Rafa's "Universal Spaniard" award ...

Here's Rafa receiving the "Universal Spaniard" award. If we gloss over the hair ... he is suited and booted and looking fabulous. Great suit, soooooo stylish. And its nice he took his Mum along. Who - I have to say - is looking fabulous.

Here's some more footage including some of the interview ...

The Beatles mop top ...

Rafa's hair. When he was a young warrior with the long tresses held in place by his bandana ... I loved it. The lurid dreams of running your fingers through it ... *gasps*. But as time has gone on and he's got just that little bit older and ... dare I write this ... its looking a bit ... gappier ... he's started to cut it.

It was a disappointment at first, but I've grown to like it. But today's effort when he went to receive his award for "Universal Spaniard" ... well Rafa, its truely awful.

Check it out.

Such a pity really, as the clothes and the body are HOT.

Maymo speaks!!!

Aaaaaah ... lovely Maymo. I adore him. Well, firstly ... he has the greatest job in the world as he gets to put his hands on the Rafaflesh every single day. But boy, is that man committed. Wherever Rafa goes, Maymo goes. Work, rest and play. That's dedication ... or getting paid for what most of us would do for free. LOL. Anyway, we can't understand a blinkin' word he is saying, but apparently he's talking about Rafa's diet. But ... there are also some lovely salacious Rafashots in the vid. too. Vamos the Rafaels !!!!

Rafa in practise ...

Rafa is in Manacor back in practise for the remainder of the season. He's under the watchful of eye of Uncle Toni and Maymo and reporting that he is happy to be fit enough to now train and not just be playing matches.

Will we see Rafa succeed in one of the two remaining 2009 tournaments? Here's hoping ...

Rafa to receive "Universal Spaniard 2009" award ...

Rafa's website has reported that he is to recieve the Universal Spaniard 2009 award tomorrow as an honour to represent his sporting achievements and the fine young man he is.

Rafa Nadal will receive tomorrow Thursday 29th of October at 5:00pm (local Spanish time) in the 'Fundación de Mapfre' Auditorium, the 'Universal Spaniard 2009 Award', given to him by 'La Fundación Independiente' for his successful sporting career and excellent civic behaviour.

The organization described Rafa as "an excellent example for our society. Specially for our youngsters."

The celebration will honour all kind of athletes who have excelled not only in their profession but most importantly, in their determination to help project Spain's name across the world through hard work, sportsmanship and good values.

Rafa and the Conde trophy ...

Well ... its still slow Rafanews, so my best offering is hunnnnnnnnnndreds of video clips of Rafa and a very big trophy. (But not necessarily the one we are all really interested in ... if you get my drift). *winks*

Rafa at Real with Rafadad ...

Rafa makes his way to his seat at last Wednesday's Champions League match at the Bernabeu ... which Real lost 2-3 against Milan. Shame.

That is - of course - once people stopped calling to him for their picture to be taken with him. How popular is lovely Rafa ...

Rafa at the Real Club de Tenis of Barcelona ...

Rafa today turned up at Real Club de Tenis of Barcelona to collect his replica trophy, having lifted the real thing five times previously.

Absolutely certain now that he won't ever drop this tournament. And thinking about it ... if he loves it, as he's a member of the club and as he has an inherent sense of honour and tradition - why should he if it makes him happy. Hang the knees !!!

As it was apparently raining today in Barcelona, he went indoors to have a hit with some of the kids from the tennis academy.

Rafa at the Castellon golf pro-am ...

Rafa indulged today in one of his favourite pastimes - boring, old golf - as he took part in a pro-am competition with his pal, Sergio Garcia.

Following which ... he'll be hot footing it off to the footie. Yep ... a very Rafa-indulgent day.

Rafa pics of his jolly hollies ...

In September, Rafa and his mates went for a boys' holiday to Monaco. I scrolled the interweb for pictures, but found none. Clever Rafa ...

Anyhow, he has decided to share a couple of snaps with via Facebook ...

Rafa to receive replica trophy ...

On Thursday, Rafa will travel to the Real Club de Tenis, Barcelona - of which Rafa is a member - as he is to be honoured with a replica of the Trofeo Conde de Godó trophy to mark his achievement of being the only player ever to win it 5 years in succession.

With the continued debate surrounding Rafa's schedule and the constant cry that Barcelona should be one of the tournaments he drops ... I think this honour puts the tin lid on it that he won't in 2010 ... like he was ever going to.

Some funny Rafa moments ...

