How stupid would I be to down play a tennis player the calliber of Roger Federer. Do I think he is the greatest of all time?? Don’t know for sure. I think the history books are to be written on this matter.The way Novak is playing…..maybe him.

Are you mad at me for the clay pigeon remark?? It was all in fun. We have had some exchanges back and forth, all in fun I thought.

But I stand by my comments……Rafa is popular with
a lot of fans, for him and against him……and the articles always get around to the knees……makes him rather popular with the writers also.

November 24th, 2013 at 9:10 pm

Oops, Skeezer, nice remark from you…..wish I hadn’t posted the one before this one. Makes me look like tacky person, and I’m really not…….but I will admit, the knee issue gets me fired up!!

Yes, glad my cowboys won.
What is the definition of a VAMOSHEAD?? I am pretty sure I might be one…..Tee hee! Okiegal.

November 24th, 2013 at 9:25 pm

Another brutal Sunday 4th quarter choke by the dolphins

November 24th, 2013 at 10:13 pm

The dolphins have become a real Sunday buzzkill

November 24th, 2013 at 10:15 pm

Risk what? Why even risk tennis? He wants to walk in the future right? Are you telling me walking has no wear and tear on the knees? Climbing stairs? Why that man is just asking to get injured. If hes going to keep playing why risk walking and standing outside of tennis matches? He should just get a wheel chair and lock himself up in mallorca when he’s not playing a slam. Its not like these players have been rallying almost daily since they were little kids.

Hell, I would assume roger held his twins at some point of his fatherhood. What a stupid move. Why risk hurting his fragile back holding something heavier than a racquet? The twins ruined his 2013. Why do these professionals not know whats best for them and their body?

November 24th, 2013 at 11:35 pm

^^^ Nice one!

November 25th, 2013 at 3:52 am

Too many comments to read. I’m a Nadal fan and I think he’s playing all these exhos for $$ and more $$ just like Fed did. Novak and Andy do the same.

The Berdychs, Wawrinkas would do the same if they were more popular.

I love Nadal’s game and think he’s a fine guy. I also think that he wants to make tons of $£€

of course playing exhos can’t be the same as entering a tournament. Exhos are more for fun, and I don’t think Rafa is going to play like it’s RG final. These exhos are just like a practice, but with more fun…

November 25th, 2013 at 4:16 am

http://thebestyoumagazine.co/hunger-win-profile-rafael-nadal/
Rafa fans.

November 25th, 2013 at 4:22 am

Great article Giles. Sean Randall should read and learn how to write the good stuff not the bs he has been producing.

November 25th, 2013 at 8:02 am

Let’s put aside our differences for now as this is a critical matter!

As a Rafan, I just want to reach out to the federazzi and warn any of them who are contemplating purchasing a new tennis racquest as I know most of them are real tennis players themselves! It’s true!

Anyways, before purchasing a new racquet, I direct your attention to the following lawsuit against Wilson, Fed’s long time sponsor and racquet supplier.

http://www.courthousenews.com/2013/03/12/55626.htm

Hope this helps!!!

November 25th, 2013 at 8:29 am

RT @bgtennisnation: “Just noticed with his 2million Bonus for finishing #1 Rafa haul for 2013 14.5 million and all time high year in Prize Money well earned”

Add the extra pesos he earned cavorting with Novak in South America……………..

Vamos!!!

November 25th, 2013 at 10:54 am

^^^ Lol

November 25th, 2013 at 11:18 am

Aw, c’mon Sean. I see that queen’s post was approved (suddenly appeared before my posts out of nowhere).

Mine aren’t as bad as hers. I saw a Sense of Humour on e-Bay you might be interested in.

Smile and the world smiles along!

November 25th, 2013 at 11:29 am

Rafa’s playing in a poker tournament during the off-season!!!

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/rafael-nadal-enters-first-live-poker-tournament-201435790–ten.html

How can he complain about the long season saying he wants to stay home and rest and then go off playing poker!!!

What if a poker chip hits him in the eye!

It’s aaallll fun and games until someone loses an eye!

November 25th, 2013 at 11:35 am

Slice Tennis Says:
“Well, Roger (Federer) didn’t have much competition for a while either”

Hahahaha…she’s rubbing salt on their wounded a$$.

I am loving it. Hahahaha.
—————

What does Martina know anyway? She was only winning slam titles well into her 40’s. Hack!

November 25th, 2013 at 12:33 pm

hawkeye Says:
Rafa’s playing in a poker tournament during the off-season!!!

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/rafael-nadal-enters-first-live-poker-tournament-201435790–ten.html

How can he complain about the long season saying he wants to stay home and rest and then go off playing poker!!!

What if a poker chip hits him in the eye!

It’s aaallll fun and games until someone loses an eye!

——————-

I hear Uncle Toni can count cards too. This man has a serious array of portable skills. Rafa is a lucky to have him as his uncle….I mean coach.

November 25th, 2013 at 12:39 pm

Seriously, the anti-Rafa stuff is a little over the top. Giving Uncle Toni credit for Rafa winning matches is even more over the top. All this being said, playing a bunch of exhos while complaining the tour is too long doesn’t fly with me. These are professional athletes. Even in an exho, I’d think they wouldn’t want to lose or give an edge to their rival. If you’re tired take a break. If you want to play then play but don’t play a bunch of optional stuff and then complain about the length of the season. It seems farcical to me.

November 25th, 2013 at 12:48 pm

Sean did mention Fed, Novak…….but look who got the headline……our ever amazing, popular Rafael Nadal…….then comes those ever popular knees. This was a unnecessary article. Picking at these guys for raising money for charity……duh!! How weird is that??? These fun matches are not stressful……could one get hurt?…..yes, but could also have an accident at home. Just saying, totally uncalled for.

November 25th, 2013 at 12:58 pm

^^^^ an unnecessary, not a unnecessary……

November 25th, 2013 at 1:01 pm

Okiegal great post,dont get me wrong like you ive never been one of those fans that believes Rafa or any other player is perfect for that matter,but sometimes i think people should lay off the guy,it all gets a bit much sometimes.

November 25th, 2013 at 1:12 pm

SG1,
Exactly my thoughts.
But then there is the blind brigade…..

November 25th, 2013 at 1:22 pm

When push comes to shove,the thing im hoping for is Rafa using these exhos as a way of trying out some new tactics,and honing his skills for an asault on a second AO title.

November 25th, 2013 at 1:43 pm

@Hippy Chic

Yes, thanks…it does get to be too much sometimes.No one is gonna change my mind about what I think of Rafa has a player or as a person. Is he perfect…no…but who is?? I pride myself in not putting a hate on other players. I realize whatever I post on this forum regarding Rafa is not gonna change a hater’s mind………so in the meantime….

Vamos Rafa!!

November 25th, 2013 at 1:55 pm

Does anybody here know the difference between an Exo match and a match on the ATP tour??

