"Some force, that Nadal. He's palpable even in absentia."
The Rafa-fans have still been out in force at this year's Wimbledon, and I'm happy to say they have made their presence known. T-shirts and and banners are visibly in force and we have had audible vocal support in a number of Centre Court matches.
Not that I would encourage any un-sporting behaviour at the hallowed ground mind you, but I have to admit that I rendered a smile in Feds second round match as when he stood to serve at match point, somebody shouted out ... "C'mon Rafa!!!" and he promptly missed. Ha!!
The Rafateers who have visited Wimbledon this week have stories from fans and Wimbledon staff alike of how much everyone is missing him.
The "Rafa-effect" is captured in the attached article. Not necessarily discussing his lamented absence, but how his sheer personality and presence and absolute wanting to win this grand old tournament may have filtered down to the rest of the Spanish players as they have come and still remain in numbers in this year's draw.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-wimbledon26-2009jun26,0,2753630.story
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