Rafa en photos

MADRID, MADRID - SEPTEMBER 17: Rafa Nadal attends "Man of the Year" award 2012 by Vanity Fair Magazine on September 17, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Juan Naharro Gimenez/WireImage) 2012 Juan Naharro Gimenez

Rafael Nadal recuperation on track, will not rush back

Rafael Nadal - Vanity Fair personality of the year!

Rafael Nadal Smart to Take His Time Recovering from Knee Injury

Those in attendance for Rafael Nadal's acceptance of the Spanish Vanity Fair's "Man of the Year" award on Monday got a glimpse into how frustrating injury recoveries can be for elite athletes.
The world's fourth-ranked player, who has been out of action since his second-round loss at Wimbledon, was being honored by the magazine for his on-court work and his involvement with the Rafa Nadal Foundation.
When asked about his recovery from injury and what that means going forward, Nadal seemed optimistic about his tennis playing future. Nevertheless, it looks like we won't be seeing the Spanish star back on the court until he is 100 percent.
Via the Herald Sun:

I don't know how long I will keep playing tennis. I'll be 31 in five years and taking into account the fact that I started at 16 ... Perhaps stopping now will help extend my career a little bit more. Until I had the problems with the knee again, the final at Roland Garros, had been one of the best seasons of my life. I felt able to win any competition. Complicated times came later.

Considering the Slam season is over and the Davis Cup final is, quite frankly, unimportant in Nadal's long-term career arc, it's completely understandable to "stop" now. He is already reportedly out into November (via ESPN) with his latest setback, a torn patella tendon.
If Nadal is committed to coming back at his optimum potential, he won't touch a racket again until he's fully healed.
Those who have followed the 26-year-old's career arc know that this isn't his first foray with knee injuries.

Nadal missed time in 2006, 2008 and 2009 before this season with chronic knee problems. And considering the Spaniard's storied issues with foot injuries, which began in 2005, one cannot help but think these two problems are related to one another.
For a tennis player, there is absolutely nothing worse than a leg injury. Especially for Nadal, whose amazing defensive skills are predicated on his athleticism, chronic leg injuries could be the early death knell for his career.
With the career Grand Slam complete and 11 major championships in his trophy case, Nadal has nothing left to prove on the tennis court. He could theoretically walk away today unquestioned as one of the 10 greatest players in the sport's history, and perhaps the greatest clay-court star of all-time.
However, we all know that won't happen. Nadal has too many good years left, too much left in the tank, to end his career now. Roger Federer is on the wrong side of 30 and neither Novak Djokovic nor Andy Murray seems ready to take on his role as the one-man face of the sport.

The world No. 1 ranking is there for the taking, and Nadal could be the man for the job whenever he gets healthy. Key to that, however, is not rushing his comeback.
If that means missing the Australian Open in January, so be it. For a player with Nadal's injury history, that's a small price to pay for his long-term health.
Monday, the Spanish star seemed ready to focus on the long-term over the short-term. Whether he continues that commitment could be the key to the rest of his career.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1338565-rafael-nadal-smart-to-take-his-time-recovering-from-knee-injury

Nadal, la retraite dans cinq ans?

Touché à un genou depuis deux mois, Rafael Nadal se pose des questions sur son avenir dans une interview pour Vanity Fair.

 

Une dizaine de jours après avoir convoqué quelques médias lors d'une conférence de presse à Barcelone, Rafael Nadal a de nouveau donné de ses nouvelles. Cette fois-ci, c'est le magazine Vanity Fair qui a eu l'exclusivité de récolter les propos du Majorquin, touché à un genou et sur le flanc depuis deux mois. Dans cette interview, Nadal s'est confié sur son avenir dans le tennis. Ces jours sur le circuit sont-ils comptés ? Lui seul semble avoir la réponse.
"Je ne sais pas combien de temps je vais encore jouer", se demande l'ancien numéro un mondial, précisant que "jusqu'à cette blessure au genou, après la finale de Roland-Garros", il vivait "l'une des meilleures saisons de (sa) vie". Au début du mois de septembre, Nadal avait montré un réel soulagement après avoir appris qu'il ne serait pas opéré. Mais, le septuple vainqueur de la Porte d'Auteuil, en pleine rééducation, se pose tout de même des questions : "Dans cinq ans, j'aurai 31 ans, et comme j'ai commencé le tennis à 16... Et peut-être que si je m'arrête maintenant, c'est pour prolonger ma carrière un peu plus longtemps."