November 25th, 2013 at 2:05 pm

@Hippy chic

Yes, that would be good. He is gonna need lots of new tricks and tactics to win it, for sure. I have USO taped and when bored I watch that match. He was so freakin’ good that night I was awestruck!! I believe that is one of my favs right up there with his first Wimby and him and Verdasco at Aussie open.I had both of those recorded and they got deleted by accident….not happy!

Vamos Rafa and hoping for a successful 2014!!

November 25th, 2013 at 2:11 pm

skeezer Says:
SG1,
Exactly my thoughts.
But then there is the blind brigade…..

Am assuming you are referring to those that use the term peRFect, no?

November 25th, 2013 at 2:20 pm

http://www.tennisearth.com/news/tennisNews/Rafael-Nadal-leads-the-list-of-players-with-Time-Violation-180818.htm

More than double the second high offender.

November 25th, 2013 at 3:14 pm

Well done Rafa. Just take all the time you need. No complaints from this fan!!
Vamos!

November 25th, 2013 at 3:51 pm

And what is ur point Ben Pronin? The guy is slow everybody knows. Got something else to say?

November 25th, 2013 at 3:57 pm

Okiegal i have the 2008 wimby final on dvd,likewise the 2010 USO final,,and the AO final in 2009,i did have this years USO and FO on my sky hard drive but it only stores matches for so long before wiping them off,if you go to homepage and type in tennis nexus they sell all the old dvd matches for different prices,and he was great at the USO this year,much like the 1st time he won the USO.

November 25th, 2013 at 3:57 pm

Vamos Rafa.
Stay healthy and stay looonger in the court by whatever means and most importantly don’t forget to pick your a$$. I love it when the haters go mad.
Vamos.

November 25th, 2013 at 4:14 pm

Thanx for the info…..You r a sweet gal! I don’t mind telling you I am bored a lot!! I have got this year’s USO down pat. Know exactly what the commies are gonna say next! Oh how I love tennis. I expect my Hubby to file for divorce anytime now! LOL.Here in the state’s we have a classic sports channel and before Wimby, USO and Aussie Open they will run a lot of exciting matches. I record those sometime. Tennis does take a lot of my time especially since I can watch them on the internet. ESPN3.com has a great live feed……and thanks again. Enjoy your responses. Appreciate it!

November 25th, 2013 at 4:21 pm

“Rafa’s playing in a poker tournament during the off-season!!!”

Oh no. What a fraud he is. LMAO.

November 25th, 2013 at 4:21 pm

@Ben
Oh how I wish he would speed it up. I am sure that some day he will do it one time too many and lose a point. When this happens he will suffer the consequences.I don’t think he does it on purpose. He would very stupid to get out there and think to himself I am gonna push the envelope here and just see how for I can. He is so focused on his serve and winning the next point, I think time just gets away. Johnny Mac pointed out the fact that he has two towels……one in each corner. I hadn’t even noticed that. Does he need to go to the towel a lot? Yes….that boy sweats buckets. That statement will bring up another negative…..but said it anyway…….and in the meantime…..

Vamos Rafa and have a great 2014.

November 25th, 2013 at 4:42 pm

He also needs someone to proportionally help him eat Bananas, another person to help line up water bottles, and maybe a third person to help him pull that and swipe this so he can get ready faster. Seems like he has the towel thing down now, good for him. I agree, he does need a lot of help.:). With all that exo money, he can afford it now, no?

November 25th, 2013 at 7:43 pm

Fed should retire so Rafa can hire him as his personal assistant to perform those tasks for him. Fed would at least get some satisfaction of a job well done instead of getting so down on himself every time he loses to Rafa.

He should do something he can be good at, no?

November 25th, 2013 at 8:27 pm

Those knee doctors are expensive. Trust me.

November 25th, 2013 at 10:38 pm

World No.1 Rafael Nadal proved why he held the top spot as he beat second-seeded Novak Djokovic at an exhibition tennis match here. The Spaniard defeated his Serbian rival in two sets, 6-4, 7-5, as part of a relaxed joke and humour-filled match watched by more than 12,000 spectators here Sunday, reports Xinhua.

November 25th, 2013 at 11:20 pm

“World No.1 Rafael Nadal proved why he held the top spot as he beat second-seeded Novak Djokovic at an exhibition tennis match here.”
Yes, proving it in an exho, just like the accused exho WTF?
Love it. Preach it vamosheads.
ROTFL.

November 25th, 2013 at 11:48 pm

Pokerstars ? No way, he is not a fraud!
Is this another exho for Rafa? Lol…another charitable event? Cha ching , Crackers, Kia, u go Rafa. Pokerstars, such a model sponsor for the up and coming junior tennis players. Gambling, its the way to go baby. Take your time, there is no time violation nor coaching violations in this game. The house wants your money and will take it. Thank you.
We love you Rafa! Where do we sign up up to gamble with our loved one?

November 26th, 2013 at 12:11 am

Here’s from the man himself:
http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20131111/tenis/rafa-nadal-vacaciones-con-tenis-poquer-y-golf_54393991453.html
…
[b][i]Straight to Richard Branson’s island[/i][/b]
Although the official season is over, the player from Manacor is still travelling the world with his racquet bag on his back. He is going straight from the British capital to the Caribbean paradise of the British Virgin Islands, where this week multimillionaire Richard Branson is holding the Necker Cup, which is advertised as “the world’s most exclusive Pro-Am”, on his own private island.

Nadal will be the main star and he will be accompanied by Ana Ivanovic, Petra Kvitova and legendary figures like Stefan Edberg and Martina Navratilova. ‘Mr Virgin’s’ exclusive guests will also take part in the matches. [b]”I’m going because it’s a good occasion to raise money for my Foundation, it’ll go to underpriviliged children.”[/b]
…
[b][i]Exhibition/calendar: Rafa’s thoughts[/i][/b]
Rafa Nadal defends these engagements: “They give you the thrill of playing in front of people little used to such matches. [b]Some people connect our complaints about the calendar to these exhibitions, but those who do that have no idea at all about sport.”[/b]

He explained that “it’s not to do with the length of the holidays, I’ll be a month at home, but with being worn out mentally, and when you’re stressed it’s easier to get injured. [b]My complaint is not about the calendar being short or long, but[/b] that we have to compete to the utmost from the beginning to the end of it because we have [b]many obligatory tournaments.[/b] I take exhibitions seriously out of respect for the fans, but [b]I’m not under that physical and mental tension there is on the tour[/b].”

November 26th, 2013 at 12:47 am

@ Peter. Thanks for the link.

November 26th, 2013 at 4:52 am

http://www.marca.com/2013/11/22/en/more_sports/1385150063.html
Another accolade for Rafa.
Vamos!

November 26th, 2013 at 5:08 am

So Nadal doesn’t want to play mandatory events in front of fans but he wants to play high paying exho’s in front of fans? Makes sense.

November 26th, 2013 at 8:39 am

Hit-and-giggle exhos like South America not even as physically stressful as a full practise.

