Daily Dose ...

I seriously should have kept a record of what I have posted and what I haven't.

But young Rafa at Wimbledon is just so .... *swoon* for me.

Happy Halloween Everybody, Guys ...

Rafa's daily dose ...

"Congrats for your victory Ferru! A great gesture with JC Ferrero!"

Loving these Armada boys ...

Rafa on M6 ...

I saw a tweet on Twitter today that was *screech* Rafa's on the M6 ... best put the party frock on. Hehe ... the M6 is the motorway that runs from South to North and passes through my town, so I would have ironed the best underwear too. ;)

But M6 is just a show on French telly that Rafa appeared on whilst he's in Paris this weekend. @adel1609 reported the interview as beginning with "S" and ending in "T" ... so make your own mind up.

:D :D :D

Rafa's daily dose ...

From Rafa's Facebook entry today ...

"Enjoying the weekend with my friend Richard."

Is he wearing his nice, new Nike shoes??? And where's Goofy??

Daily Dose ...

#superarse

Rafa in Paris ...

Benito announced today that Rafa will be in Paris over the weekend ...

"Rafa Nadal will come back to Paris this week end. Will be live at M6 news at 8pm on Sunday October 28th."

Excellent stuff.

Rafa in Paris did remind me of last year when he took a trip to Disneyland with his little cousins. Wonder if that excursion is on the cards again??

And if so ... I bet his old pal, Goofy, is looking forward sooooooo much to being re-acquainted with Dorky. Hehe ...

Daily Dose ...

Rafa's daily dose ...

Rafa's Facebook entry is a particularly rousing one ...

"I hope to play in Abu Dhabi! I want to finish this year returning to the court! I want to enjoy tennis :)"

... so do we, Rafa. So do we.

Quality Sport interview with Dr Mikel Sanchez

Remember the publication of the other day from Quality Sport which had an interview with Rafa's doctor, Mikel Sanchez?

Well, over on VamosBrigade, the article has been translated. It seems that the inflammatory headline can be credited to the magazine itself, as at no point in the article is the doctor quoted as saying that. The gist of it all is that Dr Sanchez talks in more detail of his pioneering techniques and as for Rafa ... nothing is revealed that hasn't been publicly said already.

He talks of meeting Rafa for the first time in 2010 and that the treatment he had was a great success in rejuvenating his existing damaged tendons. However this year, Rafa felt pain as there is an issue in another tendon, it is a new injury, and treatment was delayed and hampered by the fact that Rafa had a dental infection.

That's all, folks ...

I love you Rafa ...

Noh ... I love you, Feli.

Noh Rafa. I love you.

Noh Feli ... I love YOU.

But I love YOU, Rafa.

I know ... but I love YOU too, Feli.

I love you ...

I love you ...

I love you too ...

PICO - RAFA! It's 5-bloody-am and I don't give a monkeys who loves WHO. Home! Now!!

picture from @adel1609

Daily Dose ...

Rafa formally announces that he's withdrawing from the WTF ...

Well ... it's not exactly come as a surprise, but today via the ATP website, Rafa announced that he would not be participating in Paris or the World Tour Finals in London.

"It’s disappointing for me to miss the last two tournaments of the season in Paris and London, but it doesn't come as a surprise. I will hopefully resume my tennis practice soon since I am making good progress with my recovery from injury. I am not ready to compete in time for these events so I will continue my recovery in Mallorca and work hard to be back as soon as possible."

How long ago is it now since Toni gave his last "10-15 days to resume practice" quote. Exactly.

But it's comforting news to hear that he's making good progress, and we'll just carry on doing what we've been doing of late. Wait till he's ready ...

Cheershhh ...

@adel1609 was at Juan Carlo Ferrero's party last night, and had some very funny tweets to report what some naughty boys were getting up to ...

Back from Ferrero s party. A lot of (drunk) players tonight including Nadal, Lopez, Raonic, Monaco, Fognini and Ferrero of course lol
— Adeline A. (@adel1609) October 25, 2012

It seems that one of them certainly WASN'T drinking responsibly last night ...

@mysoulblog pico and feli were quite ok but not Rafa. Pico was keeping ab eye on him and told him it was time to go by 5am
— Adeline A. (@adel1609) October 25, 2012

And ummm ... this certain individual was actually too drunk to even dance on the table ... but enjoyed a little duet with Feli to "Call me, maybe".

Priceless!!

Rafa's daily dose ...

"Worked at the gym in the morning. This afternoon I'll go to the Juan Carlos's tribute in Valencia!"

And considering what Rafa got up to later at JCF's party ... he needed a bit of training first. :D

Rafa pays tribute to JCF ...

Rafa was interviewed during a change over in JCF's doubles match today, during which he paid this [Spanish] tribute ...

Daily Dose ...

