Rafatennis Part III - We're all going on a summer holiday

First topic message reminder :

That’s the game: sometimes you win; sometimes you lose

Least said, soonest mended eh?

So we break up for our summer holidays and reflect on Rafa's half-year success that in any other season would be world-beating – a slam, a masters, a 500, another Wimbledon final and 4 other masters finals. Not Wimbledon Champion, not World No 1, but still leading every other player (other than he who must not be named) by a country mile.

Now is the time for mid-season conditioning, running repairs and riding around on a jet-ski in the Mediterranean. While I have used up nearly all my annual leave and have to start putting in the hard work <doom>. I know what I'd rather be doing.

The Montreal Masters starts on 8 August so we can reconvene in a mere 5 weeks and let's hope for more of the same…and Rafa – next time you win the toss against Djokovic – please choose to serve first, noh?

Vamos!

I'm quite teary looking at those photos....it just gives you a little insight to what these boys go through....Rafa looks as if he could sleep for a week.....oh Rafa what you put yourself through

Great interview with Rafa and Johnny Mac. Intelligent talk from Rafa about how hard he found it with Roger today.

I watched Rafa's interview with JMac on NN - he says he'll be at Queens & practise for 1/2 an hour tomorrow, play doubles Tues,and singles Wed.
Wish I had that kind of dedication! I might turn up at an exercise class once in a while!!

Also glanced thru the bile produced in the Times - not a paper I read, and now never will. What utter rubbish!

JMac ... keep it up and keep playing, Rafa.

Loved that. Denzy I know you get emotional, but in the interview, Rafa feels he will have less pressure in the future. And I think that's positive. What this clay season has shown is that he is no longer invincible on clay, he can be beaten, and Feds at this stage in his career made it harder for Rafa in a FO final than what he's ever experienced before. It is absolutely impossible that he can clean up every season, and now perhaps there is some much needed realism about his expectations ... not from Rafa, but from the tennis watching public.

Thanks Denz...good to be around.

In his interview Roger said he thought Rafa was tired in the 3rd and 4th sets, and said he would have felt great had it gone to a 5th. Not sure if that is bravado talk or whether its true...I can imagine Rafa was really tired today after a difficult tournament for him. I have to say I'm surprised and not surprised he's won the trophy...and its a worry if he's playing doubles too. One of these years he needs to properly drop Barcelona from his clay court season as he cant carry on with clay seasons like this. But still, its remarkable he's won again.

The poor lad looks too tired to be happy... not even a smile bless

I think that Tweet says it all - you feel he's happy with his lot now, he can be seen as at least the equal of Borg (although I think most think rafa's overall clay achievements are better) and has double digit slams...with only legends of the game ahead of him, making him a legend too. I think there will be less pressure - you also sense the tweet is saying that he realises his playing days wont last for ever and he knows the wins are getting harder. Amazing how a win can feel happy and sad hey?
He needs better scheduling now because at this stage its really only about the slams and history now because he doesnt have much else to prove...

Reckon it's bravado talk on Feds part Lydian.....Roger looked one step slower in that 4th set...although I'm pleased it didn't go to a fifth as it could have been too close to call.

I hope Rafa does rethink his clay court season, he really does not need to spread himself so thinly over these weeks. I know he feels an obligation to these tournys, but he must realise now, that he cannot carry on like this. He's found this difficult....his form has been patchy, and sheer will and bloody mindedness has got him through.

Do I think he'll change....nope....he'll go on as normal

Totally agree with that, Lydian. Roger in his hey day was no match for Rafa on clay, and yet now he realises what a hard time he can give him. I like how he says that now there is less pressure, but he can also put less pressure on himself. He seemed he'd lost his joy of tennis this clay court season, and I do wonder now if he will drop Barcelona and give himself more of a chance. I believe that is what helped him last year.

I am so, so happy that he won this though in light of Novak's clean up this year. It just shows he is still a force to be reckoned with.

Evening all

Has the party started yet?

Well done Rafa. Six RG titles is a magnificent achievement.

I expect you are all very happy, that was a tough match to win.

Rafa is very tired, we all know he is struggling with the demands of the tour, and finding everything a bit difficult at the moment, but he toughed it out and delivered the goods when it mattered. I think he'll play less clay tournaments next year, and hopefully enjoy it more with less pressure.
Andy is playing doubles at Queens, as are Roddick and del Potro. I think it's a good way of getting grass court match time, and it's more valuable than practice in what is such a short grass court season. It is also a bit of fun.
I am really excited as I have centre court tickets Wednesday and Thursday so should see some great matches.

Evening Amazon

I think we too are a bit exhausted and its now just sinking in. I just think Rafa will have a bit of a lighter heart going into Wimbledon, so I am thankful for that.

