MONTREAL: Rafa's Return A Walkover (+Interview Video)

Rafa is through to Rogers Cup third round after the much anticipated return match with David Ferrer lasted only 36 minutes.

Ironically, Daveed and his sexy tongue* retired because of his knees. Understandably, Rafa was full of compassion for Daveed.

About the match: I really can't say much, he was not tested in the least. I did feel that Rafa's movement was cautious, though not overtly so. He was stepping gingerly and didn't look very fluid. For a starter match it was good, although it felt more like a practice session.

Poor Daveed, he was pissed off even at the very beginning of the match because his knee tape kept unraveling. He called the trainer a few times, and in the end it was not to be.

Rafa's next match will be on Friday, against Pesky Petz or Philip Petzschner who barely squeezed through his second round match against Tommy Robredo. The scoreline was 76(3), 76(4). The nickname Pesky Petz was earned because he has made a few upsets lately according to some of my online friends. Well, let's hope he will not be terribly pesky tomorrow. I can't find a picture of Pesky so here's another one of Rafa.

To end this post on a sweet note, a video of last night's after match interview, found by RafaNadalUnofficial.

*Has anyone noticed how fond Daveed seems of licking his upper lip and thus, putting his tongue on display? I am not averse of nor crazy for him, but if he keeps doing that I might have to start stalking him online for videos of the aforementioned sexy tongue in action. Careful, Daveed!

VIDEO: Filming The New KIA Ad Before Montreal

Question: if this was a car ad, why is there a shot of him walking? Maybe Rafa's long legs = some kind of money shot?

More important question: can I be the umbrella girl?

I love how he's still in contract with KIA even after he bought the Aston - makes an amusing contradiction.

Video via RafaNadalUnofficial @ Twitter.

VIDEO: Balearic Island Promo, More Cliche Rafa On A Yacht

My goodness, but the unbuttoned shirt looks quite ridiculous in the video. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy it as much as you do, but it's just such a cliche! I know, I can't stop saying tit. But you have to admit the whole millionare-lifestyle-on-an-island thing is a bit much.

I didn't get stuck on that for long though - pay attention to the way he caresses the steering wheel.... Hmm.

Thanks Stella for the video!

MONTREAL: Basically, Rafa Lost Just In Time...

...for him to concentrate on singles. They managed to put up fight to reach the super TB against doubles specialists Max Mirnyi and Andy Ram and kinda barely lost, with the scoreline 46, 63, 10-8.

He also managed to debut his US Open series outfit.

I thought the blue would be a much lighter shade as the one we've seen, but I have to admit this shade works very well with the yellow on his head and wristbands, which I kinda called correctly. *smug smile*

Nice going, Nike.

I guess we'll see if he's wearing the black shorts for tonight. His first singles match will be against fellow Spaniard David Ferrer. Don't miss it, the match will be at 7PM Montreal time.

Images via @TheRealStoogle.

Probably The Most Cliche Photo Shoot Rafa Has Ever Done.

A boat, open ocean, breeze billowing your unbuttoned white shirt and unchecked curly locks, huge steering wheel... What else could a man want?



This was a photoshoot for the promotional ads of the Balearic Islands, of which we all know Rafa is the ambassador.



Says the article from elmundo.es:

The tennis player Rafa Nadal manacorí began recording on a sailboat in Majorca, before leaving the Montreal Masters Series, the first part of the new promotional ad for Balearics attract tourism to the various islands for the next season.

Now tell me Rafanatics, did it in any way make you care more about the Islands?



I guess, faced with yards of Rafaskin as enticement and also distraction, yes and no.



The link to this extrordinary piece of news came from Risha, and this is for Risha, whose birthday is today.

Happy birthday Risha love, finish your thesis soon, and thank you for sharing some Rafa love with us.

No, No We Didn't Notice That.

GoToTennis tweeted a very funny article about Rafa/Roig doubles' match against Nole/Vemic yesterday.

Doubles teams are sort of supposed to dress alike (although this is something more enforced in the ITF-run events like the Grand Slams).

So Nadal probably had two choices; lend his coach a shirt, or go with the white.

He chose this tight-fitting tank top - harkening back to the days of the tanks and the pirate pants.

The ladies appreciated it; what was noticeable was that his huge, bulging biceps weren't quite as huge and bulging as they've been in the past.

No, we didn't. My god, the writer of that article must be quite, quite anal indeed.

In a totally awesome way of course.

Rafa Sleeveless In Montreal - 'Nuff Said.

So this is what it feels like having your christmas, birthday, and bar mitzvah wish granted by Jehovah, Baby Jesus and Oprah all at the same time.

Tight, sleeveless shirt worn with a smile. I swear, he can inspire world peace or something.

Rafa says,

"It's great to be back and I had a lot of fun playing."

Rafa partnered with one of the member in his coaching team who is also a former pro player, Francis Roig (who is a cutie himself) in doubles. They won their first match against the pairing of Novak Djokovic and Dusan Vemic with the score 75, 64. So far reports are saying that he looks real good on court. So a guy with wonky knees paired with a heavy smoker and drinker (read: Roig) beats Djoko and Vemic. Maybe Nole is especially sucky in doubles but... DAMMIT! The hope is starting to wisp out. Must. Reign it. In.

Honestly? It's just so good to see him back on court.

The Rafarse is in good form too, I see.

And, Rafanips!!

Ok, I will quit while I'm ahead.

I Would Like To Recommence Posting With A Bang

So to speak.

Here be the draw for Montreal, if you haven't seen it.

It's not the easiest draw for Rafa, but I'd say that for everyone else in the tournament since 19 of the top 20 is participating.  I'd like to say it's 20/20 because Marat is playing, but that's me talking, and none of you are here to read my ramblings are you? Rafa pics are enough. Nalby is the only withdrawal because of the hip surgery he had in May. Ooops, are we looking at the second Lleyton Hewitt? Blonde, wonky hip, looks like he can do you terrible violence... No?

There have been reports of Rafa's knees still in the dregs, as seen in his practice. I am determined to hold back my frazzle until I see him on court.  Tio Tony is playing down his chances, but well, when does he not do that anyways?

“I don’t think Rafa will be in very good form,” Toni said. “He’s been training well but without forcing things. The goal is to gradually pick up form for the US Open.”

My expectations is simply set to non-existent. Because at this point, we don't know shite about how well he can play. Oh and, not to be the bearer of bad news or anything, but if Rafa loses in the early rounds and Andy Murray reaches the semis, our lovely Spaniard may very well lose the number 2 ranking. Breathe people, breathe.

Apologies if my posts will be boring for a few days - I fear I may need to find my posting legs again.