Ah the pot-and-kettle crowd – shame on Rafa for Poker Stars affiliation but somehow ok for Fed to headline the bet-at-home Hamburg Open.

Both predictable and comical!

November 26th, 2013 at 8:45 am

Should Humb1e Rafa win the Australian open, he would be the only player of the History to win the Double Career Grand Slam on the three different surfraces and that would yet again set him apart from all the other greats.

Only Laver and Emerson have done it but only on the two most important surfraces, no?

Vamos Humb1e Rafa!!!

November 26th, 2013 at 9:44 am

Here comes interpretation #1 of Rafa’s comments by none other than Pronin.
#Fail

November 26th, 2013 at 10:21 am

“Some people connect our complaints about the calendar to these exhibitions, but those who do that have no idea at all about sport.”
Lol.ok.

November 26th, 2013 at 10:35 am

In order of physical stress:

1. Majors, ATP 250-1000 level
2. Practise
3. Commercial shoots/appearances
4. Exhos (e.g. WTF, etc.)

November 26th, 2013 at 10:48 am

Rafa and Novak are having a large time for sure…..according to YouTube and the latest photo galleries. The fans look like they are too. The fans wanted to see Novak impersonate Rafa……that serve routine took awhile, the fans loved it. I remember when Novak would bounce the ball 20 times…..Rafa should impersonate him!! It was all in fun…….and here in Oklahoma….we know all about sports!!!

November 26th, 2013 at 11:03 am

bgtennisnation Brad Gilbert
Breaking news to the Nadal fans:
“Nadal is back to SLEEVELESS shirts for the US Open 2014”
Hope it’s true!

November 26th, 2013 at 11:13 am

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/11/48/Best-ATP-Matches-Top-2.aspx
The Nadal v Djokovic SF in Montreal has been chosen by the ATP as match of the year.

November 26th, 2013 at 11:29 am

^^^^^
……….and fun!!

November 26th, 2013 at 11:33 am

@sean randall,

get used to it and don’t bother :)

November 26th, 2013 at 11:42 am

Giles, I disagree with ATP……I think it should be the US Open…..My personal fav. The sleeveless shirt is a great idea. Maybe he is trying to cut back on time….He won’t have to adjust the sleeve area. When I played basketball my jersey had a short sleeve…..and before free shots I was always pulling my right sleeve up……of course, didn’t have time for that shooting field goals. The coach realized how cumbersome the sleeves were we went sleeveless…..much better. He did not do that extra adjusting when sleeveless. And maybe it’s time for a change. None the less, a great idea for sure!

November 26th, 2013 at 11:47 am

And here we have a poster giving Sean Randall, the writer of this article, advice on how to deal with the crowd. Am sure Sean is quite capable of thinking for himself.

November 26th, 2013 at 11:51 am

A few years back, I came upon this site, and posted that it should be called Fed-X, which didn’t seem such an offensive comment since it was so obvious, but nevertheless, was read the riot act by Skeezer. So, I had stayed away because his reaming-out was so aggressive, and quite frankly, a little unsettling. I started reading it again, and see there are a lot more Rafa fans not intimidated to express their admiration. That’s a good thing. Having a supposed general tennis site so strongly slanted towards one player seems disingenuous. The only thing I can say about the above article is that if someone who writes about tennis fan can’t tell the difference in the physicality, endurance, and mental fortitude required to play an ATP match and an exhibition, then he can’t know much about the sport he is writing about, or he does actually know, but chose to ignore it to make a moronic point. I don’t known which is worse.

November 26th, 2013 at 12:13 pm

Agree with Okiegal i would put the USO final as Rafas best match of the year,followed by the FO against Novak,Montreal against Novak,Roger at Cincy,Murray against Novak at Wmbledon as Murray made history that day,i will give a mention to the Stan/Novak at the AO,Stan/Novak USO,Delpo/Novak Wimbledon,Murray/Verdasco Wimbledon,Roger/Starkovsky Wimbledon as Starkovsky played amazing that day.

November 26th, 2013 at 12:19 pm

Yes, Chic all great matches. Love a good competitive match, don’t care who the participants are.

@ Wilson

Right on!! This is the true, no??

November 26th, 2013 at 12:35 pm

Okiegal and alison,

atp made the list of 5 best matches played on the ATP TOUR (from atp 250 to ms 1000). So the US open final can’t be in it. They’re making a list of best 5 matches of the grand slams though. Lets wait for it

btw, i was hoping fed vs delpo at Wtf would be in the list. But sadly it didn’t

November 26th, 2013 at 12:37 pm

Sirius they were just my personal favorites.

November 26th, 2013 at 12:45 pm

@ Wilson. Please don’t be intimidated by types like @skeezer as the Rafans are most certainly not. So hope you stick around and enjoy the great posts from et al, @ Hawkeye, @ Slice Tennis.
Good comments Btw.

November 26th, 2013 at 12:50 pm

At least fans of other players would not be misled from the falsely implied objectivity if this site was called Roger-X. Much more accurate.

Still, fun to point out however, when the Moderator deems my posts somehow worthy of not being deleted.

At least a site like RuansFedererBlog is honest and openly admits disdain for Rafa which I can respect more than the behaviour here. For example, he is straight up about his hate in this quote regarding the WTF exhos:
“I was satisfied when Roger made the semis, but now that Nadal has lost as well I am happy.”

Brilliant! Hard to argue with his motivation there!

Simple. Honest.

November 26th, 2013 at 12:53 pm

@wilson
You want to extract the post where I gave “Wilson” the riot act?
Thanks

November 26th, 2013 at 1:08 pm

OK, thanks Sirius, I’m sure Chic was aware of that, I just didn’t pay that much attention to it being strictly ATP tour.

Why are there so many angry people on this forum……scary……me thinks.

November 26th, 2013 at 1:42 pm

https://mobile.twitter.com/RafaelNadalFC/status/405394798678274049/photos
The Special One indeed!
Vamos Champ!

November 26th, 2013 at 2:02 pm

^^^ GOAT

November 26th, 2013 at 2:03 pm

skeezer Says:
“He also needs someone to proportionally help him eat Bananas, another person to help line up water bottles, and maybe a third person to help him pull that and swipe this so he can get ready faster. Seems like he has the towel thing down now, good for him. I agree, he does need a lot of help.:). With all that exo money, he can afford it now, no?”

Wow. What a great post from our self proclaimed great tennis player cum expert analyst.

November 26th, 2013 at 2:40 pm

“So, I had stayed away because his reaming-out was so aggressive, and quite frankly, a little unsettling. I started reading it again, and see there are a lot more Rafa fans not intimidated to express their admiration.”
Don’t worry about him. He is here to provide us some entertainment. He is just a silly guy with a couple of sidekicks here, no real harm, just funny.

November 26th, 2013 at 2:48 pm

^still haven’t heard from “wilson” and re-posting the supposed reaming.

besides slice tennis, you should be the last poster to chime in on this, rotfl.

