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Shamlessly nabbed via Off The Baseline.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
I Love How They Say "Ruffa"
ESPN try to predict the winner of Sunday's final. Do they ever get it right?
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Rafa Says, Can't Compare With Wimby Final
From his post match presser:
I think they'll still be PS2 buddies.
Always think positive.
On Sunday's final.
Link
Q. How would this compare in drama and emotion to the final at Wimbledon against Federer, then maybe the Rome match against Federer a couple years ago?
RAFAEL NADAL: Well, you can't compare the matches, no? The final of Wimbledon was the final of Wimbledon. After two finals for me was little bit more emotional.
But today was, yeah, one of these matches you gonna remember long time, no? Well, the emotion was big, because in the last game with the Love‑40 I start to cry. Was too much tension, no?
I think they'll still be PS2 buddies.
Q. What did you say to each other at the end of the match?
RAFAEL NADAL: I said him, he played very well, and congratulate him. I just congratulate him for his tournament, for his start of the season, and just say, If you continue like this, you can do everything, no?
He deserve this final, too, because his level was very well, very good. Well, he congratulated me, for sure.
Always think positive.
Q. How hard is it to keep up that level of intensity for over five hours?
RAFAEL NADAL: Yeah, was hard because I know have a break gonna be very tough when he was serving. But, anyway, I have to be very happy with me, because I served well all the time. I have 100% concentration in all the moments.
And, for sure, is tough when you're playing against one player, he always play aggressive, playing winners. So that's killing you all the time, no?
But that's nice, too, no, for try to find solutions, try to change the tactic ‑ I don't know. These matches improve yourself, no?
On Sunday's final.
Q. How exciting is it for you to finally play Federer in a Grand Slam on hard court?
RAFAEL NADAL: Well, always is ‑ I don't know ‑ special play against Federer any match, no? You play another final of Grand Slam is more exciting, no?
Little bit unlucky. Don't know how I gonna be for the final. I gonna try my best for sure for recover my body and my physical performance. But, you know, after one match like this, the next days you feel much heavier, no?
But for sure for me is amazing play another final of Grand Slam. Here in Australia, the first one. Well, unlucky all the time is against the same: the best. For sure, I prefer another opponent. But that's makes big the sport, too, no, finals like this.
Q. Do you plan to play closer to the baseline against Federer? Tonight you had to run really a lot.
RAFAEL NADAL: Was tough to be more inside, no? What do you think? Did you see the speed of the ball or not (laughter)?
Q. I saw he was able to stay farther in front.
RAFAEL NADAL: I would love to be more inside, yeah. I gonna try to be more inside for the final, but I am playing against Federer.
Link
He's Embarassed So It Must Be True
Hi Rafa.
The Bryan brothers said that sometimes you run around the locker room nude-is that true?
Cedrine.
Where did they said it? Kind of silly to say things that happen in the locker room. No matter what. That's our real private place.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="406" caption="Can we safely say this is how Rafa looks when embarassed?"]
[/caption]Now where's that pillow...
*From Herald Sun Q&A, via Nadal News
By The Skin Of His Teeth
I am so exhausted. I feel like I just woke up from a 5 hour trance, and sadly, 'twas no Rafatrance. I went through about 6 gallons of water/tea, 3 pounds of snacks and several mini strokes. My dogs thinks they did something wrong because I ignored them the whole damn day.
Who knew watching Rafa/Fer semis would have the same effect on me as an earthquake? Who knew Fer would totally rule over Rafa? And yes, I mean that. I may be a Rafalover, but I'm not blind.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360" caption="Who'd have guessed?"]
[/caption]
Fer was, unfortunately, playing better than Rafa. He owned his side of the court. It seemed like there was no ball he could not reach, and no return angle he could not make. Rafa's brilliance was non-existent on this match. He was not putting the ball anywhere difficult, there was no brilliant passing shots, nothing. Nando was totally in control of the match. If not for the ungodly amount of UEs he would have won it on the 4th set.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="359" caption="Grim Rafa, down 1-0."]
[/caption]
Rafa was warned during the 2nd or 3rd set (apologies, I really cannot remember, it was a match that went on forever. Ever.) by the umpire because he was supposedly making too many eye contacts with his team. He told the referee that he should warn Fernando too. Yes, both were doing it, but Rafa was more obvious because Nando talks to himself. A lot.
If I was in the audience today, I would have shouted to the umpire to check Nando's bag for a hex pack, a voodoo doll, something. It was quite unbelievable. I don't know what Nando did on the off season that warrants so much development. Was it the coaches or was it Ana? Must be one hell of a holiday. By the end of the 5th, Nando's hair was as made up as ever. Rafa's headband started to go every which way in the middle of the 5th. Heh. I wonder if Nando's got a bad case of dandruff, using that much gel every day. Okay, now I'm just being bitchy. Props to Nando for battling Rafa with everything he's got.
And what the hell was with the audience? I see so many Rafa supporters but the cheers were all for Nando. Wth, people? What did Rafa ever do to you?
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="269" caption="Damn! Old man's got style!"]
