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!

Much better Rafa. Just try your best honey.

well he rather came to life there, much more aggression and better hitting to break for 6-5. A much better game from Rafa, and he'll serve for the set in about a minute

That's better Rafa but I still feel :doom:. He's really not right and the expressions on his face when he misses what for him is an easy shot say it all. It's not the usual, 'what a prat I am' look, it's a pained look.

Rafa takes the first set. And it seems that Murray is OK

Yes! Well done Rafa, keep it going.

That's great news about Andy MFC

Was wondering how you were all watching the match and just remembered it's a bank holiday in UK. Thought you were all skiving

Silly Cats!!

Way better in that set. And he's looking a bit more animated.

Much better set from Rafa

all over, Rafa through. Second set was pretty good, but first and third were ordinary and he was lucky Ljubo made so many errors. He seems to have lost confidence in his serve, it wasn't making any inroads whatsoever today...

Well ... that was a totally uninspiring match. It really saddens me to see Rafa out there like that, although he picked up his play towards the end of the second set. He was in and out in the third, helped a lot by his opponent. No big cheer from him at the end which again shows the lack of passion and as if he's just trying to do his job and is then off.

The quarter-final is going to go one of two ways ... vintage Rafa comes back and shows what he's made of as he did at Wimbers ... or he's out. I don't think Rafa has those reserves within him to pull himself to the level he needs to be at. It does pain me to see him so wired. And maybe I would rather he be home on that fishing boat.

Happy that he made it through for Womble to see him ... and she is going to need all her gusto to cheer him on!!

Vamos Rafa!!!

Is it just me or is Simon absolutely rubbish today? Since 2008 I've not seen him play a good match (remember - when he played the match of his life against Rafa ). Though he has broken back now...allez!

Rafa did seem flat today. I hope he lights a fire under himself on Wednesday. Sometimes I wonder if he does better against the higher ranked players because he's more used to playing them. Ljuby didn't have too much to trouble him today though :phew:

On NadalNews there is an interview with him which has been translated and they ask him about his recent comments and whether he's sick and tired

LL: One problem that you were evoking… I read in the press that you were a bit fed up with this frenzied rhythm, you say: “It’s been like 100 years that I’ve been playing tennis, I’m exhausted of accumulating all those tournaments to play…” and that it’s almost been three months that you haven’t spent a relaxing week-end at home. Is it true that there’s a certain discontent, exasperation from you? That you’re kinda sick and tired of all of that?
Rafa: No, no, it’s normal, it’s the same thing every year. We just talked about that yesterday because there were not a lot of comments to make about my match so the people asked for my opinion about the calendar and I replied that there were no problems, that it was okay for me as this is always the same thing year after year and we can just say/hope that the next generation will be more at ease… But so far, I’m calm, everything’s okay… Well, I’ve had a pretty difficult year but it’s not all that bad.

I'm still not convinced!

I'm not convinced either Rafan

That was a totally lacklustre, bored performance from Rafa...and I don't know if his play affected Looby's, but he was very very lucky that Looby didn't do much when he had his chances.

There was a look in those eyes that I didn't ever want to see...a tired frustrated look. I cannot see Rafa winning his next match, unless something inside him happens.

If he loses, then I hope he gets on the first plane home....pulls out of Queens (which he won't ) and gets himself set for Wimbledon.

As for Fogannini...he's a disgrace! Big favour for Djoko isn't it

Hi everyone
No Rafateers on MTL, so I thought I would come and say hi, find out how you all are and see what you think about Rafa atm.
I've been having a read through your comments about the match today, and Wooffie's comment about how it saddens her to see Rafa like that really struck a chord.
I actually thought that he gave the impression that he did not want to be on court.

It seems to me that he is tired of the constant touring and has lost a little bit of love for the game and as a consequence lost a bit of form.
He will, unless a miracle occurs in the next 90 minutes be playing Soderling in the QF, which is going to be a tough match, and one that I am not sure that he will win.

Hi Amazon, thanks for the visit!

We are feeling a bit worried and sad for Rafa at the moment, he doesn't seem happy and has lost his joie de vivre - I would say from the moment he lost in Miami.

I hope playing Soderling will spark him up for the fight. If it doesn't then he will lose. Maybe walking out onto Centre Court at Wimbledon as defending champion will bring him some tennis joy.