November 26th, 2013 at 3:05 pm

My top 5 none GS matches are.
1)Rafa v Novak Montreal.
2)Rafa v Roger Cincy.
3)Rafa v Delpo IW.
4)Rafa v Gulbis IW.
5)Roger v Delpo WTF.

November 26th, 2013 at 3:28 pm

My top 5 GS matches are.
1)Rafa v Novak USO.
2)Rafa v Novak RG.
3)Murray v Novak Wimbledon.
4)Murray v Roger AO.
5)Novak v Stan AO.
Special mention for the Novak v Stan USO,Murray v Verdasco Wimbledon,Murray v JJ Wimbledon,Roger v Starkovsky Wimbledon,Novak v Delpo Wimbledon.

0

November 26th, 2013 at 3:36 pm

My Top 5:

1) Rafa vs Roger IW
2) Rafa vs Roger Rome
3) Rafa vs Roger Cincy
4) Rafa vs Roger WTF (do exhos count?)
5) Rafa vs Roger USO (oh forgot, Roger bailed)

See? Honest. No pretending.

November 26th, 2013 at 3:37 pm

^^^ The above list is for Masters Series not GS’s.
Wtf is on its own, the one some of us like to refer to as a glorified Exo. Lol

November 26th, 2013 at 3:40 pm

PS Yr post 3.28 pm

November 26th, 2013 at 3:42 pm

@ Slice tennis

There would probably millions of volunteers to do Rafa’s tennis routine chores……and free of charge to boot!!

November 26th, 2013 at 3:45 pm

Giles i know which post your reffering to,thats why i did two seperate lists,personally i have never thought of the WTF as a glorified exho,its the one major tournament that Rafa has not got on his resume,and the one thing i would really love for him to win,its the silly format that ive never liked,the WTF is not as significant as a GS,but it is next in line,and im confident he will still crack the case at some point.

November 26th, 2013 at 3:51 pm

Wilson @ 12:13…,,,, were you not familiar with the now defunct Tennis Talk? When it folded I had a frightening thought. Where would the TT refugees come to rest? Well Wilson, it’s here, and as a consequence the site has now become so Nadalcentric (a polite description) that it’s no longer useful for true tennis fans. So, thank you for your comment which has truly encouraged me to express my dissatisfaction. The lack of shot variety and homogenisation of courts is analogous to the lack of varied comment and idolatrous fandom of one player on this site.

November 26th, 2013 at 3:55 pm

Purcell this forum has admitidly become Rafa heavy lately,i think it has got like that due to the success hes had this year,after Novak won the AO at the begining of the year it was all about him,so i believe it will pass,there has been of talk about Rafa and i suppose as long as a thread mentions his name then fans will talk about him,sometimes none fans are the 1st ones to mention his name,i am a Rafa fan but i dont believe im a fanatic,and i do enjoy the interaction from all the fan groups for what its worth,my two cents.

November 26th, 2013 at 4:15 pm

Chic……excellent list…..great entertaining matches by all players…not just our fav.

November 26th, 2013 at 4:20 pm

Hippy Chic: believe me I understand that Nadal’s high profile this year is bound to cause an upsurge of interest and subsequent discussion. It’s the same when any of the top players (and very occasionally those slightly lower in the pecking order) have success. However, I find it hard to understand, even tolerate interaction which descends into rudeness, trivia and lack of respect for both players and fans. I admire your commitment to the blog and I would emphasise that my displeasure is with the rampant group whose intentions are to insult and bully those who are not ‘of their persuasion.’ I

November 26th, 2013 at 4:54 pm

Purcell thanks for that reply,i will never belittle other players to make me feel better about Rafas achievements,and i will never belittle other posters when putting my point across either,the only thing i try to do is disagree in a polite way,granted i dont always get it right,but im not perfect,i have had disagreements with posters as i have said things i shouldnt have and things im not proud of at times.

November 26th, 2013 at 5:05 pm

Wilson- it’s sensationalist journalism, written to incite federer nadal arguments that would never go anywhere, not that posters on these sites need any reason to turn threads into the same old drivel, as they can drag federer and nadals name even into wta posts

I think it’s good that skeezer spends his time posting his endless verbal diarrhea on this site. Delusional ones are best kept to their monitors venting their hatred in a harmless way. Keeps their unpleasantness off the streets

November 26th, 2013 at 5:33 pm

^and what do u think u just wrote?

November 26th, 2013 at 5:41 pm

Still waiting for that skeezer post of long ago that wilson was referring too.

November 26th, 2013 at 5:45 pm

———-
…after Novak won the AO at the begining of the year it was all about him…
———–

This forum was never Nol-X, not even in 2011. It was always either Fed-X or Raf-X. The only difference is that while it was Fed-X we could read about tennis and we also had nice off topic discussions. That’s all gone now, since Rafa’s groupies took over.

November 26th, 2013 at 7:22 pm

Hippy Chick and Bad Knee Rules. Good times are coming. Night night.

November 26th, 2013 at 7:37 pm

Well, I did not know if you posted comments regarding you fav that you get the billing of being a groupie. What’s up with that?? Wouldn’t Fed, Novak, Andy etc fans be considered groupies or is that title just for Rafa fans?? Well, there is an old song titled “Stand By Your Man” so I guess that’s what us Rafa fans do……if that makes us groupies, then so bet it!!

I guess I am officially a VAMOSHEAD!!

November 26th, 2013 at 8:27 pm

Wilson,

Still waiting for that skeezer post of long ago that you were referring too. Please share that link.
Thank you.
—-
@BNK
Thanks for sharing the true history @tennis x and totally agree.
@Purcell
Totally understand your 4:54 post.

November 26th, 2013 at 10:43 pm

Funny,
I have been accused over and over the same false routine from rafafanatics. The names change, but the same accusations are suspiciously the same, never hardly ever proven or validated. And any new accusations come out of nowhere from newly invented names. I know your gig, and so does the long time posters. It’s basically one or 2 posters trying to create jealous riff raff and can’t handle the truth. So they create a new avatar, do the damage, and then cheer that avatar on with there original poster name. Anyone can see that.
The easy game of blogging, invent a name when you want, how you want, and deliver your cowardly character assasinations. And cheer them on with all your other invented names.
The moderators do there best, but totally understand the evil leakage. Maybe one day these types will appreciate the game of tennis and go out and hit a ball and enjoy the game. Cause there infactuated fav will fade soon enough. Will you still enjoy and watch the game of Tennis? Therein is the true fan.
—
@Sean,
Feel free to delete this post, will understand. And thanks for never being moderated, always try the best to keep it real.

Ps; notice how the subject matter at hand went from discussing the subject matter at hand to;
“My top 5”. When you can’t debate the matter at hand, its always good(when you can’t win at it) to divert the subject. It’s called politics :)
Out.