[/caption]
Anyhoo. I have no idea if Rafa's poor play was because Nando was really playing that well, or because of himself. I don't even know if I'm glad rafa's through to the final. Roger must be so pleased because Rafa will be walking on one leg on Sunday. Not to say Roger's been playing very well. His last 2 matches was handed to him, wrapped with a red bow on top. But at least he'll be well rested.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption="This could so easily be me."]
[/caption]
But he did win, and he did get into Aussie Open Final for the 1st time. That is something. I just wish the circumstances were different. But in any case..
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="351" caption="Nuh-uh, no way. He's mine."]
[/caption]
We will all still be rooting for him.Vamos Rafa!
Match Stats
Nadal Verdasco Semifinal AO 2009
Who knew watching Rafa/Fer semis would have the same effect on me as an earthquake? Who knew Fer would totally rule over Rafa? And yes, I mean that. I may be a Rafalover, but I'm not blind.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360" caption="Who'd have guessed?"]
[/caption]Fer was, unfortunately, playing better than Rafa. He owned his side of the court. It seemed like there was no ball he could not reach, and no return angle he could not make. Rafa's brilliance was non-existent on this match. He was not putting the ball anywhere difficult, there was no brilliant passing shots, nothing. Nando was totally in control of the match. If not for the ungodly amount of UEs he would have won it on the 4th set.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="359" caption="Grim Rafa, down 1-0."]
[/caption]Rafa was warned during the 2nd or 3rd set (apologies, I really cannot remember, it was a match that went on forever. Ever.) by the umpire because he was supposedly making too many eye contacts with his team. He told the referee that he should warn Fernando too. Yes, both were doing it, but Rafa was more obvious because Nando talks to himself. A lot.
If I was in the audience today, I would have shouted to the umpire to check Nando's bag for a hex pack, a voodoo doll, something. It was quite unbelievable. I don't know what Nando did on the off season that warrants so much development. Was it the coaches or was it Ana? Must be one hell of a holiday. By the end of the 5th, Nando's hair was as made up as ever. Rafa's headband started to go every which way in the middle of the 5th. Heh. I wonder if Nando's got a bad case of dandruff, using that much gel every day. Okay, now I'm just being bitchy. Props to Nando for battling Rafa with everything he's got.
And what the hell was with the audience? I see so many Rafa supporters but the cheers were all for Nando. Wth, people? What did Rafa ever do to you?
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="269" caption="Damn! Old man's got style!"]
[/caption]Anyhoo. I have no idea if Rafa's poor play was because Nando was really playing that well, or because of himself. I don't even know if I'm glad rafa's through to the final. Roger must be so pleased because Rafa will be walking on one leg on Sunday. Not to say Roger's been playing very well. His last 2 matches was handed to him, wrapped with a red bow on top. But at least he'll be well rested.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption="This could so easily be me."]
[/caption]But he did win, and he did get into Aussie Open Final for the 1st time. That is something. I just wish the circumstances were different. But in any case..
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="351" caption="Nuh-uh, no way. He's mine."]
[/caption]We will all still be rooting for him.Vamos Rafa!
Match Stats
Nadal Verdasco Semifinal AO 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Federer Roddick AO 2009
So Roger won 62, 75, 75. Despite the scoreline, it wasn't that close. It was all Andy could do to hold serve, and many times, not even that. Roger was not broken once, and not even a good threat from Andy.
The first 2 sets was just miserable. Andy couldn't keep up with the pace of Roger's balls. He had an altercation with the chair umpire over line calls. I'll get back to that in a moment.
The third set shows much better skills from Roddick. He was hitting winners, less UE's, but also doublefaulted twice, once to bring him back to deuce, where he ended up being broken. But (and I'm sorry to all Roddick fans, should you find yourself wandering here) he really is no match for Federer, new coach or no. Against Roger I find it hard to see all the hard work he's done all season. Roger is just too good. He was unflappable, kept his cool, and played relaxed tennis.
Coming back to the altercation in the first set. Andy was down 3-1. Roger's serve was called out, twice in a row. He challenged both. It was both in. The first one, they were to replay the point. The second time, the point was given to Roger. Andy was uncool with that. He went over and said "did you think I wouldn't have been able to hit that ball?". The umpire at first was unresponsive, saying it is what it is. Andy kept pushing, and finally he said yes Andy, I don't think you could have hit that ball. And Andy, well he just couldn't leave it well enough alone. He kept yapping about it on and on and on and on until the next break, until the next set he was still talking about it. Sometimes I really wish he would just accept that some things will not be changed, and play on. I think it would do him a world of good. I do not believe exerting that much emotion will not affect your game, but maybe that's just me.
To tell you the truth, I think Andy could have hit that ball, but he would've lost the point on the next shot. Roger was doing the serve-ripping forehand routine the whole match and Andy didn't have an answer for it.
If anything, Roger was the one who deserves to be angry. His serve was called out many times and the four times (FOUR!) he challenged, it was all in. By the third one you could see he was trying real hard not to roll his eyes. Andy even waved his hand in front of the line judge. Tell you what, this year's AO is a mess. The indecisiveness about the roof (closed? no? open? no?), the controversial closing of it in the midst of Serena-Svetlana match, the line calling, down to what the line judges/umpire/ball boys are wearing. Long sleeves? In that heat? Hello?
