Rafatennis Part II - Roland Garros 22 May - 5 June 2011

First topic message reminder :

So here we are then folks...the second slam of the year, with so much riding on it.

Will Novak get that No 1 that he so craves? Will Rafa get title No 6 to equal Bjorn Borg's records? Will Roger step back up and prove a threat and will Murray follow up his good form on the clay of Monte Carlo and Rome with a good run here?

The draw is out and Rafa faces John Isner in Round 1. Robin Soderling is in Rafa's quarter and Andy Murray in the same half.

Rafa has been in Paris for a couple of days already on the promotion trail with appearances at Armani and the Nike store. He's also been at the tournament site practising with Gilles Simon.

Good luck Rafa and vamos!

Good morning Rafateers and a group for everyone. Last Monday I felt really down in the dumps. This Monday I feel a bit more resigned to it. The fact is that one player is playing better than everyone else, and Rafa is playing better than everyone else apart from him.

Out of interest I've done a calculation of the race points so far this year for the current top 4 players. I may have made mistakes, but roughly they pan out at:

Rafa – 3850 (with 500 to add for Barcelona when his 0-pointer drops off) = 4350
Djokovic – 7175
Feds – 2140 (with 480 points to be added when his 0-pointers drop off) = 2620
Murray – 2030

Obviously Djokovic has built up a substantial lead and barring any shockers will take the No 1 ranking after Roland Garros. But there are still so many points to play for, with three majors and 4 Masters 1000s yet to play, and who's to say what will happen for the rest of the year and who will end up with that end of year No 1 ranking? When Feds was at his imperious best even he lost some games in the year. It just depends where those losses come – early rounds or in the finals.

Not that I'm obsessing about rankings or anything

I just want Rafa to WIN! Vamos!

Morning all lovely Rafateers!! socal <wave>

The first thing my boss said to me when I arrived this morning was ... "I see Rafa let you down again".



I do still feel a bit down and I've tried to make the best of Rafa's mangled presser, and it was better yesterday, only he's not been the one making the challenge to ND MkII, its been Bellucci and Murray. Maybe the fire in his belly intensifies with seeing Rafa across the net, maybe his absolute confidence in his own match up sees him through. He's maintained his own ranking behind Rafa and Feds all this time because of his own consistency in reaching the semi's at Slams, and with the last two, he's gone one better.

I agree Womble with what you say in that it isn't always the form player that necessarily wins the Slams, and I still don't think you can find immediate solutions against the better form of another player. So maybe a spell out of the limelight will do Rafa some good. Grass is another kettle of fish. Rafa moves out of his comfort zone because he knows there is no other way to play it.

Anyhow ... best do some work. Good that we have each other to chat about it all

I cannot wait for Roland Garros as I feel it is as open as it has ever been, but not just Roland Garros but the whole season in general.

This Djokovic/Nadal rivalry looks to be a superb one.

Hi Rafan and Wooffie. I guess the crux of the issue is Rafa is the 2nd best player in the world right now, including on clay. There was always going to be a clay court season at some point where his form wasn't at it's best. When he was "just" a clay courter, all efforts were focused on the MC-RG period, but now he spreads his efforts throughout the year. It makes sense that the clay super form has suffered and this year that has, of course, coincided with a lights out Novak. As long as Rafa's fit, though (and that aspect seems fine, thank goodness), he will get his time again.

I too am going to do some work now and will return this afternoon.

It's easy to overlook the fact that, if not for Djokovic, Rafa would have won his last 6 tournaments. Alas, Djokovic has made good on the promise he showed in 2007, when I was really impressed with him, and is fuelled by desire, and incredible confidence right now. I still expected Rafa to win yesterday, had written off the previous losses due to being on hard courts, and a non-authentic clay-court in Madrid, but it wasn't to be.

Sometimes, hard as it is, we just have to admire the excellence of the opponent. I'd still rather he was getting to the final, imagine how we'd have felt if he'd lost his opening match. Yes, we could have taken solace in the rest he'd have got, but I, for one, am pleased with how he played for the rest of the week.