Enjoy Queens ... great shout getting tickets for Weds/Thurs although I'm sure you're gutted <pun> that Fish has already pulled out.

Quite honestly, I had lots of emotions when I won. You know, sometimes some matches were more difficult. As I managed to overcome my difficulties, I had the reward, which is this trophy. That's a great satisfaction because of all the work I had to do to succeed.

This is what gives you satisfaction. Thank you very much.

And thank you, Rafa. Don't know about you, Rafateers ... but I'm exhausted. However, I love them and here's Rafa's presser.

I think this win will be particularly satisfying given how much he's had to come through...and will restore alot of confidence. Here's hoping he will see sense one day about his clay schedule...

Well ... we were/are seriously thinking about a trip to Barcelona next year, Lydian, but I am really wondering if his overall experience of this year's clay court season isn't going to change things.

yes I would be surprised if he did Barcelona next year.

Interesting article about today's match and the two players in the Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/rogerfederer/8558464/French-Open-2011-Roger-Federers-aura-dimmed-by-an-indestructible-nemesis-that-is-Rafa-Nadal.html

Some of what Federer comes out with sounds like sour grapes or arrogance to me. There are a few little digs about Nadal one feels, I think Federer was happy to be friends and all jokey jokey with Nadal whilst Nadal wasnt in contention to be compared to him but now its getting closer you detect that its starting to get under Fed's skin. When asked about Nadal's slam count getting nearer Roger says "who cares?". Yeah right, like it never mattered to Roger when he was getting near Pete's record? I detect a change in the moodweather here between the two players and would imagine Nadal wont be best pleased to read some of Fed's comments?

I have always disliked Roger for his arrogance .. content to believe for the most part it was because he was Swiss and I know how they can come across as being just that... but its not its the man he is so far up himself he really is sickening. And dear Rafa apologises for beating him..can you believe that.. Well bite the bullet Roger because I dont think our dear boy is finished with you yet

Hi everyone Fantastic match yesterday, well done rafa. He is just amazing the way he can come back from 5 2 down and reel off the next 7 games!!

I did post last night but it seems to have dissappeared. Loved the moment when Rafa was serving for the match and had tears in his eyes he really wears his emotions on his sleeve which is one of the many reasons he is so fascinating to watch.

Hope he can get some well earned rest, he looked absolutely knackered in the locker room.

Anyway vamos forever Rafa once again the king of clay

Hi purplerain

Are you causing havoc already so that you posts get removed??

But me-thinks you just might another victim of techno-phobe ... like the rest of us on here.

I've just been checking the scoreboard for Queens. I'm sure it says that Feli served his 30th ace as he won set point! That's pretty good going in two sets, noh? I wonder if it's right

So that match is going into a third set – there's still Fer to play his match and then Tsonga after that. I wonder if Rafa's match will be moved to one of the smaller courts now.

Yes Rafan it is right he is serving magnificiently having said that he has just lost his serve in the third

Poor Feli knocked out but he put up a fight. How's about a wildcard for Eastbourne Feli, eh? Go on, you know it makes sense! <prays>

Oh ... you're joking me?? What was the score and to whom ... (way behind).

Knocked out by A-Rod so no shame in that - 7-6 6-7 6-4. Fer up next!

Poor Feli ... COME ON FER!!!!!

Womble <envy>

Blimey Rafan ... if Rafa does get through to Thursday, its possibly either Stepanek or Ljubicic ...

And today's was such a pretty draw ... Pearl is there tomorrow, I think.

Looby twice in one year. What a lucky girl I am

And we saw Stepanek in MC ... double

Stepanek...or Turbot as I like to call him

Dangerous on fast courts though.

Good evening all my luvverly Rafateers

Indeed Feli looked splendifirous today and sadly couldn't quite pull it off against A-Rod <jiggle jiggle serve serve jiggle> although he did have a break in the 3rd, then promptly lost his next service game

He served a ton of aces today...well over 30, and it is indeed beautiful sight...such a lovely easy action.

Fer looked fab in hot orange, but sadly I haven't been able to watch him

Had a bit of Rafa this afternoon.......quick interview with him and a few clips of him with Minnie Mouse. They all seemed surprised that Rafa travelled by Eurostar and economy class at that!

They said how popular he is over here, and that his practice session was packed last night. Apparently Chris Kermode asked Rafa if he would like some extra security, and Rafa said Noh...he's quite happy to sign autographs for everyone, because that's his life and it's what he does......Andy Castle said he gives a lot back to his fans, and how he went to the Champions dinner in Paris, even though he was playing Sod the following day....he only stayed for a little while but fulfilled his obligations and was charm personified.

Well well well Rafateers...are the dopey commies at the Beeb catching up with what the rest of his fans have known for years.....Rafa is 100% genuine...and what you see is what you get!