"Revenir au top"
Si l'on se fie aux déclarations d'Angel Ruiz Cotorro, le médecin de la Fédération espagnole, Nadal pourrait effectuer son retour à l'entraînement en octobre. Nadal veut y croire et promettait le meilleur il y a peu : "C'est un processus très long, mais la direction prise (NDLR : ne pas se faire opérer) est la bonne. Nous allons revenir pour nous battre de nouveau afin de revenir au top." Interrogé également sur ses faits de gloire passés et sur son plus beau triomphe, le Majorquin aux onze trophées du Grand Chelem et aux trois Coupes Davis, a refusé d'extirper un titre en particulier : "Le succès, ce n'est pas la victoire en elle-même, mais plutôt toutes les étapes que vous traversez pour y parvenir ; cette certitude d'avoir fait tout ce qui était en votre pouvoir pour l'obtenir. C'est un sentiment qui me rend heureux. Cette année, j'ai perdu en finale de l'Open d'Australie (contre Novak Djokovic). Je n'ai pas aimé cela mais j'étais tout de même heureux."

Source: http://www.eurosport.fr/tennis/nadal-retraite-a-31-ans_sto3427278/story.shtml

Tennis : Nadal, retraité dans cinq ans ?

Le champion espagnol a laissé entendre qu'il pourrait s'éloigner définitivement des courts dans une interview accordée au magazine Vanity Fair.

La blessure laisse aux sportifs tout le temps de réfléchir. Et parfois cette réflexion peut conduire très loin. Rafael Nadal, lors d'une interview accordée lundi au magazine Vanity Fair, a laissé entendre qu'il pourrait prendre sa retraite dans cinq ans.

"Je ne sais pas combien de temps je vais continuer à jouer au tennis, a-t-il avoué. J'aurais 31 ans dans cinq ans, et si l'on prend en compte le fait que j'ai commencé à 16 ans... Peut-être que faire une pause en ce moment va m'aider à continuer ma carrière un peu plus longtemps, qui sait."

Une blessure très mal venue

Visiblement, le champion espagnol, n'est pas encore certain à 100 % de son choix. Peut-être même que de retrouver les courts et l'adrénaline de la compétition le fera se raviser. Toutefois une certaine lassitude des exigences du très haut niveau se ressent indéniablement dans ses paroles. L'amertume d'une blessure survenue au pire moment, aussi.

"Jusqu'à ce que j'ai ces problèmes au genou, cette saison a été l'une des meilleures de ma carrière, a expliqué le septuple vainqueur du tournoi de Roland-Garros (un record). Je me sentais capable de gagner n'importe quel tournoi. Ça a été plus compliqué par la suite."

Depuis son éloignement des courts, Nadal est passé de la première à la 4e place du classement ATP. Il pourrait fait son retour à l'occasion du Masters de Londres (du 5 au 11 novembre), une compétition pour laquelle il détient déjà son billet. Il devrait ensuite disputer la finale de la Coupe Davis avec l'Espagne qui tentera alors de remporter son 4e trophée en cinq ans (du 16 au 18 novembre).

Source: http://www.metrofrance.com/sport/tennis-nadal-retraite-dans-cinq-ans/mlir!2CXc2XTOb5FU/

Rafael Nadal congratulates Andy Murray on winning US Open

King of Clay Rafael Nadal has congratulated newly crowned US Open champion Andy Murray of Great Britain on winning his first Major crown. The Spaniard also praised Murray and the losing finalist Novak Djokovic for playing brilliantly in the final.