Adios, Juan Carlos ...

The tennis world said its goodbyes to the gentleman that is Juan Carlos Ferrero in Valencia today. If you want to talk about truly "classy" guys ... then he is most certainly is it.

He was honoured on the court by dignitaries and players alike ... and struggled hard to fight back the tears when a tribute to his achievements was shown on the big screen.

@genny_ss has very kindly uploaded the whole ceremony and you can find the link here. It's heart wrenching stuff.

Our lovely Rafa made the trip to pay his respects and got a rousing welcome. I'm still not sure who the hell the bloke is that strangled "My Way" ... some tunes just don't lend themselves to a flamenco interpretation. *whistle*  Watch the video and you'll see what I'm talking about ...

Juan Carlos has long been one of my favourite players due to his elegant style of play and his very understated character. I hope he has a very happy life in whatever he chooses to do next.

Daily Dose ...

Either you stop ...

... or you'll never be Number 1 - doctor tells Nadal.

Another inflammatory headline, but Quality Sport magazine are promoting an interview with Rafa's doctor. However, I think that on-line, its subscription only ... and ummm ... I don't expect to be able to pick up a copy on my local railway station.  ;)

If anything comes out about what was said over the next couple of days, I'll try to bring it here. Although I'm not hopeful that there's actually much more to say than what we know already.

Rafa's daily dose ...

The Nike team came out to Mallorca to discuss next year's designs for 2013.

Easy ... SLEEVELESS!!

Rafa talks footie !!!

Rafa talks footie in the studio before his Paris St-Germaine Saturday night outing ...

Daily Dose ...

Oh to be a piece of tummy tape ...

Bonsoir tout le monde, French guys ...

Rafa was in Paris on Saturday night as a guest to watch Paris St-Germain at the Parc des Princes.

I once walked through Paris to the Parc des Princes. I was with this twonky boyfriend (who now no longer shall be named ;) ), and it took us forever to get there. I am, actually, a football fan, so I had no qualms about going to a football staduim as I've done a few tours of the more famous ones ... but I couldn't understand why he wanted to visit this one. When we finally arrived, his disappointment was palbable, as it's nothing to look at architectually and is nothing other than a concrete block.

It turns out he thought we were going to the newly built STADE DE FRANCE, which was then France's new national stadium ... which is at the north of Paris, whilst the Parc des Princes is in the South.  Tosser.

Mind you ... it certainly had some of the "Prince" about it on Saturday night ...

Question though. Is there ONE team in Europe that Ibrahimavic hasn't played for??

pictures via @RafaelNadalFC

Daily Dose ...

Tweeted by @creamola_foam today. *drool*

Rafa's daily dose ...

"At Rafael Nadal Foundation. Congratulations for the great work they do every day!"

Rafa hanging out at his foundation today ...

It's official !!!

Muy contento de volver a jugar en Acapulco en 2013! Me encanta México! I'm very happy to play again in Acapulco next season! #ILoveMéxico

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 18, 2012

Yep ... Rafa is going to Mexico!!!

Fans Favorite ...

You know that Fed fans will now be making up 1000s of new email addresses just so that they can place their #GOATvote ... but if you want to cast one in Rafa's direction, here's the link.

Down Mexico way ...

Blimey! There's so many things flying around Twitter now about Rafa playing in Mexico that there's too many to source!

And its for real because this link is up via the ATP website announcing that Rafa has confirmed for 2013!!

I still don't know what to make of it, and it may only become clearer next year when and/or if we see the rest of his schedule. Will he drop the 500 series in Barcelona, his "club" tournament in Spain?? Not likely. Will one of the US hardcourt 1000s go??  Will this turn out to be an addition to his season instead of him having the whole of February off? 

Who knows?

Daily Dose ...

Woof - Woof - Woof - Woof and WOOF!!

@RAFAddicted tweeted this yesterday ... and my tongue has not been in mouth since.

*thud*

Going loco ... down in Acapulco ???

Rumours are abound today that it will shortly be announced that Rafa will be particapting in the 500 series in Acapulco at the end of February. There's report here in Marca ... but be warned, they really are a gossipy news service, and note that its not yet confirmed officially anywhere.

Now we know Rafa has mooted at slight changes to his schedule next year, and he's also said it will be difficult to make them. Knowing the rules of mandatory tournaments, I've also wondered where on earth he can make the changes. But obviously this is a clay court tournament, and the timing of it would mean he's in Acapulco, then straight to New York for his exho ... then of course, its Indian Wells and Miami. Will he drop one of those? Seeing as Rafa planned no tournaments this year between the end of the Australian Open and IW, this one would be an addition to his usual schedule ... assuming everything else stayed the same. Seeing as he will have been out of the game for 6 months (assuming a resumption at the end of the Decemeber), then maybe he also feels that he will need match practice, and a clay court tournament satisfies this.