Clip showing a collection of some of Rafa's funny moments, and also some of his infamous not-so-funny ones ...

Rafa reflects on the remainder of the season ...

Rafa arrived back in Mallorca yesterday for a flying visit before going off to play in a pro-am competition, the Castello Masters, Costa Azahar, with his pal Sergio Garcia and other luminaries such as Roberto Donadoni, Javier Clemente, and Johann Cruyff. He'll spend the evening watching his beloved Real Madrid against AC Milan.

He found time to speak to the Times on his final thoughts on Sunday's match and what the remainder of the season may bring him.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/tennis/article6881674.ece

Rafa arrives at the airport ...

Poor Rafa ... he's spent god knows how many hours travelling back from Shanghai and is pounced for TV interviews before the van has even been loaded with the luggage.

Fashion ...

How about we have an article??? The Rafakit is of extreme interest to myself and another reason why Rafa has been a breath of fresh air to mens' tennis. He pushes the boundaries and breaks the mould. We have all been a bit mixed about the Shanghai Shorts ... but his choices always keep us talking !!! ... To be honest, I prefer him out of the kit!!!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/match-tough/fashion-sense/article1329178/

Rafa's injury history ..

This is quite an emotive subject ... Rafa and the trouble he's had with injury, particularly his knees.

This is a Spanish report capturing the history. Some of it is difficult to watch and/or remember ... but there is also a lot of footage showing the magnificent physicality and stunning hard play of his tennis. And reminds me of why I love this man as a tennis player, and the sheer energy, excitement and diversity he has brought to mens' tennis ... Vamos Rafa!!!

Rafa arrives home ...

Lovely Rafa arrives back in Palma from his exploits in the Far East ...

Rafa waits for no man ... except cheeky Feli !!!

Before Rafa's match in Shanghai against Tommy Robredo, poor Tommy was left waiting whilst Rafa did he usual routine of being late and then performing ALL of his rituals before declaring himself ready (even though this clip is speeded up!!) ...



But then move on to his match with Feli ... and the cunning fox DARED to keep the great man waiting ... naughty Feli !!!

Shanghai summary ...

I have been neglecting my Rafa-duties on here of late, so I need to catch up.

Firstly in the quarters, Rafa faced Ivan Ljubicic who retired injured at the start of the third set when it was one set all at 3-6, 6-3 ...



Which brought about a semi-final encounter with his close friend, the lovely Feli Lopez *swoons* ... who retired ... injured at 1-6, 0-3 down !!!

... so Rafa had a fairly comfortable passage into the his first final since May where he was to meet an in-form Nikolay Davydenko.

And in form he was. Rafa was broken early in the first set but recovered the break and actually held set points which he was unable to convert. Davydenko though was playing a fantastic match and the first set had to be settled on a breaker, which Davy won 7-3. Rafa, still looking for confidence, did what he always does in these circumstances and retreated further and further back from the baseline. He was broken in the second set and ran out the loser 6-3.

He still, however, remained upbeat (of sorts) in his presser and said he felt at least he could compete at 100% against a top 10 player. Its all a question of time, Rafa. Keep working and trying, and lets not forget that this young man had only practised for a couple of days before flying out to the Far East. So its a couple or so weeks rest and practice till the tour picks up again in Paris. Vamos Rafa!!!

Spanish TV clip of the final ...



Rafa's trophy ceremony and his little speech ...

How many tennis balls can Rafa hold at one time? ...

... already forgotten the answer.

I just wish I was one of those he put between his legs ... *whistles*

Players Party in Shanghai ...

... and Rafa looks gorgeous. *sighs*

Rafa defeats Robredo ...

Rafa came out the victor in the battle of Spanish totty today, 6-1, 6-4. Rafa was pleased with his first set performance, but disappointed with the bad couple of games he had at the start of the second which saw him quickly go down 2-0 and there were points for 3-0.

"The important moment for example, in my opinion, the beginning of the second was very important, because I was playing really well, 6 1, having the control of the match, playing aggressive, and Tommy didn't have lot of chance. So playing two bad games in the beginning of the second, he has a lot of confidence later, and the set was difficult in the second."

He never was going to be pushed though, and came out the easy winner. He will next play Ivan Ljubicic in the quarters.

Here is a clip of the match:-

Rafa the Formula 1 machine ...