King of Clay Rafael Nadal has congratulated newly crowned US Open champion Andy Murray of Great Britain on winning his first Major crown. The Spaniard also praised Murray and the losing finalist Novak Djokovic for playing brilliantly in the final.

Nadal thinks that both Murray and Djokovic deserved to capture the trophy. The Brit defeated Djokovic in a marathon five set encounter 7-6(10), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2. It lasted for four hours and 54 minutes, equaling the record for longest final in the history of the US Open.

The Spanish number one put up a status on his facebook page, “Congrats to Andy to achieve his first Grand Slam. He and Nole has been played a great US Open final, both deserved to win.”
Nadal and Murray have always been good friends. The Spaniard and Murray have developed good rivalry on the ATP World Tour. Both of them are the members of the ‘Big 4’ club which also includes Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Other than this factor, this is also true that Nadal has a big heart and he congratulates and wishes luck to all the people who are connected to him in some way of the other. The Spaniard showed this positive gesture despite the fact that Murray replaced Nadal for the number three ranking in men’s tennis.

But Nadal is too kind. He also congratulated Ferrer on his superb performance at the US Open and wished him luck for the Davis Cup tie. The 26-year-old wished Paul Gasol when he replaced him as the flag bearer of the Spanish Olympics contingent. Everyone would have an idea that it would have required a big heart from him to wish his replacement at that moment, as it was one of Nadal’s biggest dreams to be his country’s flag bearer at the Olympics and he was extremely upset after his withdrawal from London Olympics.

However, the guy with one of the biggest hearts is fighting for his fitness these days. He has been sidelined from circuit for more than two months now. Though, he is expected to restart playing tennis within a couple of months.

Source:http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Rafael-Nadal-congratulates-Andy-Murray-on-winning-US-Open-articolo5952.html




 

Rafael Nadal is trying his best to get back to shape as early as possible

Former world number one Rafael Nadal is working quite hard to regain fitness and get into shape to restart playing competitive tennis.


Former world number one Rafael Nadal is working quite hard to regain fitness and get into shape to restart playing competitive tennis.
The King of Clay has been sidelined from the ATP World Tour for almost two and a half months now. The Spaniard has not played a single match since getting stunned at the hands of Lukas Rosol of Czech Republic in the second round of this year’s Wimbledon.
Nadal is working out a lot on different parts of his body in the gym to meet the fitness level which is required for playing tennis at the top level.

The Spanish number one posted on his facebook that, “Just finishing a hard session in the gym this afternoon. I'm working really hard to be ready as soon as possible.”
Nadal is not like all the other top players on the ATP World Tour including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. The Spaniard grinds his body a lot as his style of play is too physical. He pushes himself to the maximum level at every point. Djokovic’s playing style is closest to Nadal’s from physicality point of view but still his level is not the same.
The Spaniard’s body is also prone to injuries. He has been suffering from physical troubles since the days of his junior career. Nadal was forced to skip 2004 French Open due to a foot injury. Then he withdrew from defending his Wimbledon title due to the same knee injury in 2009. The 26-year-old has missed London Olympics, two Masters Series events and the US Open so far because of this present injury.
 
However, Nadal is not only a fighter on the court but also off the court. His fans know that he will bounce back in style like he did in 2010, when he won three Grand Slams and had one of the best seasons by any player in the history of the sport. The Spaniard did all that after coming back from injury hit 2009.
Nadal has already pulled out from this week’s Davis Cup semi-finals. He is now expected to make a comeback a couple of weeks before the season ending championships.