I'm still hoping for the best though.

Just for you guys:

RolandGarros English
@606v2tennis Some earlier bt hr they R 4 the ladies ;-) http://yfrog.com/h8e0rwmrj http://yfrog.com/gzgbawcwj http://yfrog.com/h0jk8kghj

Thanks YI - nice shot of Rafatum in the first one

Evening all lovely Rafateers!!

Hello Amazon Nice that you came on by calling. We're always here if you fancy a bit of Rafachat.

I am also not convinced by the quote you posted, Rafan. That was one weary, vacant Rafa we saw out there today. I am afraid I hold little hope that he will somehow be able to lift it to play Soderling because he's been prime for someone to hit through him throughout the whole tournament.

I find this really ironic. Remember that sad, awful match he played against Roddick last year in Miami where he punched his leg in utter frustration? That was because his spirit was willing, but his flesh was weak. He had the verve to try and win the match, but his body just couldn't rise to it. Today, I feel every bit as sad as I did in that match. But this time, its his spirit being weak and not his body. For me, one of the biggest things of being a Rafa fan is his joy, the essence of him. The vigour, the Tigger bouncing, the enthusiasm. I'm finding Rafa's loss of spirit even more heart breaking than his body breaking down.

But keep colm and carry on honey. We'll be here to support you.

It just makes me want to ......Just the fact Rafa is finding no pleasure in his game. If he was playing well and got beaten, then fine...we wouldn't like it, but we could accept it.

If he was injured like 2009...then yes that's dreadful, but we know he'd come back wanting to win more and more.

But this...this is so unlike Rafa...he looks lost out there, the body language was missing and so was the light in his eyes.....the snarl and everything we know about our boy wasn't there.

i just want him to do what he thinks is best for him...I don't care about the ranking, or which clown beats him next....I want Rafa to just feel happy out on that court again....clearly that is not there at the moment

Its not Denz

It may be another long road for Rafa. I just fail to see what after Wimbledon can bring him tennis joy as its back on the bl**dy hardcourts and farewell European tour and he's once again far from home.

On another note, I found my Wimbledon tickets in amongst the debris of junk mail today. Even that didn't lift me.

Oh dear Woofs....that's not good

Just read Rafa's presser, and he does try to put a brave face on it all....more to convince himself than the rest of us I think

I just feel desperately sad for him

Have you got a written copy of it, Denz? I haven't been out to look yet.

Saw it on NN Woofs....it's in full and a interesting presser. He is nothing if not honest

Although I'm sure there are those who would disagree

Night night all luvverly Rafateers....he's not finished yet

Sometimes it's ups and down. It's the roller coaster.

Rafa ...

Just been reading it, Denz. And I have to say, its been tough doing so. It all feels so difficult for him. There are so many bits that I would pick out as quotes, but anyway ... for those that post out on here, and those that quietly watch, here it is.

Morning lovelies

Read the presser this morning and yes, in writing it does make tough reading, but then it showed a snippet on eurosport news, and seeing him speak the words was much better. He looked fine, the eyebrow lift was there (love the 'there was windy' bless him) and I took heart.

Also, there was an comment by Mats Wilander during the match yesterday where they were discussing how Rafa didn't look comfortable amd MW said he didn't start to feel comfortable until the semis and final when he won RG.

I know it seems like I am clutching at straws, but we have to have faith and IF he loses next round, then at least he can get a much needed mini break and go spend some time with his loved ones.

Afternoon all lovely Rafateers!!

My company also gives us today off as a bank holiday, so ... . The trouble is ... we don't get the August one. So I am enjoying my final Bank Holiday till Christmas. (Although I'm obviously annoying Rose by posting because she is attacking me with her rubber goose ... ).

Cats I've had the tennis on all morning and MW repeated what he said in his Game Set and Mats show and it has also been picked up by the studio commentators. They've also played some of Rafa's press interview and there is a lot of admiration there for his honesty.

We can but hope, and Rafa says that he will try his best ... and of that, we can be sure. VAMOS!!!

I see we've now got ... ... but STILL there is no <bubbly>

hello rafa fans

phew big sigh of relief as Troicki implodes from 5-2 up, credit to Murray for getting close enough to make that possible I guess, and to come back from two sets down on a decidedly dodgy ankle showed great guts.