One heartwarming moment was when Andy got one of his few winners against Roger, and his coach Stefanki let out a smile so wide I'd have thought he was Roddick's father.
That was nice to see. And Roger got catcalls while he was changing his shirt.
Well. I did not hear catcalls curing Rafa's shirtchange yesterday. The only plausible explanation was that every single one the Rafanatics in the audience passed out when Rafa took off his shirt.
Anyhoo. Roger is through to the final. Rafa/Dasco will be waiting.
Match Stats
The first 2 sets was just miserable. Andy couldn't keep up with the pace of Roger's balls. He had an altercation with the chair umpire over line calls. I'll get back to that in a moment.
The third set shows much better skills from Roddick. He was hitting winners, less UE's, but also doublefaulted twice, once to bring him back to deuce, where he ended up being broken. But (and I'm sorry to all Roddick fans, should you find yourself wandering here) he really is no match for Federer, new coach or no. Against Roger I find it hard to see all the hard work he's done all season. Roger is just too good. He was unflappable, kept his cool, and played relaxed tennis.
Coming back to the altercation in the first set. Andy was down 3-1. Roger's serve was called out, twice in a row. He challenged both. It was both in. The first one, they were to replay the point. The second time, the point was given to Roger. Andy was uncool with that. He went over and said "did you think I wouldn't have been able to hit that ball?". The umpire at first was unresponsive, saying it is what it is. Andy kept pushing, and finally he said yes Andy, I don't think you could have hit that ball. And Andy, well he just couldn't leave it well enough alone. He kept yapping about it on and on and on and on until the next break, until the next set he was still talking about it. Sometimes I really wish he would just accept that some things will not be changed, and play on. I think it would do him a world of good. I do not believe exerting that much emotion will not affect your game, but maybe that's just me.
To tell you the truth, I think Andy could have hit that ball, but he would've lost the point on the next shot. Roger was doing the serve-ripping forehand routine the whole match and Andy didn't have an answer for it.
If anything, Roger was the one who deserves to be angry. His serve was called out many times and the four times (FOUR!) he challenged, it was all in. By the third one you could see he was trying real hard not to roll his eyes. Andy even waved his hand in front of the line judge. Tell you what, this year's AO is a mess. The indecisiveness about the roof (closed? no? open? no?), the controversial closing of it in the midst of Serena-Svetlana match, the line calling, down to what the line judges/umpire/ball boys are wearing. Long sleeves? In that heat? Hello?
One heartwarming moment was when Andy got one of his few winners against Roger, and his coach Stefanki let out a smile so wide I'd have thought he was Roddick's father.
That was nice to see. And Roger got catcalls while he was changing his shirt.
Well. I did not hear catcalls curing Rafa's shirtchange yesterday. The only plausible explanation was that every single one the Rafanatics in the audience passed out when Rafa took off his shirt.
Anyhoo. Roger is through to the final. Rafa/Dasco will be waiting.
Match Stats
Thursday, January 29, 2009
WADA Is A Naggy Girlfriend
Rafa is severely unhappy, to say the least, with the new anti-doping policy from the World Anti-Doping Agency that went into force on January the 1st.
Damn right he should be. Anyone would.
I remember the first time I heard/read of this. I rolled my eyes so hard I could see the back of my skull. And they seem to think it's an easy thing to do, notifying a stranger --an organization of strangers!-- where you are going to be at a certain hour each day for one year.
Every time you want to go somewhere, FOR A WHOLE YEAR, you have to whip out your phone and inform them. If you, say, oh, forgot to do it like most humans would, tough luck.
Oh, it's even better. Everyday you wanna go out, anywhere, you can easily whip out your phone/pda/fax machine and contact WADA.
Seriously, WHO are making these rules? I just can't get my head around it. It's like having a girlfriend, boyfriend, mother and father rolled into one.
For a private person like Rafa it must be a chafing chore. Sure, he is a player well known for his stamina. But Federer kept up with him in that epic Wimby final. We don't hear WADA paying Roger a visit at 8am on a Saturday morning. Rafa's under suspicion because he has muscles and his style of play is grueling. What. A load. Of crock. He can't help having a divine body, okay?
What if his football player friends (I refuse to call it soccer okay? it's football) invites him for a night out with strippers? What if he wants to meet up with Rafanatics behind Xisca's back?? I am a homebody, and even I balk at the thought of such restrictions.
What say you, Rafanatics?
The Spaniard is outraged about a rule that forces high-performance sportsmen to say where they are going to be for an hour each day, 365 days a year.
Damn right he should be. Anyone would.
If a sportsperson cannot be found where they said they would be three times in an 18-month period, he or she is considered to have violated anti-doping regulations and is liable for sanctions.
<snip>
He has already had a visit from anti-doping agents at his home on the Spanish island of Mallorca, at 8am on a Saturday. He had just had a night out with his friends.
I remember the first time I heard/read of this. I rolled my eyes so hard I could see the back of my skull. And they seem to think it's an easy thing to do, notifying a stranger --an organization of strangers!-- where you are going to be at a certain hour each day for one year.