Source:  http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Rafael-Nadal-is-trying-his-best-to-get-back-to-shape-as-early-as-possible-articolo5950.html

Rafa Nadal We Are Mobile: Behind-the-Scenes footage

Classement ATP/ ATP Ranks

Classement au 11 septembre :

1. Roger Federer (SUI) 11805 pts

2. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 10470

3. Andy Murray (GBR) 8570 (+1)

4. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7515 (-1)

5. David Ferrer (ESP) 5915

6. Tomas Berdych (CZE) 4830 (+1)

7. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 4520 (-1)

8. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 3890

9. Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) 3285

10. John Isner (É.-U.) 2610

11. Juan Monaco (ARG) 2565

12. Nicolas Almagro (ESP) 2475

13. Marin Cilic (CRO) 2455

14. Richard Gasquet (FRA) 2165

15. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2080 (+1)

16. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 1870 (+2)

17. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) 1865 (+2)

18. Philipp Kohlschreiber (ALL) 1855 (+2)

19. Oleksandr Dolgopolov Jr. (UKR) 1815 (-4)

20. Gilles Simon (FRA) 1800 (-3)

Rafael Nadal congratulates David Ferrer on his US Open performance

Spanish number one Rafael Nadal has congratulated his countryman, Davis Cup team mate and very good friend David Ferrer after the latter´s superb showing at the final Grand Slam of the season.

Spanish number one Rafael Nadal has congratulated his countryman, Davis Cup team mate and very good friend David Ferrer after the latter’s superb showing at the final Grand Slam of the season.
Nadal posted on his facebook page, “Congrats David for your great US OPEN and encourage to play the Davis Cup Semifinal this week.”
These two best players of their country are very close friends and always together in good and bad times. Ferrer said just few days back that he wanted Nadal back on the ATP World Tour even it meant that he would be his country’s second best player in that case.

When Nadal withdrew from the London Olympics, he was asked who was his favorite player to win Gold Medal. The Beijing Olympics Champion took the name of Ferrer without any wait.
Ferrer, who is a clay court specialist, did well to reach the last-four stage of the Grand Slam which is least suited to his style of play. He lost to the defending champion Novak Djokovic in four sets 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 and failed to reach the first final of a Major Championship.

The 30-year-old was carrying Spain’s flag in absence of Nadal, who has not played for more than two months due to a knee injury. The 11-time Grand Slam and the 2010 US Open champion failed to defend his 1200 points, as he was runner up last year.
Ferrer was not the favouite player to win the semi-final as Djokovic is a far better player of hard court than the Spaniard but he fought bravely. The Spanish number two was leading 5-2 on Saturday, when play was suspended due to bad weather conditions. When play resumed on Sunday, Ferrer started from where he had stopped on the previous day and closed the set 6-2. However, he could not stop Djokovic from winning the following three sets comfortable and reaching the final.

However, the Spaniard is still happy with his performance, as he said after the match, "I made a semi-final in Grand Slam; my second time in the semi-final here at US Open. This was the best of my career. Of course I am very positive. I am very happy with myself and with my performance."
Nadal also wished Ferrer luck for the Spain versus USA Davis Cup semi-final tie, which will take place after few days. Nadal announced his withdrawal from the crucial tie last week and now Ferrer will spearhead the Spanish side against the inform Americans.
Source:  http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Rafael-Nadal-congratulates-David-Ferrer-on-his-US-Open-performance-articolo5912.html

Pendant l'US Open, Rafael Nadal était à Bordeaux

TENNIS – Le tennisman espagnol serait venu faire soigner son genou en Gironde…

S’il ne peut pas jouer au tennis à cause d’une blessure au genou, Rafael Nadal peut au moins s’amuser avec ses fans. Vendredi, le tennisman espagnol a partagé sur sa page Facebook une photo de lui assortie de la question : «dans quelle ville ai-je passé les deux derniers jours ?».
Il fallait répondre Bordeaux. L’ex numéro 1 mondial serait venu se faire soigner à la clinique des Grands chênes, spécialisé dans la rééducation fonctionnelle. Contacté ce dimanche, l’établissement ne souhaitait pas confirmer le passage du champion dans ses murs. Blessé depuis son élimination au deuxième tour de Wimbledon fin juin, Rafael Nadal a annoncé lundi qu’il serait éloigné des courts pour encore deux mois.