November 26th, 2013 at 11:56 pm

Skeezer i went from discussing the matter at hand to discussing my top 5 matches,simply because i made my point to Purcell in my earlier post at 5-05pm,personally i dont know the Tennis X history as ive only been blogging a couple of years,so i anyway just wanted to mention my favorite matches of the year with this been a tennis forum,im not and never have been a Rafafanatic im only a tennis fanatic,i was a tennis fan before watching Rafa,and i will still be a fan of tennis long after hes gone.

November 27th, 2013 at 1:51 am

Okiegal great post completely agree,i always root passionatly for my favorite(s),but i dont belttle other players when doing so.

November 27th, 2013 at 1:54 am

The headline is provocative and the author is well aware of this.
It is essential to check the sources, especially official

Stress, stress.

November 27th, 2013 at 3:01 am

^ Agree, the article is provocative, which of course is Sean’s prerogative. However, if you poke a tiger with a stick, you can hardly be surprised if it wakes up and growls a bit.
Very much looking forward to the equivalent on Fed…
@ Sean, anyone whose been on here for more than two minutes, knew you liked Monfils, but Tsonga as well? OMG!

November 27th, 2013 at 4:22 am

Never a “provocative” blog with fedfan as the lead example such as SA exhos last year or leading the pack at a Hamburg tournament sponsored by bet-at-home.

The biggest criticism of Fed in TX articles is little more than whining by a fan with idealistic expectations when he loses early in the latter stages of his career.

Very one sided blogs here. Attack Rafa and brood about Federer’s losses and how those losses would never happen before he got old.

Hilarious!

November 27th, 2013 at 7:24 am

Alison,
My apologies, you just got mistakenly thrown into the crossfire. U are a great tennis fan.

November 27th, 2013 at 10:34 am

@ Chic

I don’t think I am hostile enough to talk tennis on this forum. I started posting because I thought it would be fun to have discussions about tennis with people who love it as much as I do, being as none of my friends like the sport. Seems like every discussion turns into something ugly and distasteful……..so I think I will ride off into the sunset. I will continue to read but as far as putting my two cents in the mix, I won’t. There will be one less Rafa fan here…….but wait that would be just what some would want……just changed my mind, woman’s prerogative. LOL. People on this site are way too serious……let’s lighten up a bit!!

November 27th, 2013 at 10:46 am

Thankyou Skeezer.

November 27th, 2013 at 11:34 am

There isn’t a thing wrong with Rafa gambling. He is completely transparent in regards to this Poker Stars thing. It’s not like he’s betting on himself to lose matches or something. If this is something that he enjoys, he can afford and that doesn’t result in anyone getting hurt, what’s the big deal? Is gambling the most noble of past times? Maybe not. Athletes are not role models no matter how hard we try to shove them into this box. I’m sure there are people on this forum who buy some fancy clothes or fancy cars. Money like this can be spent in more socially responsible ways. Are any of us really any better than Rafa?

November 27th, 2013 at 12:43 pm

Like it or not, professional athletes are role models for kids. Yes there parents are and should be there guide to all that, But regardless they are. We have 2 brothers at our club that are 9 and 11. They are real good for there age. They emulate every little detail Novak does. They love him. They get his clothes, his rackets, and try to replicate his strokes and demenor on court. I think its cool. Fun to watch. It shows our top trnnis players( yes, including the great Rafael Nadal ) inspire them.
Is gambling a bad thing? Can be, can’t be. Depends.
Just pointing out when you are even an unwanted role model in the public u are worshipped, looked up too. Wish all our pro athletes( including tennis ) would take that responsibility more serious. The get paid more than most, and know the up and coming yoing ones are watching.

November 27th, 2013 at 12:55 pm

Sorry for the mispells, hard to type whilst walking :(

November 27th, 2013 at 12:58 pm

Im sure many of us on this forum like a flutter on the horses,or the lottery,the pools,as long as people see it as just a bit of fun,and not something that takes over your life and becomes a habit or a problem,and like you say hes not hurting anybody,Rafa IMO is no better or worse than any other sports personality or person posting on this forum,right or wrong hes just leading his life,personally ive always hated the idea of celebities,sports personalities or otherwise been used as role models the more i think about it,role models should be a parent or an Aunt,Uncle etc,definetly not a celebrity though.

November 27th, 2013 at 1:02 pm

Its an interesting topic,i dont see anything wrong in kids wanting to emulate Roger,Rafa playing tennis,or Beckham,Rooney playing football etc,what i do find sad however is when they live their lives through their idols,i think there needs to be a balance between the two,if i had children of my own i would always encourage them to indeed follow their dreams,but also to follow their own identities,my two cents.

November 27th, 2013 at 1:13 pm

alison
its hard for kids to distinguish the 2. That being emulating
there playing style and personality. Kids aren’t matured that way enough yet. Thats where the parents come in. But a lot of times they don’t. And that is why imo Pro Athletes need to step up and know that kids are watching. They don’t. And c’mon now, they are the future of the sport.

That said, I have to defend out top players. Why? Compare to other sports ( american ), with Basketball, Baseball, Football. Drug abuse DUI, Domestic Violence, etc. Tennis for the most part shines.

Unfortunately many adults have the same problem with an”Idol”. So they believe everything there “Idol” does is defensible. Wrong…..message!

November 27th, 2013 at 2:38 pm

“notice how the subject matter at hand went from discussing the subject matter at hand to;
“My top 5″”

Funny. This guy is feeling bitter that people are discussing about tennis instead of mudslinging at each other like him.
LMAO.

November 27th, 2013 at 2:47 pm

“Just pointing out when you are even an unwanted role model in the public u are worshipped, looked up too. Wish all our pro athletes( including tennis ) would take that responsibility more serious.”

You are right. I have seen many guys breaking their racquets and mouthing obscenities at opponents like Federer.

November 27th, 2013 at 2:53 pm

Slice Tennis, are you sure you’re not confusing mouthing obscenities and breaking racquets with peRFect style, elegance and class?

It’s a common mistake around here, no?

November 27th, 2013 at 2:56 pm

ESPN writes about the purpose of exhibition matches in South America and money.
—Roger Federer’s six-match exhibition tour of South America last year reportedly netted him about $2 million per match, and Nadal and Djokovic, now the duo du jour, are probably commanding similar figures.
But the exhibition tours have been a boost for a tennis-enthused region that has generally been starved of big events and the big names that play in them. A rare exception was earlier this year when Nadal decided to play three events to ease himself back into competition, and even then it was his first time playing the South American swing since 2005.
Nadal and Djokovic have been greeted by sold-out crowds and plenty of local attention in the past week.—

http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/10039351/tennis-working-vacation-novak-djokovic-rafael-nadal

@Sean Randall, this is how it’s done.

One to grow on.

November 27th, 2013 at 3:00 pm

Skeezer yeah fair point,kids do follow celebrities sports personalities or otherwise whether we like it or not,and celebrities should be carefull about the message that they are sending out, although i think the adults should probably know better when it comes to idol worship,personally the whole celebrity culture gets on my nerves,i do enjoy tennis amongst other sports,but not to the extent that i let it and the people that play it dominate my life.