This is a bit of a riddle for Rafa, the way he used to beat Djokovic will not work right now (anymore?), but he's always been great at finding solutions. Perhaps he himself thought that Djokovic was riding the crest of a wave and couldn't keep it up.

I'd still settle for him playing Djokovic at Roland Garros in the final if it was offered right now. In some ways I want Rafa to be the man to end the winning run, but won't complain if someone gets there first!

Hi P4thS ... sorry we missed you there on this fred.

I think Rafa's ability to work things out is what we are looking (or is that hoping) for now. For some reason, Rafa hasn't adapted as well to the clay this season and has struggled hard for some form. There is no question that he is still a major threat, but we have to be realistic, there was always going to be one season where the rest of the pack started getting closer to him.

Hello everyone

Seen the draw yet?

It's all to play for - Allez Rafa!

Poor Feli faces Roger in the first round

Afternnoon Rafateers!

So here we are ... on the precipice of the French Open ...

Some pictures of Rafa at practice.

So the draw is out and its Isner first, can't find anything yet on his second round opponent, and then its potentially 3rd - Davydenko, 4th - Fer, QF - Soderling, SF - Murray. But as its a Slam, I expect to see changes along the way. All I've heard about Djokovic is that he's potentially got JMDP in the 3rd round.

Tis manageable. Sorry Andy fans, but I'm not sure that Andy will make the SF and its all ifs and maybes, but I see Rafa being able to take him on 5 in clay. If it was Wimbers, maybe another matter. With Dimples, I'm actually waiting for his FO clay bubble to burst and Davy is on a very poor run. So on your toes right from the off, eh Rafa??

VAMOS!!!

Oh gosh, yes, Rafan

Feli vs. Fed. He just needs to take some heart from his Madrid performance ... but not let him off the hook this time. Do you have a link to the draw yet, Rafan? I've been on the FO website but nothing seems to be there yet?

I've put a link to the draw in the opening blurb

But here is for ease of reference!

<hangs head>

I've been and read the new blurb now Rafan.

I see Fer has got Pico in the opening round That's not going to be easy for him either, considering his form of late.

Good morning Rafateers

Everyone gone blue for Rafa?! I've sent my contribution to Miri today - look out for it on NN later

So after all the build up, we're underway with Sam Stosur kicking proceedings off. Lleyton Hewitt has already withdrawn - presumably that means a LL will replace him?

Looking round the various sites it seems that Rafa has been involved in a children's day exho, looking lovely in blue - and a practice with Andy Murray. Wearing lots of sunscreen (Rafa, not Murray!).

Hope Rafa starts tomorrow. Vamos!

By the way - glad to see Andy got his hair cut. A vast improvement

rafandready wrote:By the way - glad to see Andy got his hair cut. A vast improvement

Oh good......I know it's a Rafa thread but any chance of a pic of Andy's new haircut

Solerina

Just for you Solerina, our boys

OOP out for tomorrow - they are starting the bottom half of the draw first. Djokovic v De Bakker on second on PC after a WTA match, followed straight after by Feli vs Feds. Delpo up first on Court 1.

Does anyone know whether Rafa is blogging for the Times? He is blogging for El Mundo. Maybe he'll save his Times blog for Wimbledon.

Rafan! Here you are. Yay, tennis tomorrow So Rafa starts on Tuesday?

Rafan, don't think he is doing the Times blog (does he normally for RG?).

Nice pic of Rafa and Andy.

rafandready wrote:Just for you Solerina, our boys

Thanks very much, Rafan, that's a lovely pic

Solerina

You're welcome Solerina

Hi Cats

Hmmm...I probably led you astray by announcing that they are starting the bottom half of the draw first, as actually play has started today - Cilic and Gulbis both already knocked out but Daveed is through easily, as is Tsonga.

I think you must be right about the blog, I was just hoping. I'm sure we'll get some google manglings of the Spanish one

Afternoon all lovely Rafateers!!

I am in pain with my shoulder and neck. I wish I could make it go away ...

Why is Rafa going second when he's in the top half of the draw?? How does that work?? I've checked daily on the Times and there is nothing up at all yet to say that Rafa is doing his blog. I think they are cutting it fine if he is going to do it. Maybe he's going to stop cos it didn't bring him that luck he wanted in Australia. I do think he's looked quite happy in his practice pictures, so that's a good sign.