Rafa against Soderling, very tough match for Rafa I think, Sod was pretty brutal early on against Simon before dropping his level a bit. Rafa will have to play more like the second set against Ljubo and less like the other two to come though, but I think he can do it. Rafa in four tight sets...

Hope it's not Soderling - Andy v Rafa would be much more entertaining.

Assuming Andy makes it to the S/F's

Hello MFC and SL ...

I was able to watch Andy today and he rode his luck with Troiki freezing at 30-0, but that's what happens. To break and then take the match was a fantastic effort. <handsup> who was hiding behind the sofa??

I'm just hoping against hope that from somewhere, Rafa can find it within himself to beat Soderling. I'm very tentative though because I fear that Rafa is a bit primed for someone to hit right through him. But I'm hopeful.

Although to continue my <doom> comments, should Rafa and Andy get through to the semi's, the upshot is that they will probably run each other ragged and therefore soften the victor up for mthey play in the final. I think they would be the second semi and although there is a day off cos its a Slam, lets hope the weather holds too.

I shall now <get my coat>

<holds Woofs coat >

Good evening all my luvverly Rafateers

I saw the end of Andy's match as well....it had all the ups and downs that we expected, and I see Gael tried a little comeback against Roger...but his ankle wasn't holding up too well either.....has Robin got an injury ...cos unless Rafa finds a way tomorrow, I fear the worst

But we shall see and just hope that somewhere inside him, Rafa has that spark he's missing waiting to be lit

Good evening from Paris, Rafateers. I've had two very good days yesterday and today, with 4 sets of Andy on SL yesterday and Schiavone/Pav...ova and Roger/Gael on PC today. Roger being the winner was never really in doubt, I think and he must have a better chance against Novak than Gael.

That brings me to tomorrow and Rafa/the Sod. I'm very nervous, but I'm going to shout my head off so he'll have at least one vocal supporter on PC. We all know, he'll do his best and if that's not good enough this year, so be it.

Vamos !!

Bonsoir Wombelle!!

You have indeed seen some great tennis and thanks for popping on by.

It is a very comforting thought that we will have you there hollering your head off for Rafa. Cheer for him as best you can and we will be willing him on all the way from here.

And if its not to be, well, comme si, comme ca ... but Rafa will do his very best of that I am sure.

Vamos!!!

Anyway good luck to Rafa in his next match and I do hope he beats Soderling whom I have always rated as being very much a one dimensional player.

Thanks SL. Saying <nowt>

you have my support woofs, still can't bring myself to support Soderling, even though he'd probably be an easier match for Murray than Rafa. Just... supporting Soderling is so so wrong, can't do it!

Going to be in the train (going back up to Paris for a long week-end) when Murray's on, gah! Phone to the rescue!!!

Afternoon all lovely Rafateers!!

Nearly Rafatime!!

This is what Rafa has wrote this morning ...

Hello everyone and good morning.

I am writing this just minutes before going to the tournament site and getting ready for my match today!. I am practicing at 12 noon and then closing my self in the locker room waiting for my match, a very difficult one as you all know. I lost to Soderling 2 years ago and I am not playing well today. I have to play much better than what I have played so far if I want to stay alive in the tournament.

We all know that Rafa ... but you just do your best!!

VAMOSSSSS!!!!

Good afternoon Rafateers

I'm nervous and yet flat. How can we bring enthusiasm if Rafa can't? I feel like he's half-defeated before he even takes to the court. Yet he says himself that only one player this year is doing better than him – and that player has beaten everyone Rafa, it's not just you! It's just that you were unlucky to be on the end of the beatings in 4 finals – but it was YOU that was in the final, no-one else. So at least believe you can beat everyone else, and then just take a shot again at Djokovic on Sunday (if he and you are there)

Bring the joy!

Bring the fuego!

Bring IT!

Vamos Rafa – you can DO it!!!

Afternoon

Not liking Rafa's words but perhaps he's trying the reverse jinx!

I think we are all feeling a bit :gloom: It's not even the usual nervous feeling with me, just resignation and I don't like that about myself.

Oh well, he'll do his best we know that and perhaps as it is Sod, he'll have a little extra motivation.