WADA claims that recent changes in rules - which used to demand that sportsmen be available for tests in this way only out of season - were intended to make things easier for sportsmen. Now they are only required to report their location one hour per day, and not for the whole day.
Every time you want to go somewhere, FOR A WHOLE YEAR, you have to whip out your phone and inform them. If you, say, oh, forgot to do it like most humans would, tough luck.
Stuart Miller, the head of the anti-doping programme of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), said this should not be a problem.
'Except for the notion that if you provide information about your whereabouts on a quarterly basis, it's possible your plans might change,' was quoted as saying in the daily USA Today.
In that case, he stressed, players can notify the relevant authorities by e-mail, text message or even fax.
Oh, it's even better. Everyday you wanna go out, anywhere, you can easily whip out your phone/pda/fax machine and contact WADA.
Seriously, WHO are making these rules? I just can't get my head around it. It's like having a girlfriend, boyfriend, mother and father rolled into one.
For a private person like Rafa it must be a chafing chore. Sure, he is a player well known for his stamina. But Federer kept up with him in that epic Wimby final. We don't hear WADA paying Roger a visit at 8am on a Saturday morning. Rafa's under suspicion because he has muscles and his style of play is grueling. What. A load. Of crock. He can't help having a divine body, okay?
What if his football player friends (I refuse to call it soccer okay? it's football) invites him for a night out with strippers? What if he wants to meet up with Rafanatics behind Xisca's back?? I am a homebody, and even I balk at the thought of such restrictions.
What say you, Rafanatics?
Rafa Admits His Slip Of Tongue, Amends
From his Times Online blog:
Yesterday he had a slip of the fingers as was covered by DtL.
Quote:
Today the "meat" bit was gone. And he appologized at the beggining of today's post. Very unnecessary methinks. I am sure he fueled many, many Rafanatics' sweetly drenched dreams last night. What else could someone that looks like this do?
I know you love it,
The Enabler of Rafalust
Hi everyone,
It is late today so a short blog. Yesterday I made a mistake with my English (actually Benito who translates for me) so apologies for that.
Today I want to explain to you the extreme heat we had. It was great to play with the roof closed. I know some people are against that but I can tell you that to play out there today with that heat would have been almost criminal. I went to practice at 4.30 pm and believe me when I say my feet were literally burning. IT was very, very hot. I was only warming up, oh well, just to be out there was warm, but you know what I mean. I was hitting and my feet were really hurting because of the heat. I could not imagine going out there today and play.
I understand the roof makes a different game but the health of the players is also important.
Regarding the match, I knew it would be as it was, very difficult and had very clear the tactic I had to play. IT worked well and managed to win. Gilles already beat me in Madrid at the end of last year and remember that's home for me to play. In front of my fans, my crowds and playing good tennis. As I say it worked well so I am happy.
Tomorrow I will practice in the morning (I have a car to pick me up at 10.15 am) and then hope to spend the afternoon relaxed in my room watching a movie or something.
Hasta mañana.
Rafa
Yesterday he had a slip of the fingers as was covered by DtL.
Quote:
We had a nice dinner at a place with excellent meat. It is funny since I normally don't eat meat the day before a match. I try to eat something lighter. But tomorrow I am playing at night so it is OK if I would play at 3 or something like that I would not have eaten it. I will go to the site at 4 to warm up around 5.30 and be ready for the match at 7.30. So plenty of time to get that meat well in my body.
Hope I can be with you writing again in 2 days...
Thanks
Rafa
Today the "meat" bit was gone. And he appologized at the beggining of today's post. Very unnecessary methinks. I am sure he fueled many, many Rafanatics' sweetly drenched dreams last night. What else could someone that looks like this do?
I know you love it,
The Enabler of Rafalust
RAFANATICS Facebook Page Launches
So Rafa says he doesn't have Facebook. Shame. But it's okay. Rafanatics will set one up for him!
RiCH from Down the Line Tennis has shared with me the honor of being an admin for the RAFANATICS Facebook page.
So if you have a Facebook account (who doesn't?), and you love/lust/obsess after the magnificent El Toro, be sure to check it out, greet us, be a fan, or do whatever crazy Fb things you do. You know we love it. You can also get your own stuff (pics, vids, you name it) posted on the page. Just give us a little ringadingding at rafanatics@gmail.com
Let's make it happen, Rafanatics!
xoxo,
Enabler Of Rafalust
RiCH from Down the Line Tennis has shared with me the honor of being an admin for the RAFANATICS Facebook page.
So if you have a Facebook account (who doesn't?), and you love/lust/obsess after the magnificent El Toro, be sure to check it out, greet us, be a fan, or do whatever crazy Fb things you do. You know we love it. You can also get your own stuff (pics, vids, you name it) posted on the page. Just give us a little ringadingding at rafanatics@gmail.com
Let's make it happen, Rafanatics!
xoxo,
Enabler Of Rafalust
Rafa Trancends All Genders
Forty Deuce has a hilarious picture of biceps loving male spectators. Go see.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Nadal Simon AO 2009
Aaaaaand here we go! The French Puppy against the Spanish Wolf.
Bad? Yeah. I'm sorry. In my eyes, Gilles looks a little like this:
Whaaa?? I'm sorry, I can't help how my eyes sees people. Besides, it's not an insult. Coming from a dog lover like me, it's very high praise actually. Poms are smart and alert. See? High praise.
