Rafael Nadal Apparently Has A Stomach Virus Prompting Speculation If He’ll Play Shanghai

It’s interesting how in today’s world speculation get’s kickstarted way early than it used to. Probably because this is the age of the Internet.

Hopefully he’ll be fine to play on Wednesday.

October 6th, 2014 at 3:37 pm

Always something…

October 6th, 2014 at 3:49 pm

Wish it was always nothing if you get my drift.

October 6th, 2014 at 3:56 pm

Ok, I officially revoke my prediction that Rafa will win one of his first 3 tournaments back.

October 6th, 2014 at 5:07 pm

^ lol rz, but we have no idea what this means do we? (it’s speculation at this point.)

October 6th, 2014 at 5:18 pm

@RZ:

LOL, it’s been accepted!

Seriously:

I don’t mind folks making predictions such as that. I know they based it on previous history of Rafa’s comeback in some cases (in others it seemed like pure deep seated suspicion) but even then Rafa’s had comeback where he did not win a title for age (2009/2010 overlap).

For me as a longtime fan expecting him to win a title in the fall in the best of health is not given, let alone post a return from a 3 month lay off.

I think it’s very unrealistic expectation and I think I speak for all Rafa fans when I say:

A completed fall schedule without any issues, some good number of matches = i’ll take right now.

October 6th, 2014 at 5:22 pm

^^There is one more to go, you never know, besides, he is yet to withdraw from Shanghai.

October 6th, 2014 at 5:22 pm

^^This was for RZ.

October 6th, 2014 at 5:23 pm

@Jane – agreed that we don’t know what it means, but I suspect it means that either he or his team isn’t feeling too confident.

@Brando – my prediction was based on Rafa’s last comeback and his stellar hard court results last year.

@Wog Boy – very true. Of course now that I’ve revoked my prediction, he probably will win this one or the next one!

October 6th, 2014 at 6:24 pm

Shanghsi is important but more important is London and even bigger is Melbourne next year, so, if he withdraws he will give his second position to the swiss but health is always the more important thing.

October 6th, 2014 at 6:52 pm

” but health is always the more important thing.”: correct. It’s the most important thing for an athlete but also for everyone. Your health is of paramount. It’s only a report based on a skipping of a training session but if Rafa feels health wise it be best to withdraw he then should do so. It would absolutely be the right thing to do so. Hope he feels well enough to play though.

October 6th, 2014 at 6:57 pm

@RZ: that’s understandable cause for it but those results were of a stellar nature that even Novak at his best would find tough repeating: win the only HC GS you enter and your HC MS till Shanghai reads: WWW. And oh: your only the 2nd person this century to do the USO series clean sweep. LOL: it’s near impossible to repeat let alone be the basis of an expectation for success on a return after 3 months. Add to that, really Rafa has not hit a sustained patch of peak form this year- I’d argue barring FO SF and Final he really has not- then I think it’s kinda too much to expect from him. That said: I respect your opinion and I can see why you may think as so. All I’ll end on is: let’s just hope he plays Shanghai since win or lose Rafa adds to the excitement with his participation.

October 6th, 2014 at 7:07 pm

RZ again those are your words,and not ones coming from Rafa fans,thats assuming he even plays?….

October 7th, 2014 at 3:40 am

Lol lol lol. I am just very highly amused at the interest and speculation from the joker fans on Rafa.
Rafa will do what’s right for him, ok??
Don’t worry joker has sealed the #1 ranking if that’s what you guys are worried about. Pfffffft!!

October 7th, 2014 at 4:00 am

Rafa in fact has appendicitis and has decided to play Shanghai.
Vamos Champ!

October 7th, 2014 at 8:38 am

^Ouch Nasty,if that bursts without catching it in time,it can actually kill a person,perhaps the haters will actually think about what they are saying now?^

October 7th, 2014 at 8:54 am

Giles was that a error on your post,actually playing with appendicitis,surely not??

October 7th, 2014 at 8:57 am

If Rafa has appendicitis, he should be in hospital.
If he has what’s known as a “grumbling” appendix, it’s still pretty nasty and painful and will either settle or need surgery.

October 7th, 2014 at 8:59 am

Rafa has appendicitis:

Doctors confirm it’s in a early stage (thankfully), Rafa chose treatment with antibiotics as opposed to immediate surgery.

He say’s he feels better (again: thankfully)and already has posted photos of a practise session on Facebook.

http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/11657129/rafael-nadal-play-shanghai-masters-appendicitis

Got to say:

I do not know of a individual-forget Sportsman- with more crappy luck with injury/health issues. Forgetting the knee injuries or whatever that cynics blame on his playing style but all the rest of the stuff:

Blisters, back spasms in a Slam, hot plates causing minor skin burn and now this appendicitis issue.

Just crappy luck!

Seriously glad the appendicitis stuff early though since that is seriously painful issue.

Good luck and best of health Rafa!

October 7th, 2014 at 9:10 am

In other more welcome news:

Rafa has been named ‘Friend of Australian Open’. That’s great to hear!

Interesting side note:

Event director Craig Tiley said that Roger Federer and Serena Williams WILL attend the event in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

This- possibly if correct- rules out the Federer retirement post Rio 2016 that some speculate. Seems like he’s intent to play post age 35.

I think he will if healthy regardless of ranking.

October 7th, 2014 at 9:21 am

yep.. all his injuries are during the weakest part of his career.. injury free until Wimbledon year after year.. makes perfect sense..

October 7th, 2014 at 9:52 am