November 27th, 2013 at 3:04 pm

@Slice Tennis
Do you really want to get into that? Do You? Really?
“I have seen many guys breaking their racquets and mouthing obscenities at opponents like Federer.”
Say all you want to demean Fed as a Role model then we will discuss Rafa’s role, K? Otherwise STFU.

November 27th, 2013 at 3:07 pm

And contrary to popular belief Novak Djokovic is the MOST unpatriotic of all top players.
Just to evade tax in his home country he has become a resident of Montecarlo.

Poor role model. Poor citizen.

November 27th, 2013 at 3:08 pm

“Otherwise STFU.”

I agree Federer has a huge impact on you.
LMAO.

November 27th, 2013 at 3:10 pm

Breaking racquets is something I have never seen Rafa do. Now, he has gotten verbal with officials before, but they all have done that at some time or other. I have seen Rafa bring his racquet up like he had it on his mind, but he didn’t follow through. He probably thought to himself……it is a gentleman’s sport after all!

November 27th, 2013 at 3:17 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AxsduYqnP8

No respect for elders.
Poor role model.

November 27th, 2013 at 3:17 pm

Once again you contribute “nothing” but banter. Purcell was right. Have fun playing with yourself.

Accusing Novak of being unpatriotic because of his tax status?
ROFL. You try to create mischief, but instead deliver garbage.

November 27th, 2013 at 3:18 pm

And now your searching you tube for defending your loved one….

again. Such quality tennis talk. Oh wait…wasn’t there a site like that that closed down?

Keep it up SL and I’l start posting all the years Fed has won “sportsmanship of the year award. It may lull you to sleep. LMAO.

…got a banana?

November 27th, 2013 at 3:21 pm

“Accusing Novak of being unpatriotic because of his tax status?”

“So they believe everything there “Idol” does is defensible. Wrong…..message!”

You are absolutely right again. LOL.

November 27th, 2013 at 3:22 pm

“Keep it up SL and I’l start posting all the years Fed has won “sportsmanship of the year award.”

“So they believe everything there “Idol” does is defensible. Wrong…..message!”

And again. Wow you are great.

November 27th, 2013 at 3:23 pm

“You try to create mischief, but instead deliver garbage”

Are you talking about this post ?

“He also needs someone to proportionally help him eat Bananas, another person to help line up water bottles, and maybe a third person to help him pull that and swipe this so he can get ready faster. Seems like he has the towel thing down now, good for him. I agree, he does need a lot of help.:). With all that exo money, he can afford it now, no?”

November 27th, 2013 at 3:30 pm

Tennis X. I have complained about @skeezer before now using the acronym “STFU” but it seems to fall on deaf ears.
Is he abiding by the rules using obscenities? Why aren’t his posts moderated?

November 27th, 2013 at 3:35 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHVheQsmJK8&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Fed at his role model best! Lol

November 27th, 2013 at 3:42 pm

LOL.
Federer seems to be worse than his fans.

November 27th, 2013 at 3:49 pm

You demanded it, so here it is vamosheads. When you’re done reading ALL the undeniable all time awards, go to #8.
Like YOU say ST, his fans, his peers LMAO>

Enjoy;

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

PS: 3:30 post. Wasn’t garbage. It was a joke. But hey, its the truth, NO?

November 27th, 2013 at 4:01 pm

Hey skeezer, didn’t you omit something? 17 perhaps?
#22-10 and counting.

November 27th, 2013 at 4:05 pm

Slice Tennis,
Fed sucks.
Giles,
Hehe you tell him!
Vamos!
Slice Tennis,
Rafa eats Fed for breakfast, he is Rafa’s whooping boy.
Giles,
LMAO. So true. great post!
Slice Tennis,
Fed is not the GOAT. He likes cows.
Giles,
LMAO. Vamos! BTW, Rafa is going sleeveless again. I post the link.

Talking to yourself? What….. no friends?

November 27th, 2013 at 4:11 pm

Yeah, that’s the rumour, Rafa going sleeveless for US Open 2014. The crowd will absolutely revel in it.

November 27th, 2013 at 4:15 pm

Sean has aired his new blog, as promised. I guess I will move on to that one, we have beat this horse to death. Oh, yes, the ever popular Nadal is again the focus!! Are we surprised???

November 27th, 2013 at 4:24 pm

“Rafa eats Fed for breakfast”

Yuck. No. Nobody eats doormats.

November 27th, 2013 at 4:48 pm

Okiegal agree with your post 10.46am November 27th,ive only ever wanted to come here to talk tennis not keep on batting heads with all and sundry,i really wish people would lighten up a bit its only a game after all,especially given everything thats going on in the world at the moment,i actually work with a girl who is visiting her family in the Philipines although not in that effected area,but still say no more.

November 28th, 2013 at 7:11 am

@Chic

I refuse to get myself involved in childish grade school banter. You are so right…….in light of what is going on in the world, tennis is a small matter. Sorry for your friend. I am sure she knows some one in the the devastated area. This was a terrible tragedy. Sometime we get caught up in worldly things, we forget what is really important.

Chic, appreciate the civil conversation. Have a nice day!!

November 28th, 2013 at 7:39 am

A tennis player career is too short and they have to maximize their earnings to plan it for their future. It is just the privileged top four players who reap the maximum via endorsement and prize money and naturally the temptation would be to make hay while the sun shines. Rafa is at the stage of his career where he has about two good years of tennis left in him and he has decided that it is the time to cut loose and make a windfall. He definitely cannot be faulted for it. He truly deserves whatever he earns which has been achieved through sheer hardwork and perseverance of monumental proportions. But he must be conscious of the fact that he has troubled knees which has been his achiles heel in the past and therefore he has to be extra cautious in his over exposure.

November 28th, 2013 at 7:50 am

@Michael

Agree with your post 100%…….as I always do. Good read.

November 28th, 2013 at 9:10 am

Mr. Randall, you must be concerned that Nadal may develop carpal tunnel in the upcoming poker tournament. You should definitely write about that.

November 28th, 2013 at 12:01 pm

Michael,

If Rafa’s objective is to max out his earnings by playing wherever he can, why does he complain about the long season? This knife cuts both ways. Tennis players do have short careers compared to the rest of us but a guy like Rafa pulls in more in one year than most of us do in 50 years. Greed has its price. No more complaining unless you’re ready to walk the walk.

November 28th, 2013 at 12:31 pm

If Rafa were to retire from tennis tomorrow,he would have enough money to set himself and his family for life,the interest alone would be enough.

November 28th, 2013 at 12:34 pm

I am sure all the players want to max out their earnings, not just Rafa. After all tennis careers are comparatively shorter than in most other sports. Look at fed. He played 6 Exos last year with a bad back.

November 28th, 2013 at 12:47 pm

Tennis players don’t grow up worrying about whether or not they’ll be role models. None of us do for that matter. We’re a goal oriented society.