Good afternoon all my luvverly Rafateers

Oh well...we'll just see how it goes....I'm on the laptop as of course the Beeb have Andy on both Red button and BBC2

Have Croft <crosses legs> chatting up Gustavo Kuerten...he's going for Rafa.

Rafa says he's playing well in practice but is nervooos on the court and need to be agressive....well we know that honey!!! He says he needs to relax more while he is playing. Let's hope for a good match especially as lovely Womble is watching

Out on court just warming up

Thanks Denz.

And s to all Rafateers!!

VAMOS RAAAAAFFFFFFFFFAAAAAAAAAA!!

Very windy out there....and Rafa has decreased the tension on his racquet by 2 kilos as he feels he's not been hitting through the ball so well.

Afternoon, Rafateers

I don't really know how I feel about today's match, except nervous!

Just want him to play the way we know he can, (and win!)

VAMOS Rafa! You can do this!!!!

Ok my lovelies...strap yourselves in and keep everything crossed

Sod to serve.....Vamos Rafa!

Sod nets..0-15

Rafa's lob is out..15 all

Sod is trying to serve a lot to Rafa b/h

Rafa just misses down the line...30-15

Big f/h from Rafa gets a miss from the sod...30-all

Sod hits long..30-40

and Sod nets..game Rafa..!

Rafa serves...making Sod wait

Rafa hits wide ..0-15

still dropping a bit short at times....but looks more positive

Sod hits out...15 all

big 1st serve from Rafa..30-15

and again..40-15

Sod hasn't settled yet

Rafa hits wide....too much pace from Sod..40-30

big hitting from Rafa...game Rafa 2-0

Sod to serve

big B/h from Sod..15-0

good f/h from Rafa 15 all

Rafa took pace off the ball...then cracked one the line...sod

misses...15-30

Oh Fabulous Rafa....Huge running F/h and a vamos...15-40

big serve from Sod..30-40..no fault

but he hits a big c/c f/h..now 30-40

and hits out wild...game Rafa 3-0

YA BEAUTY - Double break - 3-0 Rafa

Rafa serves

lots of clay swirling about in the wind...they can't see a thing

Rafa hits long..0-15

sod hits wide...15 all

and hits wide again..b/h down the line not working...30-15

big big hitting from sod....and Rafa stayed back..30 all

sod went behind Rafa....30-40

nope...Rafa hits wide...game sod....3-1

Sod to serve...he looks far better in that last game, and Rafa looked a bit passive

sod hits wide...0-15...he trying to hit to Rafa b/h and open up the court

and misses on the b/h again..0-30

big one two from sod...15-30

Rafa misses down the line f/h..30 all

sod misses f/h...30-40

big serve from sod...deuce

and again...ad sod...he reaaly trying to pump himself up

Ace from Sod...and he glares at Rafa and does a fist pump at him...twonk...3-2 Rafa






l

Rafa serves...hope he holds this

good hitting from Rafa, and sod misses by a mile...15-0

big return by the sod...15 all

Huge f/h by Rafa...30-15...he's being very patient

topspin by Rafa....sod couldn't control f/h...40-15

big retun off Rafa second serve...40-30....Rafa needs as many first serves as possible...cos sod is killing the second

ooh...sod misses a sitter from Rafa...4-2

Sod serves

Rafa nets...15-0

Sod hits a big f/h off a very long rally..30-0

but he hits long on a b/h...30-15

Rafa nets....no reason....40-15

and big hitting from Sod...game Sod..4-3

Rafa serves

Sod hits long...15-0...good defence by rafa there

Ace!..30-0

Sod hits long..40-0

big f/h from Sod...40-15...off a second serve

Sod hits long...game Rafa...5-3

Sod serves

huge f/h from sod..15-0....if he gets behind them he really tees off

but he misses the b/h...15 all...hit to that more Rafa

nice c/c from Sod...30-15

and again...Rafa going the wrong way...40-15

Ace...game Sod...5-4 Rafa

Hold your breath for the next game girls!!!

Rafa serves

Rafa hits and sod misjudges it...and it falls in...15-0

Rafa stops playing....ball was out....30-0

crowd booing

Nope..Rafa mishits out..30-15

Grrrrr....netcord by Rafa and it was out.....30 all

commies are hoping for sod to break back...but he just hits wild...40-3-0

and Sod nets!!! set Rafa..6-4 and a big Vamos!