Is anyone else have trouble getting into NadalNews??

Evening all. So it looks as though Rafa is starting Tuesday. Always seems to happen, doesn't it ? At least it can't at Wimbledon this year.

I've only just tried to get onto NN, but it was fine. Some classic quotes in one of the articles that Miri has put in today's RafaLint - just the sort of thing Rafa would never say. Hope the shoulder/neck are better soon, Wooffie.

Morning

Wooffs, hope you are feeling better

Rafan saw your bleu contribution on NN - great stuff

Well done to Daveed yesterday.

Morning all

Poor old Woofs hope you feel better soon

Novak has just taken to the court....but I'm waiting for Feli/Feds

Looks a darn sight warmer in Paris than in Cheshire <icicles>

Hello Cats and Denzy. Good to hear that the trip to Scotland was good. I'm up there on Wedneday and Thursday this week, but only for work, unfortunately.

I'm only able to follow live scores, but I see that the Novak express continues to surge onwards. Fingers crossed JMDP gets through. I had some sort of hopes that next big thing Gulbis would do something, but he disappoints again.

Morning all

Keeping track on livescores too - De Bakker is getting crushed! I read a Neil Harman tweet that said that Gulbis had a virus. I was hoping for a bit more from him too. I think he's already played the match of his life though

Hope JMDP can finish this off in 4. I can't see him getting past Djokovic though, no way no how.

I'm flicking between Delpo and Nole. Delpo just broken Karlovic in the 3rd so he should take the 3rd - unjinx!

Novak looking scaringly good still so he doesn't seem to be running out of steam any time soon.

Poor Ernests. I'll try and be more sympathetic. Maybe the Rafa/Daveed virus from Rome is spreading.

Afternoon all ...

I am on painkillers and whilst having a little opportune cold to snuggle yourself up with on the couch is very nice, this is pants and I would rather be at work!!

Djokovic is totally walking his way through his match, and I've just turned over for a bit of Delpo but I seriously find it difficult to watch Karlovic, although JMDP has just broken. I watched little Daveed yesterday and thought he played really, really well.

And I think I am <banned> from NadalNews. I cannot access by any medium. That will teach me for challenging that crude woman!

Wooffs Poor you. Are you off tomorrow at least to watch Rafa?

What woman did you challenge on NN? Spill the beans and I'll hot foot it over there.

Nice little interview with Feli before he took to the court...and he smiled <thud>

Lovely broad shoulders....fab legs...blue eyes..... ....and the other smiley that I daren't post, otherwisw Woofs will <ban> me

Lovely Cats I know I am a puss, but I could hardly lift my left arm this morning and am making sure I am sitting bolt upright so as not to twinge anything. See how I feel tomorrow.

Feli ... by the way girls ... is looking hot as hot can be. Sizzling. They interviewed him before he went on court and he is smiley and relaxed. He kept Feds waiting at the net whilst he ambled over there in his own time.

As for <spilling> ... well, you'll know the one I am talking about. Her who is vulgar and over the top about Rafa with suspect language when discussing him ... I couldn't stop myself last week and said something. And got what I expected. Its strange I can't get in there now.

Slightly disappointing there for Feli to lose serve from 40-15 and Feds served out for the first set. Hope he keeps it going cos <unjinx> its not the MC Feli so far.

Have to say though ... these BBC commies talk complete and utter twaddle ... utter rubbish. Castle called Feli, Verdasco at one point. And that South Beach Miami is Feli's natural habitat. And that he poses for the cameras in some of his shots.

More twaddle from Sam Smith....knowledgeable french crowd...know their tennis....a lot play very well at club level....<yawn>

So, the French...they're not like us armchair <fangirls> then?

No Rafan ... apparently the butcher's wife plays a bit of the game.

Utter trollop they come out with!!

Read something earlier that Neil Harman has confirmed that Rafa will not be doing his blogs for the Times any more and in the translation of one of his questions, Rafa has confirmed (again), then he's not keen on animals.