I wonder if this set of fans will be watching today. They were at the Nadal/Haas match. To say I loved them would be an understatement.
Or something to that effect. WAY to put a player down. I don't know whether to laugh or frown. Let's not make the Baby Pom cry, ok?
FIRST SET
*1st game, 5 deuces, Baby Pom made 7 UE to Rafa's 1. Rafa breaks. Can I just say how HOT it looks? And it's supposed to be night time there.
*4-1, 1st set, Rafa breaks for the second time.
*4-1, 15 all. Rafa doublefaults. Is this his first DB in AO?
*4-2, Rafa's broken. He was playing it real careful, but made a UE to end the game for him. He seems bothered by something. Most likely the heat. His shirt's plastered to his chest, abs, shoulder, biceps... Ok I should stop.
*1st set Rafa takes it 6-2. He makes 8 winners to his 7 UE. Baby Pom makes 9 to his 15. Rafa's 1st serve 78% to Pom's 55%. Appalling stats for Pom.
SECOND SET
*HO!1st point, 2nd set, Rafa hits a down the line forehand, and Simon gives an expression that says "Sacre bleu!! what the hell am I supposed to do when he does that?". Love it.
*Both players are frowning fiercely and looks vastly uncomfortable. The Rafarms are glistening with Rafasweat. Oy.
*Damn this broadcast! 2-2 second set, 3rd deuce and Rafa served. Next thing I see Pom's on his back with his racquet clattering away. WHAT HAPPENED!!!
*Second set, Baby Pom up 5-4, Rafa serving next. We might be heading for a tiebreak. Simon is so cute even when he sulks.
*Rafa just saved a set point from Pom with vicious forehands. It's so quick.
*YES!!! 5-5, second set. Baby Pom to serve.
*5-5, 0-15 for Simon. Rafa stopped play to challenge a call on his side of the baseline. It was at least 10 cm out. Rafa got it.
*Rafa breaks! 6-5 for him now.
*Wooohoooo! Rafa takes the set 7-5 with great forehands. VAMOS!
THIRD SET
*Baby Pom breaks. 3-3.
*Pom holds. 4-3.
*Aaaaand the broadcast is seriously crapping out on me.
*Pom holds 5-4. Rafa to serve. Pom got the last 2 points from Rafa's UE. C'mon babe.
*A UE, a double fault, another UE, a rally, and Rafa breaks to 6-5. Baby Pom looks exhausted. And did he say "zhit"???
*Rafa serving for the match. One more game and you can go to a cool air-conditioned room with me acting like an ice towel on top of you.
*Cross court forehand and MATCH POINT!
*WTF??!?! Baby Pom challenged the winning point! LMFAO. It was out. Rafa wins in (close) straight sets. No continental kissing for these two. DAMMIT. Oh well.
Big props to Simon for fighting like a champion. The heat was grueling to say the least. Smooches to Rafa for keeping his concentration. Semis, here we come!
Bad? Yeah. I'm sorry. In my eyes, Gilles looks a little like this:
Whaaa?? I'm sorry, I can't help how my eyes sees people. Besides, it's not an insult. Coming from a dog lover like me, it's very high praise actually. Poms are smart and alert. See? High praise.
I wonder if this set of fans will be watching today. They were at the Nadal/Haas match. To say I loved them would be an understatement.
The chair umpire chatted a little with Gilles at the net, and though I cannot hear most of it, this was spoken:
"..this match will be 6th hour on court for him.."
Or something to that effect. WAY to put a player down. I don't know whether to laugh or frown. Let's not make the Baby Pom cry, ok?
FIRST SET
*1st game, 5 deuces, Baby Pom made 7 UE to Rafa's 1. Rafa breaks. Can I just say how HOT it looks? And it's supposed to be night time there.
*4-1, 1st set, Rafa breaks for the second time.
*4-1, 15 all. Rafa doublefaults. Is this his first DB in AO?
*4-2, Rafa's broken. He was playing it real careful, but made a UE to end the game for him. He seems bothered by something. Most likely the heat. His shirt's plastered to his chest, abs, shoulder, biceps... Ok I should stop.
*1st set Rafa takes it 6-2. He makes 8 winners to his 7 UE. Baby Pom makes 9 to his 15. Rafa's 1st serve 78% to Pom's 55%. Appalling stats for Pom.
SECOND SET
*HO!1st point, 2nd set, Rafa hits a down the line forehand, and Simon gives an expression that says "Sacre bleu!! what the hell am I supposed to do when he does that?". Love it.
*Both players are frowning fiercely and looks vastly uncomfortable. The Rafarms are glistening with Rafasweat. Oy.
*Damn this broadcast! 2-2 second set, 3rd deuce and Rafa served. Next thing I see Pom's on his back with his racquet clattering away. WHAT HAPPENED!!!
*Second set, Baby Pom up 5-4, Rafa serving next. We might be heading for a tiebreak. Simon is so cute even when he sulks.
*Rafa just saved a set point from Pom with vicious forehands. It's so quick.
*YES!!! 5-5, second set. Baby Pom to serve.