Professional sport by definition, is void of real role models. Hockey hands out an award for being sportsmanlike. Then there’s that Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award thing. Athletes are given an award for being “good sports”. As if being a good sport is something so unusual that we need to recognize with an award. It’s laughable. Who knew that just being a good person was something special? Isn’t being nice the least we should expect from people?

In pro sports, winning is the only thing that really leaves an enduring impression. Edberg was always lauded as being a good sport. Then there’s Jimmy Connors. His fiery behaviour became part of his aura. The pundits will say “He hated to lose more than he loved winning.” As if this statement justifies some pretty questionable behaviour. But, because he was such a big winner (like Edberg), the questionable behavior becomes part of his aura rather than what it really was (crappy sportsmanship). In terms of legacy, they all get piled in together because they won a lot. In terms of sport, it’s all we as a society really care about.

November 28th, 2013 at 12:48 pm

After the 37% increase in prize money at the USO, it’s really hard for me to listen to elite tennis players complain about anything. It shows a real disconnect between the pros and the fans.

Pro athletes can’t relate to the average fan anymore. It’s sad. You don’t hear tennis players fighting for more reasonable ticket prices do you? They do on the other hand, fight for more prize money. They pay us lip service by talking about growing the game BS. Wanna’ grow the game? Make ticket prices more easily affordable so that a family of 4 can go to a final without the need for a bank loan.

Athletes don’t care about the fans or the game. Money and winning and that’s about it. They are not role models.

November 28th, 2013 at 12:59 pm

SG1 Says:
“No more complaining unless you’re ready to walk the walk.”

Says who.

The season is “running”. Exhos are “walking”. Apples and oranges.

As in any sport, professional tennis is a business for profit not a charity.

Supply and demand.

November 28th, 2013 at 1:15 pm

“If Rafa’s objective is to max out his earnings by playing wherever he can, why does he complain about the long season?”

This question reveals you know nothing about the sport.

For the umpteenth time, RAFA DOES NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE LONG SEASON.

RAFA COMPLAINS ABOUT TOO MANY MANDATORY TOURNAMENTS.

Apples & oranges.

Also, intensity of a real match compared to a hit-and-giggle exhibition match is apples & oranges, too.

Read Rafa’s quotes translated from a Spanish article, posted by me upthread.

November 29th, 2013 at 1:48 am

“@For the umpteenth time, RAFA DOES NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE LONG SEASON.

RAFA COMPLAINS ABOUT TOO MANY MANDATORY TOURNAMENTS.”

Err..you want to explain the difference?

November 29th, 2013 at 5:27 am

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/11/48/Best-Grand-Slam-Matches-Top-2.aspx
Rafa/joker FO semis best grand slam match of the year.
Agree.

November 29th, 2013 at 7:32 am

http://alturl.com/9c9a2
Rafa is playing in a golf tourney for his charity this weekend.
Vamos!

November 29th, 2013 at 7:55 am

For me, my fav was the US Open final……mainly because it was hard court. We have become accustomed to those French Open titles him being the clay court specialist and all. After USO his emotions were over the top! He played exceptionally well that night……winning in four sets, wow! I think he threw Novak into jock shock. I have that one recorded and watch it when bored….He was amazing! The FO was tainted for me when all everyone wanted to talk about was the net touch by Novak.

November 29th, 2013 at 10:15 am

Best part of French Open for me was that it was #8…….absolutely an incredible feat!!!

Vamos Rafa!!!

November 29th, 2013 at 10:18 am

SG1,

The knife cuts both ways. Valid point. Rafa definitely has no room to complain of a long season if he overplays himself in exhibitions. He cannot absolve himself from the charge of hypocrisy when he says that the season is long and tournaments have to be cut short and at the same time over indulging himself in exhibitions. But, that is how it is. There is no black and white. Forgive me if I am sounding a bit philosophical. Deep inside if we read our conscience well, we will realize that we all are hypocrites. There is no escape from it. Nothing is unsullied and that is the whole parody of it. The World we live is a land of compromise.

November 29th, 2013 at 10:18 am

Okiegal – Thanks once again !! I am happy that you enjoy my posts. But I am not sure whether I deserve your accolades. Nevertheless, it encourages me to a great extent.

November 29th, 2013 at 10:21 am

SG1, quite cynical, no? But well said, I agree.

November 29th, 2013 at 10:34 am

Well skeezer I tried to explain the difference but My post was apparently deemed not worthy.

I will try to do better next time.

Hard to keep to the high standard set by yourself and others.

Allez Fed!!!!!

November 29th, 2013 at 10:39 am

Michael Says:
he says that the season is long and tournaments have to be cut short

Quote please?

November 29th, 2013 at 10:41 am

@Michael

You are a fair, reasonable sensible poster. Other fair, reasonable, sensible posters always agree with you……..You know the old saying ……..BIRDS of a feather flock together. Seriously, always good thoughts that you can eloquently convey to the forum!!Thanks for your input!!

November 29th, 2013 at 11:36 am

Okiegal agree about the FO and Novak touching the net,however the thing that most irritates me is when posters say Novak lost that match by a whisker in that 5th set,when in actual fact Novak was lucky and Rafa unlucky that the match wasnt closed out in the 4th set by Rafa,winning the title was amazing as he beat Borgs record,so anything he does now on clay and at the FO is all gravy now,when he won the USO it was doubly sweet as he beat the king of the HCs,and actually since then you dont hear comments so much as clay court specialist,one dimensional anymore,that 1 HC GS has made alot of difference to his legacy,as he now has multiple slams now on all 3 surfaces.

November 29th, 2013 at 11:48 am

Ben,

When it comes to professional sports, I am by default, cynical where the motives and behavior of athletes is concerned. I love tennis. I love watching elite athletes challenge other. This being said, people like Ben Johnson, Marion Jones, Lance Armstrong, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa Kirby Puckett etc. remind me to keep a perspective on things. Most people, and particularly ones in the public eye, only show you what they want you to see.

November 29th, 2013 at 12:31 pm

I agree Michael. Life does tend to be one enormous compromise.

November 29th, 2013 at 12:34 pm

Geez, break out the Morrissey CDs.

Sigh.

November 29th, 2013 at 1:41 pm

Hawkeye,

Rafa has been quoted numerous times that hard court tournaments have to be curtailed. The very fact he is complaining about a long season implicity means only that. Prima facie I do not see anything wrong with this suggestion. However, SG1 wanted to bring out the double standards of Rafa who on the one hand was playing in exhibitions and on the other hand trying to impress the Authorities to cut short tournaments on the premise of such a venture being overtaxing for the players, which seemed hypocritical in a sense in the light of his indulgence in exhibition tournaments. I only tried to explain that away philosophically and the reality of life as it exists where you cannot escape being hypocrite.

November 29th, 2013 at 11:30 pm

Thanks Okiegal !!

November 29th, 2013 at 11:32 pm

Chic….You are so right about Rafa and his prowess on the hardcourts. His legacy has jumped up a few snotches……good on all sur fraces (Rafa lingo) which I love, btw. He’s done it all, my friend…..the rest is gravy!!

