Not sure what Rafa is so surprised about in this picture. Really, all I can think of is, Eyebrows! and, Chocolate Eyes!
Despite some negative body language from Nando, for most of the match he looked quietly confident, and he made Rafa werq! today. I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, I like him as a person and for him to ascend in play and rankings makes me feel good. On the other, there is that something about him that is just difficult for Rafa to shake off. I know, the scoreline doesn't say much, but most of the games in the second set went to deuce many times. One game in particular was more than 8 minutes long. That game probably caused Nando to call the trainer and go "ooh aah ouch" on tv and made me fan myself, and that kinda worried me a bit. This happened at AO - although that one was very understandable, I mean 5 hours? Peel me off the court already - and then the match with Ginge in IW/Miami (can't remember which) he called the trainer too, and I'm not sure if he played badly because of the bad knee or he called the trainer because he was playing badly. Oh boy, I think I just confused myself. My point is, he probably needs to lose a few pounds as whatever the problem is, all those muscles are not helping. I suggest he get himself a Yorkshire Terrier, as it really worked for me in losing weight. Just sayin'.
Other matches of the day results in no upsets. Well, for most people at least. Me, I'm quite upset of my Freaky Tall (tm Miri) losing to the King of Smurfs, but that's just me. Roger needed to scramble up a tiebreak to put away Mischa Zverev, but after that it went pretty smooth. Shame, as Mischa is preeeeetteeeeh. He also had a beaut of a one handed backhand, and he was rocking that BH volley most of the first set. Shame.
I just don't understand the gangsta necklace. Is it coming back in style? And what is it about Argentines that makes them so hairy:
I'm not sure if it's a turn on or a turn off, but since I'd still hit it, I'm guessing it's more the former than latter.
So tomorrow, Roger vs Djoko starting at 1.30 PM, and Rafa vs Gonzo or Monaco at 4.
I'm not with you on the German. Dunno. Maybe it's the scruff. And you nailed it for me with Nando. I want to see him do well, as he's worked so hard to improve. As for Rafa's issues with him, I think it may be the team-mate thing. You know, hard to really go for the jugular with you Davis cup buddy. (Ferru is another story, maybe.) But his team floves him, and he floves them. It'd be hard for me to really go after guys like that. On court. ;) Off court, baby hang on!
ReplyDeleteFound this one, at Daylife. (Oh, how I'd love to be that net.) But I think it shows the real warmth between these two hotties. Didn't see the love yesterday, did we?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.daylife.com/photo/0eF2asqfVH9jJ?q=Rafael+Nadal
Not the greatest quality match, but glad Rafa pulled it out fairly easily. I'm with you babz, Nando needs to drop some of that muscle weight. Rafa did and look ma...no knee tape!!!
ReplyDeletePico won the first set over Gonzo, but lost the second. Dammit i'm too afraid to watch!
Babz, you know I love Nando too so I understand your confliction. However, when you're Rafa's opponent for the day - I don't care who you are - sorry buddy, I'm always going to cheer for Rafa. That's the bias talking! ;) But don't get me wrong, totally sucks for Nando that his knee started to bother him, ugh. Maybe because Nando's been so successful this season and is playing more tennis than probably ever before, he's having to deal with all these annoying injuries that just pop up. I doubt it's serious. At least I hope it isn't! *crosses fingers*
ReplyDeleteAs far as being somewhat tricky for Rafa, I think part of it is because Nando's a lefty too, so Rafa's shots aren't going to have quite the same effect on him (i.e. his inside-out crosscourt FH going to Nando's FH, rather than his BH; plus Nando can also create those nasty lefty angles AND his FH is insane when in working order). Then again, I could very well be talking outta my ass. All in all, I think it's always going to be weird to play someone you know so well and I have no doubt that Rafa was a bit nervous today. Actually I think both guys were nervous. Can make for shaky play.
On another note, REALLY looking forward to Nole vs. Fed. Should be very interesting
*licks chops*
Babz.
ReplyDeletePlease. PLEASE. I knew who played whom today until I got here. The hawk, smurf, et cetera. wth?
Roger beat the hot German, who's name I still don't care to know until he's good enough to be top 50. Gonzo beat Monaco. *sobs for loss of good looks* Rafa beat Verdasco. And JMDP fell like a stone to Djokovic.
Hey Diane,
You know what's really funny? I thought Rafa was playing Gonzo today, and Verdasco was playing Monaco. I got all confused over "Nando". *laughs at own stupidity* It's not fair to befuddle the elderly! ;) Gonzo I don't like, but I have no idea why. Verdasco, I have a personal vendetta against. Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. He's the Spanish Justin Gimmelstob.
In the end, it doesn't matter, because no one is beating Rafa.
Sorry! The Hawk - Nando. Smurf - Nole. Hot German - Mischa Zverev (who is really kinda hot). Freaky Tall - Del Potro.
ReplyDeleteI know, I should stop giving them names. But they're so adorable!
And I got confused over the Nando/Nando too - I thought Nando (Verdasco) was playing twice! lol
No he's playing Gonza tomorrow. :D I felt a bit bad for Monaco, this afternoon, though. He worked his little a** off.
ReplyDeleteAhhh... Looks like nando is going for straight for Rafa's lips there. What a snog that would have been!
ReplyDeleteYum.