*5-5, 0-15 for Simon. Rafa stopped play to challenge a call on his side of the baseline. It was at least 10 cm out. Rafa got it.
*Rafa breaks! 6-5 for him now.
*Wooohoooo! Rafa takes the set 7-5 with great forehands. VAMOS!
THIRD SET
*Baby Pom breaks. 3-3.
*Pom holds. 4-3.
*Aaaaand the broadcast is seriously crapping out on me.
*Pom holds 5-4. Rafa to serve. Pom got the last 2 points from Rafa's UE. C'mon babe.
*A UE, a double fault, another UE, a rally, and Rafa breaks to 6-5. Baby Pom looks exhausted. And did he say "zhit"???
*Rafa serving for the match. One more game and you can go to a cool air-conditioned room with me acting like an ice towel on top of you.
*Cross court forehand and MATCH POINT!
*WTF??!?! Baby Pom challenged the winning point! LMFAO. It was out. Rafa wins in (close) straight sets. No continental kissing for these two. DAMMIT. Oh well.
Big props to Simon for fighting like a champion. The heat was grueling to say the least. Smooches to Rafa for keeping his concentration. Semis, here we come!
Verdasco Tsonga AO 2009
Third set now, each have taken a set, 76, 36 for Ver.
Nando now up 3-0 in the third having just broken Tsonga for the first time.
I can't say both are playing remarkably well. They're playing quite at the same level and it's a pretty close match so far. The winner will face Rafa (oh joy). The roof is closed today, but it still looks to be hellishly hot. Both players are still sweating like mad. Imagine how the officials and the ball boys must feel, covered in that much fabric. I'd have stripped myself nude by now.
Dasco up 4-2 third set, 15 all, and he's playing Tsonga like a string puppet!
Nando takes third set, 63. Stats shows that Tsonga hits 13 winners to Dasco's 6, but he made 12 UE. Not good.
**I have to say, with his biceps bulging from his exertions, Nando looks.. passable. *cringe* I know. I should visit a neurologist.
Nando broke Tsonga to take the 1st game of the 4th set. He's making Tsonga run.
Nando up 3-2 on the 4th, and they have both upped their games. Nando is hitting awesome winners, and Tsonga is responding, but not well enough.
Was it the heat? Was it The Force? Nando wins 7-6(2) 3-6 6-3 6-2. Tsonga hit 46 winners to Dasco's 36, but he also made 40 (!!) UE to Dasco's 29. Shame, I kinda wanted Tsonga to win. Oh well, I do not see Nando going past Rafa (IF Rafa wins today) so I suppose in the end it's good for me.
Match Stats
Rafa's match starting very soon. *rubs hands together*
Nando now up 3-0 in the third having just broken Tsonga for the first time.
I can't say both are playing remarkably well. They're playing quite at the same level and it's a pretty close match so far. The winner will face Rafa (oh joy). The roof is closed today, but it still looks to be hellishly hot. Both players are still sweating like mad. Imagine how the officials and the ball boys must feel, covered in that much fabric. I'd have stripped myself nude by now.
Dasco up 4-2 third set, 15 all, and he's playing Tsonga like a string puppet!
Nando takes third set, 63. Stats shows that Tsonga hits 13 winners to Dasco's 6, but he made 12 UE. Not good.
**I have to say, with his biceps bulging from his exertions, Nando looks.. passable. *cringe* I know. I should visit a neurologist.
Nando broke Tsonga to take the 1st game of the 4th set. He's making Tsonga run.
Nando up 3-2 on the 4th, and they have both upped their games. Nando is hitting awesome winners, and Tsonga is responding, but not well enough.
Was it the heat? Was it The Force? Nando wins 7-6(2) 3-6 6-3 6-2. Tsonga hit 46 winners to Dasco's 36, but he also made 40 (!!) UE to Dasco's 29. Shame, I kinda wanted Tsonga to win. Oh well, I do not see Nando going past Rafa (IF Rafa wins today) so I suppose in the end it's good for me.
Match Stats
Rafa's match starting very soon. *rubs hands together*
Pascal Maria Speaks
The guy is Pascal Maria and the seat was the umpire chair.
He has deigned to share with us mortals his experience of lounging (no, not really) in the best seat during that epic Wimbledon final between Rafa and Rodge.
Read the (short) piece at ESPN.com.
He has deigned to share with us mortals his experience of lounging (no, not really) in the best seat during that epic Wimbledon final between Rafa and Rodge.
Read the (short) piece at ESPN.com.
Holy Shite
Roger steamrolled Potro 63, 60, 60.
Either Rodge was working some really powerful mojo or Potro lost all control of his admittedly very gangly limbs at the start of the second set.
I wish I was home to watch it. Damn this chinese new year thing.
*shakes fist*
********Yeah, yeah, I know this is supposed to be a blog about Rafa and all his fabulous assets, but since this is a grand slam, and he is still very much in the draw, everything and everyone in it has a certain involvement with him, no? Yes? No?
Either Rodge was working some really powerful mojo or Potro lost all control of his admittedly very gangly limbs at the start of the second set.
I wish I was home to watch it. Damn this chinese new year thing.