 Source photos: http://www.facebook.com/Nadal (Facebook de Rafa)
Source:  http://www.20minutes.fr/sport/tennis/999861-pendant-us-open-rafael-nadal-bordeaux

Rafael Nadal praises Andy Roddick

11-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has praised his fellow player former World No. 1 Andy Roddick, who was retired from the professional tennis at the US Open Championships on Wednesday.

World No. 3 Rafael Nadal has posted a message on his Facebook wall that, Great career of Andy Roddick has ended, where he was really appreciating everything that he has done great for American tennis, We miss you. Nadal said Roddick was one of his best rivals, where he has played best matches on the ATP World Tour.

26-year-old Nadal said Roddick is one of the best players on grass courts, where he had lost three Wimbledon Championships finals in 2004, 2005 and 2009. American tennis star has remained best tennis champion in United States and young tennis fans should learn from his style. Former World No. 1 Serena Williams and her elder sister Venus Williams are the other greatest players still on active and playing great tennis from several years.

Source:  http://www.livetennisguide.com/2012/09/07/rafael-nadal-praises-andy-roddick/

Nadal rend hommage à Roddick

Absent du dernier Grand Chelem de la saison, Rafael Nadal a tout de même tenu à saluer Andy Roddick, qui a disputé le dernier match de sa carrière à New-York, mercredi. Sur Twitter, L'Espagnol y est aller d'un petit message pour le nouveau retraité.

A l'image de plusieurs autres joueurs, Rafael Nadal n'a pas manqué de saluer la carrière d'Andy Roddick. A 30 ans, l'Américain a mis un terme à sa carrière après une défaite en quart de finale face à Juan Martin Del Potro (6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4). « Tu as fait une super carrière Andy ! J'ai vraiment apprécié tout ce que tu as donné pour le tennis au cours de ces années. Tu vas nous manquer ! », a ainsi posté Nadal, toujours écarté des courts actuellement, sur le célèbre réseau social.

Nadal & co rendent hommage à Kim Clijsters

Un des sponsors de Kim Clijsters a rassemblé une belle brochette de champions pour rendre hommage à notre compatriote. Dans cette vidéo, on reconnaît, entre autres, Rafael Nadal, Samantha Stosur ou Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

"C'est une grande championne et quelqu'un de très chouette. Je me rappelle de mon premier Wimbledon. J'avais reçu une wild card et je l'ai affrontée au quatrième tour. C'était une expérience géniale. J'ai toujours adoré jouer contre elle", raconte Agnieszka Radwanska.
Rafael Nadal a disputé quelques exhibitions aux côtés de Kimmeke. Il a également tenu à féliciter notre compatriote pour sa "carrière incroyable". "Cela a été un honneur pour moi de partager quelques moments avec toi. Je me suis toujours senti très bien avec toi, et je peux seulement te remercier. Je te souhaite le meilleur pour ta nouvelle vie", ajoute-t-il.

"La première fois que j'ai entendu la nouvelle, j'étais tellement triste", témoigne Na Li. "C'était bien sûr une très bonne joueuse, mais aussi quelqu'un de bien."

"Tu vas manquer à tout le monde sur le circuit. Profites de ce nouveau chapitre de ta vie", renchérit Samantha Stosur.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga a particulièrement été marqué par le retour au premier plan de Kim après la naissance de sa fille. "Elle s'est retirée pour avoir un enfant et revenir ensuite. Je trouve ça très courageux, peu de joueuses l'ont fait. Elle, elle est revenue et elle a gagné l'US Open. Je lui tire mon chapeau."

Source: http://www.rtbf.be/sport/tennis/detail_nadal-co-rendent-hommage-a-kim-clijsters?id=7834891

PokerStars Rafa Nadal We Are Mobile TV Ad - Spain

Nadal de retour en octobre ?

Rafael Nadal devrait échapper à l'opération. Les médecins ont écarté l'hypothèse chirurgicale pour soigner sa blessure au genou gauche. Après avoir craint le pire, le Majorquin pourrait finalement reprendre l'entraînement dès octobre, d'après le médecin de la Fédération espagnole Angel Ruiz Cotorro.