Rafa gave a very good interview today, recorded in The Times, where when asked about the alarming number of withdrawals and injuries at this tournament he commented:-

"This end of the season is tough for everyone except for me this year," Nadal said. "When you put the body all the time at the limit, it is difficult. It's the same as Formula 1. They have the the best cars in the world, but at the same time these cars are broken more than your car. That's the reason, because the car is always at the limit. So we are the same."

Get them told, Rafa ...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/tennis/article6874848.ece

Rafa superb as he defeats Blake in three ...

Despite losing the second set on a tie-breaker, Rafa was in superb form today and playing some of the best tennis he has done since returning from injury. His serve was much improved and his movement was excellent. The victory obviously meant an awful lot to him when looking at his on-court celebrations.

Is the boy back?? Vamos Rafa!!!

Rafa's preview interview before the match:-



Spanish TV report on the match:-



The final game of the match which is great for Rafa's celebration, but best of all ... a fantastic bare chested view ... simply gorgeous.

Rafa in Shanghai ...

Rafa practices in Shanghai ahead of his first match in Shanghai with fellow Spaniard, David Ferrer. The return of last year's US hardcourt season's sleeveless top is very welcome, however, Rafa seems out of sorts to me ... not at at buoyant, not his usual self ... not, Rafa.

Here are some clips of Rafa's previous matches with James Blake ...

Rafa practising in Shanghai ...

Rafa gets some practice in ahead of the start of the Shanghai Masters.

Rafa appears in l'Equipe Sports & Style

Trust me ... I have searched high and low to find a link to replicate the article for this, but sadly ... I can't. Anyhow, shall we just enjoy the pictures???

No man is an island ... except for Nadal

Rafa appears in a interview done with ESPN magazine back in June that seems to have passed me by.

Anyhow ... some lovely detail is in here so the link is attached for happy reading. Enjoy!!

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=4180348

Rafa gets a tough draw in Shanghai ...

The draw has been announced for the Shanghai Masters and its not going to get any easier for Rafa as attempts to play himself back to form and fitness.

He has a tough opening round assignment against the winner of James Blake vs. Ivo Karlovic and the first seed he could meet is No. 14 Tommy Robredo in the third round. In the quarter-finals, he could face No. 7 Fernando Verdasco or No. 11 Gael Monfils. Unseeded Lleyton Hewitt and Ivan Ljubicic are also possible quarter-finalists.

In the second quarter of the draw, the following are potentially awaiting. Juan Martin del Potro plays the winner of Jeremy Chardy vs. Jurgen Melzer in his opening round. The Argentine could meet No. 16 David Ferrer in the third round. Ferrer has a tough opener with Frenchman Richard Gasquet. In the quarter-finals, del Potro's possible seeded opponent is No. 5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or No. 9 Robin Soderling. Tsonga plays the winner of wild card Shao-Xuan Zeng or Dudi Sela, while Soderling opens with Romanian Victor Hanescu.

Just do your best Rafa ...

Cracks in the Armada ...

On Friday it was announced that Barcelona will be the venue when Spain take on the Czech Republic in December in the final of the Davis Cup. There was some intial confusion as to whether it would be clay outdoors, or indoors clay ... with the answer being the latter.

However, it seems that daggers have been drawn over territories, with Juan-Carlos Ferrero championing his home town of Valencia, Nando and Feli were championing their home town of Madrid ... and Rafa kept stumm (although he does have his links with Barcelona, is a Catalan speaker and is very outspoken about the altitude in Madrid).

Anyhow ... Barcelona it is with Rafa having the following views on the subject ...

"I don't say no for Barcelona nor yes for Valencia; neither I say no for Valencia nor yes for Barcelona," said Nadal. "If everyone goes on saying his opinion, we will not be a team,' he argued. "Players should dedicate to play, not to making choices.'"

"This is not good for the team. It looks to me that Fernando and Feliciano made their private war for Madrid. It looks that the rest of us don't like Madrid."

Here's the link ...

http://www.uzbekistannews.net/story/552674

And back down to earth ...

Rafa took a right, royal spanking at the hands of Marin Cilic in his semi-final at the Beijing Open. He was 0-5 down before he could even draw breath and Cilic was playing some lights out tennis. The first set ended 1-6 with Rafa just about escaping an embarrassing bagel. Cilic had points to be 3-0 up in the second before Rafa rescued the third game from being 0-40 down. He even broke Cilic when he was serving for the match at 5-2, but then promptly lost his own to go down to a 1-6, 3-6 scoreline.

And what of Rafa? ...