Good hold there by Feli to keep himself going. 5-4 to him. <applause>

Oh what a shame that Rafa won't be doing his blogs . Glad I gave up my subscription now.

Bit of a shocker there for Berdych - defending a semi-final as well!

<harumph>

I kept it going cos the French and Wimbledon were upon us.

Poor old Feli. Bit of an error strewn breaker to go out. He played some nice tennis, but Feds did what champions do and just pushed it at the right time in the sets to take a crucial game and then serve out. Wonder what he'll be doing for the next couple of weeks?? Maybe committing to Eastbourne ... :run2:

WHAT happended to Berdych ? I thought he was coasting. He was scheduled to be Novak's QF opponent. Cilic was in that quarter as well, I think. Maybe the mens tour wants to gift wrap this year's French Open for him.

Sorry, you're under the weather, Wooffie and have seemingly been branded a troublemaker on NN.

Fingers crossed Rafan gets to see Mr Lopez down by the seaside.

Rafa's 3rd on PC tomorrow after two ladies matches, so I guess about 2pm our time.

I was joking about NN, Womble. I got a message earlier about a server, so maybe its that.

Interesting on the commentary today, they said that as Murray is first up on Suzanne Longlong tomorrow, that he might at least have got that court out of the way, because ... "they even usually shove Rafa out on that court" was the quote they used ...

Morning all. Everyone ready to get back on the Rafa rollercoaster ?

Wooffie and Rafan, it looks as though Rafa has swapped English newspapers and is blogging in the Telegraph this year.

Oh brill, thanks Womble! Is he blogging from the FO or from Wimbers? Exciting!

And more excitement...this morning as I was <doomsville> going to work and waiting to cross the road, a big red London bus went past…with an Armani Rafa on the side! It was the worst picture (the jeans one) but still…

I'll be out stalking the streets of London with my camera clasped in hand at lunchtime

Hope you are feeling better today Wooffs and I'll check out the Rafachant later. No Youtube at work

Rafa's blog

Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Good morning Rafa fans

How is everyone? Murray on court at the moment, bit of a mixed bag so far. Dodgy first set, but he stepped it up at 5-4 to take it, much better in the second, and his returning looks in great shape. Serve is good when it's in.

And there's the second set, courtesy of a blistering forehand down the line which Nadal would have been proud of

Good morning all lovely Rafateers!! hello MFC <manlyhandshake>

Due to the painkillers, I am feeling much better today with more movement, so its likely I will be back in work tomorrow to catch up on 2 days of work I have missed on top of all the other things I have to do, so that with following Rafa, will get me all tense and stressed and I'll be on the couch again next weekend and not in the manner I would hope.

Oh but ... what great news that Rafa is doing a blog, but I wonder why there was a switch? But at least there's no subscription costs for us. <rushes off to think of questions to send to Rafa>

I'm only watching the Murray match in passing, MFC, and Andy seems a bit patchy but there's nothing out there to worry him. I'm looking forward to seeing how Rafa fares later.

Hi Wooffie. Glad you're feeling better.

I thought it was a bit strange about the paper change for the blog, particularly because Rafa seems very close to Neil Harman of The Times, but I guess we've got enough to be concerned about with what's going on on the court, without worrying about the blogging as well. Seeing that you've got all day to think of good questions, I definitely expect you to feature in the next couple of days.

am I not allowed a then Woofs? I feel very left out

happy with Andy's match really, a few sloppy moments but that's to be expected, and he got the job done with minimal fuss and bother. Can't see Bolleli bothering him in the next round either.

Rafa should be fine against Isner on clay; Expect a straight sets win with the second set being a bit tight, maybe 7-5. <takes on manly, deep voice> The prophet hath spoken.

Of course you're allowed a MFC. I didn't want to be too presumptuous

I am trying to get my thinking cap on for Rafaquestions, Womble ... but have drawn a blank so far. I'm sure one or two will pop into my head during the course of the day.

Well ... we are now awaiting the arrival of Rafa on PC. I assume you will like to hear my totally unbiased thoughts and views?

The thing with Isner games, is that Rafa just has to get a read on that serve and take those opportunities when they come to him. Always fine lines in these games.

VAMOS RAFA!!!