Who knows?? And I'm adding to the speculation, obviously. But Rafa has at his liberty, one Masters that he can legitimately drop, so could one of the Spring hardcourt tournaments be the one? I've always assumed that if anything, it would be the Paris Masters. But as that one has never suited him and he's prepared for a "whatever" approach to it, might it actually be better to drop one of the heat affected, sole burning cement courts of North America?

Let's see if anything official comes out about Mexico ...

Pico's daily dose ...

Bless him. Pico's also helping out so much to keep us entertained in these Rafaless times.

I think my hormones can't take much more of this fabulous bromance. Anyhow ... Pico was keen to show us the good times that he had today with Rafa and mystery nameless bloke on a boat, swimming ... IN OCTOBER. Autumn-time topless shots ... God Bless Mallorca!!

Daily Dose ...

Rafa's daily dose ...

Yet more updates of the bromance going on down in Mallorca.

I am loving these pictures and captions. *yahoo*

Firstly, we had Pico posting ...

"On our way to swim at first hour in the morning."

Now looking at the state of this bleary eyed pair - but with Rafa's eyes looking both bloodshot and bleary eyed - I'm not surprised that it's Pico who is behind the wheel. But then again, didn't Rafa's sister once say that he was a complete girl when he was driving, so more likely Pico doesn't trust him! Hehe ...

Then we had Rafa's update ...

"Swimming in the sea early in the morning with Juan Monaco!"

You don't say, Rafa.  :D  At least he now has a smile on his face. But Pico has the much soxier outfit ...

Rafa's CNN interview ...

Rafa appeared on CNN last night as he answered questions from Ana Pastor. This link here takes you to a transcript, but I've posted a translation mangle which isn't too bad below ...

Rafa Nadal : "At no time did I think of retiring ..." 

(CNN) - It does not seek prominence even as naturally assumes the world to be the center of attention wherever he goes. He hates the victim role despite injury has left him out of competition for nearly four months. 

Tennis is his life but not going to let this sink him emotionally break required. Therefore, repeated he is not sick and compassion would be a lack of respect for those who really are suffering. 

Rafa Nadal participated in "head to head" on CNN in Spanish that presents and directs the journalist Ana Pastor. 

When asked about his return to the slopes after suffering knee injury, the Spaniard tennis player said that it is very unlikely to be part of the Spanish team will play in November's Davis Cup final: "I would be thrilled be in the final Davis Cup, but first we have to see if I'm ready for an important meeting taking so long without competing. It would also be a decision I would not be for me." 

Rafa Nadal is pure. The first time we met in person was just before an interview. He said he had to ask a favor. I thought, mistakenly, that he wanted a more friendly interview, different from what normally submit politicians. But no. His request was surprising for being unique. He wanted the same hardness. He did not want special treatment. 

The story reveals the essence of the character. Humility is his trademark and is not faked or forced. It is what he has seen in his house from a very early, when there was a star, and now plays with their environment, a group that has much weight his family, especially his uncle Toni, his coach. 

Encountering CNN sees his press officer Benito Perez-Barbadillo and Rafa Maymo physiotherapist. Are your team and work for him, but mostly they are friends. He is joined, they advise, are always with you. Rafa always listened even after ten years at the top level of competition has its own criteria and it shows in every answer in public and in private. 

He hopes to be ready for the Australia Open which takes place in January and in an optimistic tone said: "I am able to get back to where it was before this break." 

He likes to be informed and ask about the current issues that come out during the makeup session. After not dodge any questions of CNN. 

Look ahead and while answering, his hands up and down gently to the injured knee. The inadvertently spoils in these small gestures. Time will tell if we'll see Rafa in the same tracks. But clearly this time either going to give up. 

In the interview Rafa Nadal talks a lot of tennis and future, of course, but also referred to the Spanish situation. "Of course I shall close," he said about the crisis. "I have friends and family who are suffering." He added that he understands the complaints and protests, but claims that this situation will only get us out the effort and work of all. On the independence movements in Catalonia, Nadal said he respects all positions but added: "It's hard to imagine competing in the Davis Cup against some of my best friends." 

In 2005, doctors told him that another injury could leave him out of the competition for good. And since then he has won everything. That is Nadal, able to make the impossible possible.

genny_ss over on Nadal News has translated some of the interview. So thanks to her and you can read her sterling work here on NN.

The interview will be shown in Spain tonight, so we might have some more fuller video clips tomorrow and perhaps some more soundbites. Frankly, once again Rafa isn't saying anything particularly different from what we've heard many times from him before ... but it's still great to see him and great that he's staying in touch ...

Rafa's daily dose ...

The Mallorcan bromance continues, as Rafa shared a picture of himself with Pico ...