*shakes fist*
********Yeah, yeah, I know this is supposed to be a blog about Rafa and all his fabulous assets, but since this is a grand slam, and he is still very much in the draw, everything and everyone in it has a certain involvement with him, no? Yes? No?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
You Adorable Thing You
How many chin-ups can you do?
Lauren, CanadaRN: Sorry but I don't know what it is.
Quote from Rafael Nadal's blog at Times Online.
Roddick vs Djokovic AO 2009
I'm watching the match right now, and so far each has taken a set (7-6, 6-4) and Djoko is up 2-1 on the third. I have to say Roddick is playing better than him, converted 2/3 breakpoints while Djoko has not.
There's a commotion right now on Djoko's bench. He's called the trainer it seems. Oh man. BAD move. After what happened on the last USO? Just a bad move. I try to like him, I really do try, but he makes it so terribly hard.
This is the first match of Roddick I've watched on this AO and I cannot believe it, but he is playing superbly against Nole. Would be an interesting match if our boy meets him.
UPDATE: Still in 3rd set, Andy is up another 2 breakpoints and Nole has called the officials again. If he retires in this match, I will lose all respect for him. Terrible sportsmanship.
UPDATE 2: surprise surprise, Nole retired. 6-7(3) 6-4 6-2 2-1. We all saw it coming with all the subtlety of an elephant dancing ballet. Some Nole fanatics will probably slam me for this, but I'm sorry. He is just so obvious. At this point it does not matter if he really has injured himself or not. He does this ALL the time.
I hope Andy continues to play as well as he did today. Easy matches makes for boring ones methinks.
Match Stats
There's a commotion right now on Djoko's bench. He's called the trainer it seems. Oh man. BAD move. After what happened on the last USO? Just a bad move. I try to like him, I really do try, but he makes it so terribly hard.
This is the first match of Roddick I've watched on this AO and I cannot believe it, but he is playing superbly against Nole. Would be an interesting match if our boy meets him.
UPDATE: Still in 3rd set, Andy is up another 2 breakpoints and Nole has called the officials again. If he retires in this match, I will lose all respect for him. Terrible sportsmanship.
UPDATE 2: surprise surprise, Nole retired. 6-7(3) 6-4 6-2 2-1. We all saw it coming with all the subtlety of an elephant dancing ballet. Some Nole fanatics will probably slam me for this, but I'm sorry. He is just so obvious. At this point it does not matter if he really has injured himself or not. He does this ALL the time.
I hope Andy continues to play as well as he did today. Easy matches makes for boring ones methinks.
Match Stats
Five Freakin' Hours, Y'all.
From bleacherreport:
Get a load of this stat. Rafael dismissed (with a capital D) F-Gonzo 3, 2, and 4 in straights today at Laver. Here is another one, he has spent five hours in total on court at Oz this year, which is four hours less than the second highest player of the top 4. The third one sums it up for me on how well he is playing, compared to the other three.
The winner-unforced errors differential is +101 for Rafael, while second is Rodge with +31. Does it seem like Rafa is playing on another planet? I just don’t see how Rodge is going to find a way past Rafael. If you do know … make sure to send me a note, mate.
How. The hell. Does anyone play FOUR 3-setter matches in FIVE. FREAKING. HOURS.
And I thought Dasco was the one working it.
Rafa's Switch A Maldrobe Malfunction?
From CNBC.com:
It is being called, by some, the most controversial clothing change in all of sports.
The world's No. 1 men's tennis player, Rafael Nadal — known for his capri shorts and sleeveless muscle T's — showed up at the Australian Open wearing shorts that are showing his full knee and his top and a regular polo with sleeves.
An Australian Age columnist could have put it best by describing the "anger, disbelief, hurt among the Vamos brigade," referring to Nadal's loyal fans from Spain.
After one aborted attempt by Nike at last year's U.S. Open, when it seemed like people in the Nadal camp thought the change was coming a bit too soon, the reality of the business world is that this change had to come.
Why?
Well, put yourself in Nike's shoes.
You have the No. 1 tennis player in the world who is an incredible player, but he wears these cutoff shirts and extra long pants that almost no tennis player is going to wear. Not many people would wear that for fashion purposes, either.
So Nike officials don't have any choice if they are going to make the money they pay Nadal work for them.
"This is a very good move for both Nike and Nadal," said Erwin Ong, author of the tennis fashion blog Tennis Served Fresh. "It's time for Nadal to shift his image anyway from the really loud, young strong guy to a more mature position. And for Nike, it's not like they're giving up the sleeveless look forever. They'll still have Monfils, Del Potro and Moya to sport that."
When asked about the stark change, Nadal replied, "'Important thing in the end is not the clothes; is the ball and racquet and play well."
Nope, that's not the most important thing, Rafael.
The most important thing is that Nike has confidence in selling your new shirts for $55 and up.
FIFTY FIVE DONALD DUCK DOLLARS???? JAYSUS.
Here in the third world you have to sell your right kidney and your second son to buy that infuriating thing. No, not really.
Well, kinda.
To be honest, while I do miss the biceps - I tremble with yearning when I see flashes of it nowadays - I kinda like the infuriating things. Blasphemous, I know, but the blue ones makes him look just so edible. Edible Rafa - always a good thing.
