What Are The Chances?

From my post about Rafa's loss in Miami last week:

All week long his matches look like he’s just going through the motion.

From Peter Bodo's piece 2 days ago:

I didn't get the chance to write about this before, but I will now:  In his quarterfinal loss to Juan Martin del Potro, Nadal seemed mostly to be going through the motions.

Huh.

I don't know if it's a good or bad thing, me and Pete thinking the same thing, and writing it down in the same words. I don't think I wanna think about it too much.

So Is Rafa Skipping Madrid? Or Not? Skip? No?

This here is the culprit - from his presser after the loss in Miami:

Q. 40 some unforced errors and the whole tournament was kind of iffy. Are you going to take a break?

RAFAEL NADAL: Two days, three days, yeah. I have to adapt to clay another time. I have to be 100% ready mentally, physically. The most important thing, playing well, so for Monte-Carlo, Barcelona, Rome, and Madrid maybe.

Times Online did a pretty good rubdown on why he would and what will happen if he misses it.

There is no doubt that the world No 1 will play in the two Masters 1000 events in Monte Carlo — starting on Monday week — and Rome, in between which he will return to Barcelona, where he is a four-times champion and has lost once in 22 matches. It is the newly repositioned Mutua Madrileña Masters in the Spanish capital, staged for the first time on clay at the Caja Mágica — with three arenas, each of which fold into one — that is holding its breath as to Nadal’s participation.

Though he will not say so publicly, the 22-year-old is worried that a tournament staged at 650 metres above sea level does not offer the most suitable preparation for his fourth defence of the French Open, which begins in Paris six days later.

TennisTalk takes a dip in the speculation pool too:

It is not clear whether Nadal would actually miss Madrid, which ends six days before the start at Roland Garros. But there has been no shortage of unsolicited advice to the world No.1 to cut back on his events, especially after a listless defeat in Miami against Juan Del Potro.

As it stands, Nadal is signed on for four tournaments in five weeks before Paris. Of those run-up events, the 22-year-old is defending titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

I say skip Rome, but that's just me. In any case he needs to skip one of those events, and if I did not misunderstand, he cannot miss Madrid.

Is This Stalking Or Just Paparazzi Madness?

Seems like someone can't even take time off without being dogged by spectators and cameras. It's insane. I know he's famous and all but, if I was him I'd have smacked someone by now. Interviews, interviews, more interviews. It's even more annoying to me because I can't understand shite of what he's saying.



Do any other tennista get the same treatment from the media?

It's Like Strawberry & Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Two of my favorite things, in one package.

Cracked me up a little.

How Does A Man Make Ping Pong Sexy?

Why, by being Rafa Nadal.

Shirtless of course. Do not forget the importance of the lack of shirts.

Someone turn on the ceiling fan and bring that pillow closer please.

via Nadal News

How Does A Man Make Golfing Sexy?

Why, by being Rafa Nadal, of course.

Our very own Object Of Obsession (O3) finds time to golf back home. Good for him.

See? Golfing = sexy.

I know I'm right, so don't bother arguing.

Seriously, if this is the kind a man a wench can expect to find in a golf course, I'm so camping there 24/7. My house is a stone's throw from a golf course.

Two cute men (boys?) gets inside a small cart...

I have a feeling I've seen this sweater before.

And... encore.

Whoah.

Yet Another Reason To Buy A Wii

This was one reason.

This one below is another:

Dood. They got Rafa, spot on. I'm hopeful that this game will have some butt picking moves.

'Cause you know seeing it in an animated, stiff, freaky video game version will be so awesome.

Source