November 29th, 2013 at 11:37 pm

Alison,

Sports is a great leveller. Novak turned lucky in the fifth set at the Australian Open against Rafa when the later led 4-2 and 40-15 on his serve and he missed an easy shot which he would make 100 out of 100 to win the game. That was it and Novak got the breakthrough and won that game and then the marathon match. While at the French Open, the roles got reversed where Novak led 4-2 and was 40-30 to make it 5-2 when all that he had to was to hit an overhead smash. He over reacted and fell on the net to invite a penalty that made it deuce and he lost the game. Such is the strange turnaround Sports produces with increasing frequency which makes the sport even more entertaining.

November 29th, 2013 at 11:41 pm

SG1 (your post at 12.59 PM),

You have mentioned that all that the players care about is only increase in prize money. For instance, they never fight with the Authorites for reasonable ticket prices for spectators. True, it is only protecting individual self-interest towards which every one is in pursuit of. Nobody has the large heartedness of holding a macro view instead of micro ones. That is again a cynical view of life in general. Sorry once again for being philosophical which I am compelled to embrace yet again. But you need to be fair to players like Roger, Rafa, Novak and even Murray who are doing many philanthropic activites through their Trust and also hosting exhibition matches as fund raising initiatives. That is definitely an appreciable contribution from them to the society at large. The point here is that they are not compelled in any manner to be gracious to the society since they are not politicians who need to build up an image. But still they do it as a responsibility is worthy of praise.

November 30th, 2013 at 12:45 am

@michael @ 11:30 post.
Preach it, although it falls to koolaid ears….regardless the truth!

November 30th, 2013 at 1:31 am

Skeezer,

Truth is bitter !! But sometimes when you are enamoured of a personality you tend to normally overlook their shortcomings on any given occasion. That is human tendency who is afterall a social animal. Bias and prejudice invariably creeps in your evaluation which numbs your fair judgement and knowingly or unknowingly you become partial towards the personality you adore hiding behind the cloak of infallibility.

November 30th, 2013 at 2:50 am

Still respectfully waiting for that quote Michael regarding Rafa saying that the season is too long which then somehow translates to Rafa being a hypocrite.

Also, why shouldn’t players demand more money particularly from majors. Otherwise it goes into the pockets of the tournament owners which is just as greedy.

Give me a break. It’s supply and demand. Simple as that. Like I said. Not a charity.

November 30th, 2013 at 10:57 am

Okiegal right on sister:),you remind me of another lady that used to post here called Lulu Iberica,who was also a fair minded but passionate Rafa fan,hasnt posted in some time which is a shame.
Michael thankyou very true.

November 30th, 2013 at 11:52 am

Hawkeye,

“For someone who says the season is too long”

What that means to you ? I need not produce any quote. Tennis X has already produced that. So, you cannot deny what is obvious.

Regarding the prize money issue, I totally agree with you. The players have all the right to demand more as afterall it is they who bring money to the game. As I earlier said, they deserve every bit of the money they earn. The only issue here is that money should be distributed somewhat evenly doing justice to the second, third, fourth round losers which is not the case today. I hope this is sorted out in near future and Roger as President has definitely taken up this issue confronting the lower ranked players.

November 30th, 2013 at 11:16 pm

I dont actually totally agree it seems that the worlds top players are already on a small fortune as it is,it all seems rather unfair IMO,however i agree in that i liked what Roger was trying to do on the players council by trying to get more money for the earlier rounds,otherwise it all smacks of greed,still its the same in every sport,in football the lowever league clubs dont earn much more than i do,but the premier league clubs are on a kings ransome,a case of the already rich getting even richer.

December 1st, 2013 at 2:06 am

Nadal NEVER complained that the season is too long and shoud be shortened, or some tournaments should be abolished.

He always spoke only about too many mandatory tournaments for the top 30 players and the need to make them fewer.

The difference is obvious: by keeping all the tournaments in number and only making a master or two non-mandatory, lower-ranked players should be able to normally continue playing at tournaments throughout the year, without shortening of the season.

That way top 30 players could ease their burden and prolong their careers, without depraving lower-ranked players of their livelihood.

The only obstacle to this reasonable solution are tournament directors – who pushed through ATP bodies that all the tournaments remain as they are, only compressing them into a shorter time span, and the whole season got shortened by 2 weeks with even tighter schedule due to the same total number of tournaments and same number of mandatory ones.

This unreasonable behaviour of TDs undermines quality of sport in the long run. So TDs practically have been cutting the branch on which they sit by being stubborn and refusing to change a few of the mandatory tournaments into non-mandatory ones.

December 1st, 2013 at 2:38 am

Michael, the statement was amen out of context. I provided the full quote but my post wasn’t published.

Quotes are frequently taken out of context.

And people wonder why sports figures don’t like to give honest answers.

December 1st, 2013 at 9:53 am

Good post Peter. Spot on the mark

December 1st, 2013 at 9:53 am

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/aug/28/rafael-nadal-shorter-tennis-season

December 1st, 2013 at 4:29 pm

http://m.us.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703886904576031511227599924?mobile=y

December 1st, 2013 at 4:35 pm

Hawkeye,

May be Rafa cannot communicate effectively in English as he would like to which leaves room for varied interpretations. But all said and done, he is a great player and he can have his say. As Peter brought forth Rafa’s plea to bring down the number of mandatory tournaments prescribed for top players, which implicity means that Rafa thinks that the season is too long atleast for the top players and want that to be curtailed. I do not see anything wrong with that. But, this has been seen only in the context of his over indulgence in too much exhibition tourneys which have become the bone of contention and there is certainly enough room to say that this plain double standards. On the one hand, Rafa wants mandatory tournaments to come down on the grounds of the season being too long for the top players, but on the other hand he freely participates in exhibition tourneys.

December 2nd, 2013 at 12:47 am

Late because of the holidays and work, and only because Skeezer asked for it numerous times, and I don’t want to disappoint him, here it is. I had responded to something this poster had written after Nadal won his 2nd Wimbledon.

Huh wrote:
“Time to post an article about the aftereffects of this FO-WIM two-peat from Nadal and its impact on the tour as a whole. Oh article writers of tennis-x, please bring on something interesting concerning how much this impressive Nadal feat would contribute to establishing his aura or stuff like chances of Rafa at finally winning all the 4 slams in a row.”

I said:

Don’t hold your breath. Not here on Fed-X.

Skeezer wrote.

Your kinda talk is so old,,,,,,you don’t know anything about this site and the articles and hard work that they produce. The fact that you comment makes it relevant. Look deeper into the site before you make a flippant comment. Geez…… Do you realize when you look at a post or comment your helping the site? It’s called “hits” and they generate money from it. Thank you “littlesun”

It was 4 years ago, and back then, I posted under the name, midsun, (thus, the “littlesun”, I’m supposing) but had since changed. So there’s the exchange for what it’s worth.

January 6th, 2014 at 10:28 am