I've not ventured out on the main board as yet to see if anyone has mentioned this ...but at least Rafa has turned up at Queens to fulfill his obligations. I'm not sure how far he'll get this week, but as long as he gets to Thursday for Rafan's sake, then we'll be happy

There seems to be a bit of a rumble over Feds late withdrawal in Halle...the director of the Gerry Weber open has not been behind the door in venting his anger at Feds

Of course the BBC Commies leapt to Feds defence, saying that he needs the rest before his assault at Wimbledon, and that the director in Halle should have thought before putting out such a strong statement.

I disagree with the commies....it's about time Feds was told straight...that tourny is built around him, and to pull out so so late is not on......at least he could have shown up to do a bit of PR for them

It has been mentioned Denz "out there". I don't know if Feds is citing injury, but he does whatever he feels is best for him and frankly, I don't think he could care less otherwise. I can understand the director being fuming cos - am I right in this? - Feds signed a long term contract with them, but Feds has other motives for himself that he will look after those first and foremost, not some little tournament, and that's just the way he is.

Apparently he has a long term contract with them Woofs.....and wether he has a groin strain or not, I just get the feeling that the tourny director has had enough.

It's unusual for something like this to be said, and while Feds won't give a stuff. I can really understand the frustration for the tournament and don't blame the director for losing his rag.

Oh well it won't change anything...and I'm sure the "groin strain" will be better for SW19

Well, I think Andy's done well to turn up for Queens - I forget now, did he have an ankle ligament tear? Not sure how something like that will heal, but he's giving it a go and getting on the grass.

I'm just watching the re-runs of today's play on Eurosport. JMDP at the mo'. <sighs> ... you do get <envy> when these things are going on and you're not going. <sulks>

I read that Rafa had trained for an hour on the grass and was feeling good...

That's great to hear, Lydian. He's currently in his first set of doubles. We have Womble there today, so I just hope she was able to see Rafa practice or has managed to at least get to watch his doubles. Hopefully we will have a report.

Evening Rafateers & visitors

Haven't managed to post in last couple of days - trying to put in a few decent shifts of work before Wimby starts, and my attention is chronically distracted again!!

I know what you mean, Wooffie - deep deep envy! I'm going nowhere til November, unlike some people!!

I was surprised at Fed pulling out of Halle; mind you, I wouldn't have blamed Rafa if he'd pulled out of Queens, but I guess it's a big disappointment to the tournament to lose the biggest name at such short notice.

It's when you see it on the TV and know it's so close to home...that's when we get <envy>

I see James Ward beat Stan the Man today...was is a geunine win or was there any other reason?....doesn't that sound awful, but you know what I mean!

Good evening lovely Angie

I'm watching the Feli match now. Apart from the blinding obvious, I do so like how Feli plays. Its very ... urm ... un-Spanish :run2: And I see Jim Courier was in Roddick's camp. I Jim, but didn't care for him when he was playing.

And guess whot?? I came home tonight to find that my Mum and Dad have bought Rose a new toy ... a rubber pig. Its long and slim and she can shake it by its legs and you've guess it ... she can smack the hell out me whilst she does it. Mum got a text ... <shakes fist>

Yey!! Rafa and Marc! have won their first set, 7-6.

And Roddick is wearing those silly no-socks that Fish does.

Cats likes sox stories ...

I'm watching Feli/Roddick too, Wooffie. And while I personally don't think he's the most handsome, he does have LOVELY legs! And certainly a sight better looking than Roddick!

I see what you mean, Denz - so near, yet so far!! I'll settle for general envy - November is a very LONG way away!!

Not.the.most.handsome???

<cough> but his legs and what holds them together are fab, Angie

Which days are you at the WTF again?

I'm only there for the semi-final day Wooffs. Easiest for me as I only need to take Friday off work for travelling, travel home Sunday, and Monday off to recover! (Hopefully will get home on time this year, and no blizzards closing airports for 2 days!!)

Hurray for Rafa & Marc - winners 7-6, 6-2! Well done, lads

well done lovelies

Hi Angie ...You only like Feli's legs shame on you

Ok, his bum isn't too bad either! (Fernando is more handsome!)

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Well done lovely Rafa and Marc!

I was really torn between whether to go and try and get a return or not...but after the Feli match lasted so long I thought it might not even get played tonight. Of course Fer and Tsonga then blasted through their matches

Lovely pictures of Team Cute already - they are playing in camoflauge (by the way...how do you spell camoflauge?! Is that right?)

Desperately waiting for the OOP for tomorrow. Pleeeeeeease let Rafa get through so I can see him on Thursday. Vamos!

I agree Angie - Fer more handsome than Feli :run2:

denzilsmom wrote:Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

And what's wrong with Fernando? He's got lovely eyes!

rafandready wrote:I agree Angie - Fer more handsome than Feli

Thank you Rafan!