Not selling my kidney for it though. Unless it's saturated with Rafasweat.
Rafa Rolls On.
Damn this chinese new year thing. I had to go to my grandmother's to eat good food and receive money in red envelopes all day long instead of watching the Latin Hotness match.
*shakes fist*
I even went so far as begging my grandfather to look for a tennis broadcast but he clenched the remote so tight I was afraid I'd be disowned if I tried to go for it. Oh well. Family before Rafa, eh?
*shakes fist*
Rafa won easily over Gonzo 63, 62, 64. Not to say I expected much trouble for him coming up in this match, but from what I've read all over blogland and my news reader it was really quite a cakewalk for Rafa.
Murray The Ginge Hotness is out by Nando (ugh). Verdasco is probably the only Spanish tennis player that doesn't do a thing for me. Not. A. Thing. He used to, until he dated that Ana girl. I am icked out by girls with a "pure" image. Everytime I see her or read about her being all cutesy and shit, I feel like taking the biggest teddy bear doll from like, Harrod's and bash her head in.
But that's probably transference or whatever you psych people call it, from her snagging Nando and making me lose my hard-on over him.
*shakes fist*
*shakes fist*
I even went so far as begging my grandfather to look for a tennis broadcast but he clenched the remote so tight I was afraid I'd be disowned if I tried to go for it. Oh well. Family before Rafa, eh?
*shakes fist*
Rafa won easily over Gonzo 63, 62, 64. Not to say I expected much trouble for him coming up in this match, but from what I've read all over blogland and my news reader it was really quite a cakewalk for Rafa.
Murray The Ginge Hotness is out by Nando (ugh). Verdasco is probably the only Spanish tennis player that doesn't do a thing for me. Not. A. Thing. He used to, until he dated that Ana girl. I am icked out by girls with a "pure" image. Everytime I see her or read about her being all cutesy and shit, I feel like taking the biggest teddy bear doll from like, Harrod's and bash her head in.
But that's probably transference or whatever you psych people call it, from her snagging Nando and making me lose my hard-on over him.
*shakes fist*
Sunday, January 25, 2009
So Good
Rafa is looking too good for words. Yes I am talking about his tennis.
Rafa defeated Haas today 6-4,6-2,6-2. He won 98 points, hit 53 winners and made 8 UE. How amazing is that stat? 20/23 points on the net. I like.
Haas was just too self-destructive for his own good. He let each point lost to bother him on the next one. A lot. So as they say, too bad, so sad, pass the gravy. He played very well in the beginning of the first 2 sets, but by the end of each he just sort of rolled over and died. Rafa was just too good. His forehand, cross court, down the line, on the line, was phenomenal. By the 3rd set Haas just unraveled. He also kept insisting on coming to the net, and Rafa just kept putting the ball pass him. Done and done.
That said, I don't know about him winning the whole thing. I think Wertheim's Mailbag yesterday just about sums it up.
I cannot say it better, really.
*sigh*
I already miss the biceps, but the abs is consoling me. Not by much though. Next up for Rafa is Gonzo. I already have heart palpitations, expecting the explosion of latin hotness on court. May it be a good match.
Rafa defeated Haas today 6-4,6-2,6-2. He won 98 points, hit 53 winners and made 8 UE. How amazing is that stat? 20/23 points on the net. I like.
Haas was just too self-destructive for his own good. He let each point lost to bother him on the next one. A lot. So as they say, too bad, so sad, pass the gravy. He played very well in the beginning of the first 2 sets, but by the end of each he just sort of rolled over and died. Rafa was just too good. His forehand, cross court, down the line, on the line, was phenomenal. By the 3rd set Haas just unraveled. He also kept insisting on coming to the net, and Rafa just kept putting the ball pass him. Done and done.
That said, I don't know about him winning the whole thing. I think Wertheim's Mailbag yesterday just about sums it up.
What do you think about Rafael Nadal's most challenging point of this season?
a. To finish the year at No. 1
b. To beat Federer in every meeting like last year
c. To defend his crown of Wimbledon and Roland Garros
d. To win the Australian Open, the first grand slam of the year
e. To help Spain to defend its Davis Cup title
-- Yuwak Gurung, Kathmandu
• First, a Mailbag rule: any reader from Kathmandu gets special dispensation. Second, isn't it funny how Nadal -- the top seed and winner of two of the last three Majors -- has become the forgotten man in Australia? They asked Marat Safin to predict a winner of the tournament last night and he, too, omitted Nadal's name before being prompted.
I, too, don't see him winning. But as I write this, it's sure hard to find fault with his form. Anyway, one figures that he'd be thrilled achieving, say, two of the five points you mention. Going undefeated against Federer is not a big priority or goal. Much as he loves Spain, he's already experienced Davis Cup glory. Winning the Australian (i.e. a hard court Slam) would be nice. But, overall, I suspect "a" and "c" would be his biggest goals.
I cannot say it better, really.
*sigh*
I already miss the biceps, but the abs is consoling me. Not by much though. Next up for Rafa is Gonzo. I already have heart palpitations, expecting the explosion of latin hotness on court. May it be a good match.
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