“I can do it much better next time, I must do it,” said the six-times grand slam winner after being outplayed 6-1, 6-3 in his first career meeting with Croatian Cilic. “I am playing well but to play these big matches, you need more confidence. This year has been difficult for me. When I am happy, I am arriving at the semi-finals every week. When I am there, I need a little more confidence to pass this test. I must play better next time.”

“I hope that if I can really play a few weeks in row, I can continue to improve at this level and then I’m going to close one of these tough tests. When I have closed one of these tough tests, I know from experience, it is easier the next time.”

“I’m going to continue working, just try to be there every week and, when you are there every week, finally you get your goal. “I don’t know if it will be in Shanghai, in Paris, in London or next year. The important thing is to be happy playing, be healthy ... and you will, for sure, have more chances to play more finals.”

As someone said yesterday ... loss of form is temporary, class is permanent. Exactly ... Vamos!!!

A clip with a minimal amount of action from the horror show (and some Davis Cup news with a young Rafa at the end carrying the Spanish flag ... bless)

Rafa's press conference ...

Phwoar ...

How gorgeous does he look here? And those hands !!! ... HUGE!!

Un hommage a Marat ...

Let's just capture some momentos from yesterday as this was only the second time in their careers that Marat met Rafa. More than likely, this won't happen again before Marat retires before the end of the year, and he's hot, and its my blog ... so ner, ner, ner, ner.

"My son ... I leave all my women to you ..."

"Jus' watcheen your back to see how eeeets done, Marat ..."


"Is tha' the size of your condom box, Marat ... ?"

At the end of the match, the Chinese laid on a little farewell ceremony for Marat which was really quite lovely, and he seemed rather touched by it. Not only your little sister loves you Marat, and we certainly will miss you ...

When Rafa met Marat ... on court ...

When one sex god met Rafa ... blimey ... sizzle. Would I like to be in that sandwich?? It was by far Rafa's best performance and Marat hit the odd fantastic shot and broke one racquet too. It took all my self control not to lick the screen. What was the score?? Erm ... forgot. Too distracted. But Rafa won. Off for a lie-down and a fantasy now ... laters.

Highlights of the match ...



Rafa ducks out of the way of a potential Marat smash ...



Rafa's press conference ...

Rafa prevails against James Blake ...

Rafa beat James Blake 7-5, 6-7, 6-3 although he had 2 match points in the second set which he promptly lost while on serve (quelle surprise). He wobbled early on in the third, but it seems that Blake faded and Rafa's infamous mental strength saw him through.

We now have the dream match in the quarters as he faces ... Marat Safin *swoons* ... who defeated Fernando Gonzalez in two sets. Would you credit it though. It is only the second time in their whole careers that Rafa and Marat have met and (a) I am at work (b) its not on the telly so I can't tape it. Hopefully the draw of the two hottest men in tennis will mean lots and lots of clips ...

Whilst Marat = sex on stick ... Rafa all the way for me. Vamos !!!

Anyhow, here are some clips ...

A lovely pre-tournament interview ...



Match highlights ...



Post-match interview straight off the court ...



Post match interview ...

Lets discuss the latest Rafakit ...

One of my favourite topics ... the Rafakit. Now then. Our lovely boy always goes for bold colours ... and so he should ... that glistening, chocolate coloured skin wears them so well. Since the triumph of his green sleeveless kit worn with such panache in the French Open of 2008 and then to make British hearts swell when it also appeared at Queens, I have fast considered it one of 'his' colours.

But the shorts !!! *yikes* Now. On first appearance ... I hated them. I have been toying with myself all day as to whether they are growing on me. I like them with the combo of the navy trackie top, but ... I DON'T KNOW???

Anyhow ... Rafa in them or out them ... HOT !!!

Subject discussed in the following link:-

http://cornedbeefhash.wordpress.com/2009/10/06/rafael-nadal-post-us-open-2009/

Rafa's first round (Spanish) presser ...

Rafa's Spanis press conference following yesterday's victory against Baghdatis at the Chinese Open.

The obligatory shirtless shot ...

Yum !!!

Rafa beats Baghdatis in his opening match at the China Open ...

Rafa dropped the second set but came out a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 winner in his first round match against Marcus Baghdatis.

This is Rafa's take on the match:-

"I think I didn’t play my best tennis. That’s true. But I improved in the third a lot," continued the champ. "The victory is important for me because, Marcos is a very good opponent, and in a tournament like this, every opponent is very tough. We are playing some of the top 45 players in the world, so every match is going to be very difficult".

