Rafa Seen Practicing At Wimbledon's Greens!

Surprise surprise, Rafa showed up - at least for practice.

Got the scoop off Wimbledon's twitter. I almost spewed my tea when I saw it!

If you're not on Twitter yet, you should be. Roger Federer and Andy Murray were also seen practicing today.

I think it's very considerate for him to show up, and so publicly as well. There's still no official word about whether he's gonna show up at the tournament itself, but at least we now know he's not actually in bed 24/7 with his knees propped up with the ceiling sling - what? I have a rife imagination okay, so excuse me.

I'm not getting my hopes up or anything. It's just so nice to see him again.

More pictures at Wimbledon's Facebook page.

Wimbledon Fashion: What Rafa's Wearing

Thanks to Down The Line, we get a preview of what Rafa will be strutting in in Wimbledon!

Nike Double Bold Men's Tennis Polo Shirt

Dri-FIT Woven Men's Tennis Short

Air Max Courtballistec 1.3

The shirts and shorts, not too terribly exciting but then again which Wimbledon outfit has ever been a circus? Yeah, sorry, I forgot the cardigan and the tuxedo from last year.

Head & wristbands:

I really like the Wimbledon green and purple Nike uses here - I wonder if there will actually be very subtle vertical stripes on the wristbands as we see here on the picture. That would be an unexpected youthful twist and, a very good job from Nike. Still trying to make up to the Rafanatics for the loss of the sleeveless? We've adjusted, but thank you for the effort anyways, N.

I can't wait to see it on the real life manequin! Wimbledon can't arrive fast enough.

Visit Down the Line for the "real" fashion preview - me, I just post pictures and ramble.

Site News: Headers

We have a new site banner/header courtesy of Miri from Nadal News! Isn't it great?? I know, I should learn photoshop soon so I can do it on my own, but in the mean time I'm totally taking advantage of Miri's awesomeness and sigh over her skillz.

*spanks Miri's awesome ass*

Drool away.

Wimbledon: What Andy Murray's Wearing

We have our first look at Andy Murray's 2009 Wimbledon kit!

Ooh - preppy hottie! Ginge is looking pretty good, huh? Not bad indeed, quite a heartthrob in the getup. I think he looks fantastic in the sweater (jumper?). He's got the perfect shape for it and he fills it just right. I really like the dark blue accents on the sweater's wrists, hem and the shirt's collar.

The kit, which celebrates the centenary of Perry's birth, is designed to keep the player cool. Perry wore long trousers when he won the last of his three Wimbledon titles in 1936 but Murray will take to the court in polo shirt and shorts made from the company's secret Activair man-made material.

His new shirt and shorts are embroidered with his monogram, just below the Fred Perry logo.

Yes, look closer, that is Andy's initials, AM. Is he trying to one up Roger?

What Andy has to say:

“I am proud to be wearing an outfit inspired by one of my sporting heroes,” said Murray today. “I've already tested it out a few times and it feels great, the kit is just as much about performance as it is design. I really love the monogram, it makes the shirt feel extra-special. I hope one day to follow in Fred Perry's footsteps and repeat his success at Wimbledon.”

The outfit will not be available in the store, and will only be worn by one other person, his brother Jamie Murray.

Thoughts?

The pale thighs of glory.

Article

"Be Calm, I Am Going To Win."

Here's Rafa on the cover of Observe Magazine.

Who knew he'd look good in sephia? Well, *we* Rafanatics probably knew. As if he'd look bad in anything. In nothing, I suppose, is the ultimate look for him. But then again it's probably just me. I just can't get over the arms. Oh the arms. Rafa, I worship thine arms. Just look at how small the tennis ball is in his hand. Look!

And a sly, sexy smile. That's it, I'm done.

Oh yes, there's an article to go with it. Complete with interviews and a look at Rafa and his team.

Technique aside, Nadal's true edge is his grounded mentality. He has a rare gift for living in the moment, and the rarer gift of being able to produce precisely what that moment requires.

Lovely. A must read.

Thank you Skyejaden @ Twitter!

No, Honey. I Don't Suppose You Can.

I can't speak for all female Nadal fans but I personally like Rafa because he is a talented player and a gracious winner and loser, not for his looks. There are many good-looking players but that doesn't mean I am a fan of them all. My dislike of Murray is not for his looks, but for his attitude. Leah, Motherwell

Really? Not even a little ittle bitty bit is about his looks? Huh.

Really???


Source

Frisky Friday: Well Hello, Bulge.

Gotta love a cheeky interviewer.

Why do you think your arms get so much attention?
This is funny, if you look at many other players they are probably fitter than me. The difference probably is that I was playing sleeveless. Now that I carry shirts with sleeves it doesn't look that different. And also my left arm is much more developed than my right arm. This is because I play lefty and that's sort of my gym, the tennis court. That's where I have fun.

What particular exercises do you do for your arms?
Nothing, believe me. Just the normal things any other player, tennis player, would do.

When you flex your arms after a big shot, do you know that it can intimidate your opponent?
I don't think so. I think that at our level guys don't get impressed with these things. It is more the running, the speed and the shots that really we pay attention to.

Click here for the full article.

Happy Weekend, Rafanatics.