"Working in the gym with Juan Monaco!!"

And Pico shared one of himself ...

"Walking a little by Cala Mandia, enjoying the Sunday."

Yep, Pico, but who's the photographer?? *whistle* One thing's for sure, if it is Rafa, than he does a damn sight better job than Maymo. Speaking of which ... where is the lovely Maymo?? Not a sighting or peep of him in all this time. I'm missing him too ... :((((

Golf, golf and more golf ...

Remember Rafa's dose picture of him and his mates having lunch and he was the one sans a pink shirt?  Glad he managed to find one and join in with them on their golfing day.  ;)

But hang on a minute ... I'd recognise that ass anywhere.

Rafa has switched sides and is now playing for the Greens!  I can't help it ... I find him incredibly soxy in his golfing gear ... *thud*  

pics via @RafaelNadalFC

Rafa's daily dose ...

Rafa and his pink shirted mates today ...

"Enjoying the sunday with friends!"

So why are you the odd one out, Rafa??

Daily Dose ...

Sarcasm alert!!!

In true fangirl fashion, I haven't been watching much tennis lately. But this weekend, I've watched a couple of matches and I have to say that I've made some alarming observations. Tennis has changed so much since Rafa walked off that court at Wimbledon!!

Here's why ...

1. Overnight, ALL court surfaces have been speeded up.  Well, they must have been, mustn't they?  Because I haven't seen one single forum headline or heard one single commentary box comment about how S.L.O.W. the courts are playing.  Now I'm not being a silly Wooffs here because I'm well aware that we are in the throes of the hardcourt season which play must faster.  But I am slightly confused because I thought that since 2005, all hardcourts played S.L.O.W.  Well, that seemed to be the very popular perception because their slowness was all that was ever spoken about.  Seeing as no mention is made of it now can only lead to me deducing that they've all been replaced and now play fast.  Well done.
2. Time between points.  Aaah ... that old chestnut.  If there is one subject which compels the keyboard jockeys to fits of apoplexy and gets Marcus Buckland (studio host on the UK's Sky tennis channel) absolutely frothing at the mouth, it's that heinous crime of taking too long between points.  We've had calls for on-court clocks, a magic little timer used to appear in the corner of our TV screens here in the UK, but now ... all that's gone.  I'm kind of bemused as to what on earth they find to talk about in the studio now, but there you go.  But fantastic news.  ALL players are now playing within the prescribed time limits because not one single mention is being made about the length of time they are taking between points.  Hurrah!!  But funny that.  Because whilst watching the Shanghai Masters this morning, Murray - to me - was visibly taking a long time.  So much so that I even took my stopwatch to him.  Hhhmmm ... persistent rule breaking.  I don't really need to mention *bounce* *bounce* *bounce*, do I?  But that particular rule must have gone away now because no-one was making a reference to it.  Or it just doesn't matter any more.  Not sure which is, but those discussions are now so O.V.A.H.
3. Gamesmanship.  A.K.A. - cheating.  You know the things I'm talking about.  Having a degenerative foot problem and calling a Medical Time Out when you've had a set point, but then have felt a crack in your foot so you need to stop.  Or the strapping on your foot being just too tight that it's impeding your movement, so you call for the trainer to cut it - whilst at the chair in the CHANGE OF ENDS - only that act causes your opponent to lose the first set of a French Open final, you cheating cur.  You get what I'm talking about?  Good.  But I'm now delighted to see that stalling play when one or two raindrops keep falling on your head when you're a set and were several break points down is now seen as deserving action when you've 17 Grand Slams.  Not blatant cheating to try and upset your opponent and put him off his rhythm.  No, of course not!  Mind you, I have ever such a slight bit of sympathy with Rog and the raindrops.  They make a right frizz of my luscious hair too.
4. On court antics.  Let's see ... and what examples can I pick here?  I know!  Placement of water bottles and jumping up and down at the net.  Hideous on-court behaviour.  Greater in its degree of crimes than wandering around the court like an immature, petulant teenager, screeching and shouting your head off every time things don't quite go your way and using a range of swear words that would make your Grandmother blush.  Or what about taking your racquet and absolutely smashing the hell out of it in a proper fit of pique and childishness?  *giggle* *giggle* go the commentators.  Everyone's allowed to let off a bit of steam every now and then.  Why, even Murray did it earlier in the week.  *chortle* 

If we think hard, we should be actually liking this new world tennis order.  Tennis is being played on speedier surfaces, within all of the rules and in the true spirit of sport by very well behaved young men.  Excellent!  

Shame it could all go back to the black, dark days come January ...            

Civic duties ...

Rafa was back to performing some local duties in Manacor yesterday.

He was at the opening of the newly restored auditorium for which he made a personal donation earlier in the year.  White shirt, jeans and navy jacket got another airing ... ;)