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!

Wimbledon: Press Conference Videos

I kinda wish the news would just STOPOMGSTOPPLEASE but such is the power of the media and I can't help posting them.

Videos via Nadal News, by mirsasha at youtube.

Adidas Wants You To Know That They're Serious About This Soles Thing.

And speaking of the new Adidas outsoles... here's an ad to go with it. Featuring Marat smiling dorkily, the Bryan brothers, and Ernests Gulbis, who doesn't even have to try to look dorky.

Do the words "dorky" and "sexy" belong together? I think Marat have successfully fused it together.

I think this is more of damage control than anything else. Nole using Nike for Wimbledon last year was bad, bad, baaad PR by Adidas, but they really did deserve it. Omg, even *I* am getting sick of myself going on and on about this. No more. I will shut down the comm major in me.

UPDATE:

Don't say I didn't tell you so. Novak has his own advertisement for the soles. Okay, Adidas, we get it. No need to beat us upside the head with it.

I hope I'm not the only one who giggled at "CC Genius Novak Grass".

Thanks to @Out_at_sea for the notice!

VIDEO: Let's Talk Cars, ATP Boys.

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So this was a very important video for me, as I've got a thing for cars. I know right? I like pink, what the hell am I doing with cars? I don't know. It just is.

Rafa's answer was a little disappointing, but what a smile! The giggling was infectious. And how did I know Nando was gonna say Audi R8?? It's so flashy! So him. And is it just me or does Nalby has an american accent? Ginge is so British with his choice. Frick. I have to stop watching Top Gear.

Enjoy!

video via GoToTennis

ROME: Shirtless Rafa Video. Because.

DON'T say I don't deliver.

Thanks Stella!

Let's Play Pretend. You Steal Towels, I Be Officer...

This is too cute for words.



*sigh*

I wish he's here to make me feel better. Spoon feed me some Spanish version of sick room food. I'll even take it from his hand. Or his chest. Or knees. Or... *off to dreamland*

via NadalNews

MONTE CARLO: VIDEOS - Semi Final Tie Break & Post Match Interview

29 shots rally and I missed it. Sheesh.

I still cannot believe he could understand French accented English and not Brits.

Love how he said "for example" with the hand gesture. Very teacher-like.

 

How Many Accents Can You Say "Gladiator" In?

ATP rocks. Just sayin'.

The players were asked about their favorite movies, and the answers.. well they're great.

Aside from Rafa's. Honey, how much does it take for you to just name one favorite?

I like the word "gladiator" in French ala Tsonga. But Potro's is not bad too.

His soft voice do me in everytime.

via Down The Line!

MONTE CARLO: It's A Family Trip!

Haven't seen a picture of Xisca or Maribel, but here's a totally scary paparazzi video of the Nadal's bunch. Mom, Xisca, Maribel and Benito.



Okay, I feel dirty now. I think I will refrain from posting such vids next time. Sorry.

MONTE CARLO: 2nd Round Post Match Interviews; Rafa & Uncle Tony

All thanks to GOTOTENNIS!

Lord knows I'm so not trilingual, so here's the translation FreakyFrites managed to glean from the video.

On Rafa’s 6-2, 6-3 victory over Chela today: “Rafa didn’t play that great but for the first day, it’s okay. . .It wasn’t easy. Chela is always a tough player. But still, Rafa didn’t play that well.”

If he had a preference for Rafa’s next opponent, either Lapentti or Safin:  “I never prepare him for one player because you never know.”

Interviewer: “So far this season, Rafael has been more offensive - playing more in the court.  Is this something you want him to do also on the clay?”

Toni Nadal:  “We try each year to be a little more like this. Last year was a good year for us because he played well in Wimbledon and Queens and this year, as well, in Australia. But the change onto the clay is hard. . .but it’s always good for him to play more aggressive.”

Then they show Rafa playing in Monte Carlo in 2003. Don’t really say much about it except it’s “Baby Rafa.”

In closing, the interviewer asks Uncle Toni if Rafa will win his 5th title in Monte Carlo this week.

Uncle Toni: “It’s always easier to lose than to win. . . I think he has a small chance to win it!”

Firstly, I'm shocked that Rafa can understand English questions put forward with such thick French accent, when he always looks terribly lost with clean, no fuss American accents during pressers. Secondly, Uncle Tony speaks French?! He just got about 10 degrees hotter. That is celcius degrees btw.

What About The French That Brings Smiles To Rafa?

So LaMonf is out by Tipsy (????), Simon followed along, Chardy is probably back in France right now and Mathieu? Meh.

The frenchies are not winning matches, but they sure can interview.

I didn't understand a word of this but I liked his smile.

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Question: Do you remember when you broke a racquet yourself last time? Have you by any chance also gotten married the last weekend?

Rafa: I never broke a racquet. That's the first thing. You never know in the future. Hopefully not. And, yes, I am thinking about that, be married and be father right now for the next years.

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

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

SEO MIAMI: Post Quarterfinal Presser

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His presser antics are the best. What on earth is he doing? Babe, lemme buy you some cottonbuds.

After Rafa's video, go check Potro's presser.

That "of course" just melted my cold cold heart. Note to self: stop lusting after younger men.

Rafa's presser transcripts here.

Del Potro's presser transcripts here.

Words Of Wisdom

"It's very hard to play well every day. One day you play well, one day not..."

This video is after the match against Gil Frederico.



Seems like he has been saying the same thing over and over again to many reporters and in many interviews. Probably gets tired that he has to analyze and account for every single second of his matches.. Dudes, don't you get it? Some days are just bad days. But he is Rafa Nadal, so his bad days are probably pretty good days for most tennis players.

Does he realize he's being taped? Why's he so relaxed? Not as if I'm complaining.

video via Nadal News

SEO MIAMI: Roger's BFF Made Rafa WORK!

Sounds like I missed a hell of a match. From Twitter observations, apparently the linespeople were terrible (as they have been quite a few times this week), Stan had a great strategy, and Rafa was making a lot of mistakes. But he did counter that with a lot of great shots. He won the match 76(2), 76(4).

Watch this:



That was some inspired lob. I really have to download the match somewhere. Hey, not as if we have Tivo here in the third world!

I guess in pictures the match would be like this:

One more time:

Potro is up next for Rafa. I don't see that match being anything but boring, but who knows right? Maybe Potro will finally show up to a match against one of the top 3 (or 4 or 5) with some cojones.

video via GOTOTENNIS