Big news of the day was the new kit. Loving the green shirt ... but I think the shorts need to grow on me. Rafa plays James Blake in the next round.

Video clip of the end of the first set:-



Video clip of the end of the match:-



Rafa's post match presser:-

http://www.chinaopen.com.cn/news/en/2009-10-06/2150149.shtml

Rafa's pre-tournament presser ...

A glum looking Rafa took on the nausea of a pre-tournament press conference.

Link and video attached:-

http://www.chinaopen.com.cn/news/en/2009-10-04/161488.shtml

Rafa causes a riot at Beijing airport ...

It appears that the world and his dog turned out to meet Rafa at the airport. But what I found a hoot was ... how can one man play with his hair so much??? Seems Rafa is still trying to get used to his shorter 'do'.

The other thing I found hilarious was that Tommy Robredo was also at the airport. Met by one tournament representative. Poor old Tom ...

Its a bit short this time Denzy !!!

Rafa arrives in China ...

As reported on Rafa's website, he's finally arrived looking happy and smiley in Beijing:-

"After what seemed to be a never-ending flight from Mallorca to Beijing, Rafa Nadal has finally landed in China!

The Australian Open champ is back for the first time since wining a Gold Medal at the Olympic games last year and is delighted with the support and love he received from his fans this morning as he made his way through the Beijing international airport.

Right around 8:30am, a great number of press, fans and onlookers broke out in excitement as Rafa (who couldn’t hide his happiness to be back in competition) signed a few autographs before heading to a waiting China Open car."

More photos of Rafa arriving:-

http://www.osports.cn/bag.do?cateId=&bagId=358164

And some pictures of Rafa's practice session. There are 10000000000000000's of Chinese Rafateers out there just waiting for a piece of him. Hope he gets out of there alive!!!

http://www.osports.cn/bag.do?cateId=&bagId=358336

Rafa supports Madrid's bid for the 2016 Olympic Games ...

I'm sure one of Rafa's proudest moments in his career was taking the Gold Medal for Spain in the 2008 Olympic Games. The gulps and the emotion etched upon him when he stood to watch the Spanish flag raised whilst they played their national anthem was an emotional, but happy and proud moment to behold.

So ... ever the patriot, it is by no means a suprise to hear that Rafa wants to actively support the bid to bring the Games to his adopted city in 2016. A delegation is off to Copenhagen this Friday to hear the decision, but as Rafa has returned to action, he will be unable to attend. This is his comment on Spain's bid:-

"It is very sad for me not being able to go to Copenhagen. I have to continue with my tennis schedule which makes it impossible for me to go to Denmark," he said on his website.

Nevertheless, I will still support Madrid’s Olympic bid spiritually and I take this opportunity to thank Madrid's mayor and the sport's secretary of defence for always counting on me to support this project.

I know what a great job they’ve done and I know we deserve to win.

Madrid, I wish you all the best. I have a special feeling in my heart about this one."

http://business.maktoob.com/20090000378470/Nadal_backs_Madrid_to_host_2016_Olympic_Games/Article.htm

Rafa gets the 'all clear' to return to action in Beijing next week ...

As reported on Rafa's website, he has been given the 'all clear' to return to action next week.

"Based on the medical tests done today in Barcelona, Rafa Nadal will return to competition next week. After long hours of tedious exams, it was concluded that Rafa is physically fit for competition.

He will travel tomorrow (Thursday) to Beijing where he will begin the end of the season, followed by Shanghai, Paris-Bercy, the Masters in London and finally, the final of the Davis Cup.

He will also support Madrid’s Olympic campaign from Bejing which is exactly where the last Olympic Games were held and where Rafa got a gold medal for Spain."

Rafa the party boy ...

Lovely Rafa ... happy to see him enjoying himself with his mates, having a laugh, and living his life. Great to see. Although ... isn't there one or two too many girls hanging off him in the attached link?? How VERY dare they??? (but who would blame them ;-) )


http://www.telecinco.es/salvame/photogallery/16692/photo1.shtml

Maa-drid!!! ... Maa-drid!!! ...

Yesterday evening, Rafa enjoyed some time with his sister Maria-Isabel and Dad at the Bernabeu Stadium to watch his beloved Real Madrid in a Champions League fixture. Madrid were playing some other team and won 3-0, and and some bloke who used to play for us scored two goals. I was too busy watching United to bother. So long as lovely Rafa enjoyed it.