 

La saison de Rafael Nadal n'est pas encore finie. Et sa carrière, encore moins. Du moins, c'est ce qu'a tenté d'affirmer Angel Ruiz Cotorro, médecin de la Fédération espagnole. "Dans un mois, si les tests s'annoncent concluants et ses progrès réels, il pourra alors reprendre l'entraînement sur les courts". Données lors d'une conférence de presse à Barcelone ce mercredi, ces déclarations sont venues rassurer ceux qui s'inquiétaient de l'avenir du Majorquin. Ecarté des courts depuis Wimbledon en raison d'une blessure au genou plus grave que d'habitude, l'ex-numéro un mondial pourrait finalement être sur pied pour la Masters Cup de fin d'année.

"Nous avons totalement écarté l'opération. Au cours du prochain mois, il va être traité à base de kinésithérapie, de l'hydrothérapie et du laser. Nous verrons comment cela évolue", a expliqué le médecin au cours de la conférence de presse. "Nous pensons qu'en deux mois, le tendon partiellement déchiré pourra revenir à un état normal", a ajouté le Dr Ruiz Cotorro. "La médecine n'est pas une science exacte, mais nous savons comment réparer ce tendon et nous avons assez de temps pour le faire." Le syndrome de Hoffa, nom donné au mal dont il souffre, a déjà privé l'Espagnol des Jeux Olympiques, des US Open Series, de Flushing Meadows et également de la Coupe Davis. Une absence qui devrait lui coûter sa place dans le Top 3 mondial à l'issue de la quinzaine américaine.
"Je me sens mieux après le rendez-vous avec mes médecins et je suis heureux de savoir que l'évolution de ces dernières semaines a été positive et l'opération évitée, s'est réjoui Rafael. Je vais continuer à travailler avec le programme que les médecins ont établi pour être capable de jouer dès que possible dans de bonnes conditions." Et à Toni le mot de la fin : "C'est un processus très long, mais la direction prise est la bonne. Nous allons revenir pour nous battre de nouveau afin de revenir au top."

Rafael Nadal: Tennis Great Makes Right Decision by Resting Knee Injury

Rafael Nadal, being the competitor that he is, could have easily fallen into the trap of trying to get onto the court as soon as possible after his knee injury.
He's an 11-time Grand Slam singles champion, after all, and 11-time Grand Slam singles champions tend to go all out, all the time.
But Nadal noted in a statement on Monday that he would miss at least another two months after a torn patella tendon forced him to miss the London Olympics and the U.S. Open this year (via tennis.com)

I have missed the Olympics and the US Open in the last few weeks, two of the most important tournaments of the year and that I really wanted to play. I really want to be back competing and enjoying the tennis tour, but I have many years in front of me and my knee needs some rest. I will be back when I have no pain and able to compete with guarantee.

It will save the 26-year-old down the line.


We are all aware of Nadal's furious game, the kind of game that had many predicting his physical collapse well before it actually happened this year. As much as Nadal's lightning-fast court coverage has helped him throughout his career, it also was a matter of time before it would come back to bite him.
By taking this time off, Nadal misses the events he loves, but he gives himself a chance to have a lengthier career and a better shot at more Grand Slam singles titles. It's the right move, and one that is more difficult for tennis players to make than you can possibly imagine.

In Nadal's case, in particular, a rest was almost needed if he expected to still be dominant at the age of 30. Sure, Roger Federer is still going strong, but his style of play has resembled more grace than power throughout the years. He's a different player.
Given the Spaniard's two-month time frame, he could potentially return for the Barclay's ATP World Tour Finals held in London in early November. But even that would be a stretch and Nadal should hold out.
There is no use risking further injury this year. He needs to make sure he's 100 percent healthy before returning to the court again, no matter how much his competitive spirit drives him.
This is a pivotal point in Nadal's career. He's lived dangerously for so many years. Now it's time to rest, something that is completely foreign to him.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1323154-rafael-nadal-tennis-great-makes-right-decision-by-resting-knee-injury

Uncle Toni Nadal talks about Rafa's injury