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.

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.

ROME: Singles Draw

Ciao, Roma!

From Rafa's half:

Good news: Rafa's first match might be against Samurai Querrey.
Bad news: Then I remembered he's American and this is clay.
Bad news: Ginge is in the same half, again. Of course he is, but I was kinda hoping he's across the draw, so to speak.
Good news/bad news: Rafa second match might be Robin Soderling. Bad because I might have to see Rob's face after all, but good because Rafa will trash him.

From the other half:

Good news: Hottie Safin is in the tourney. That's always a bonus.
Bad news: I might stumble across Radek's pictures again while searching for Rafa's pictures.
Bad news: I'm not seeing anyone that might be a problem or a challenge to Rafa.
Good news: He's probably gonna win this one too unless some blisters magically reappear. Just sayin'.

MONTE CARLO: Ljubi Might Be Top 5 Once, But Rafa Is Top Gun Nowadays

Rafa wins comfortably (and looking it, too) 63, 63.

71% first serve, 9 winners, 13 errors to Ljubi's 13/31. The double fault surprised me, as it does everytime he does.



Ljubi played well, but as you can see from the stats, the UE's are his downfall. Too many nets, too many screwed forehands/backhands. Mind you, he does have a great one handed backhand, but today it nets or just full-on missed.

Rafa went for good groundstrokes and great movements. The rest is history. It *is* clay. I'd like to say that Rafa can win most matches on clay with one hand and one leg tied behind his back, but I know I'm terribly biased.

Wait - maybe I'm not  after all:

See? He even finds time to pose:

So much win, you guys.

Other scores of the day so far:

[3] N Djokovic (SRB) d [7] F Verdasco (ESP) 62 46 63
13] S Wawrinka (SUI) d [Q] A Beck (GER) 62 64

Up next is Ginge vs Kolya. I'm so hoping Ginge will win, but with Kolya, I'm not so sure, Ginge is lacking some hotness in his matches. But I'm still taking off my panties and twirling it in the air for him.

Rafa will face whoever wins the Ginge/Kolya match. But baby, baby, is he en fuego or what.