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.

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.