TENNIS IN SPAIN - DAVIS CUP UPDATE

Rafa Serves it Up
Photo credit: Jasper Juinen of Getty Images

Two-handed grip
Photo credit: Jasper Juinen of Getty Images

Rafael Nadal of Spain follows a high ball played by Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia during day one of the Davis Cup World Group first round tie between Spain and Serbia at the Parque Tematico Terra Mitica on March 7, 2009 in Benidorm, Spain. Nadal won the match against Tipsarevic in three sets 6-1, 6-0 and 6-2, giving Spain a 2-0 lead over Serbia.
Photo credit: Jasper Juinen of Getty Images

Rafa after his win over Tipsarevic
March 7, 2009
Photo credit: unknown, but probably Jasper Juinen/Getty Images
Apologies to the photographer(s) if incorrect

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Davis Cup Result in Benidorm
Rafa defeated Tipsarevic 6-1, 6-0, 6-2 March 7, 2009

Rafa will play the first reverse rubber on Sunday, March 8, 2009
10:00 a.m. local time
5:00 a.m. EDT (clocks change in the U.S.)
4:00 a.m. EST

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Rubber 4
Rafael NADAL (ESP)
Novak DJOKOVIC (SRB)
Rubber 5
David FERRER (ESP)
Janko TIPSAREVIC (SRB)

Source: http://www.daviscup.com/results/tieresult.asp?tie=100012241

Live Streaming
Davis Cup Live Stream for Saturday March 7, 2009
www.channelsurfing.net
Look in the list for Davis Cup Spain

Or you can go to
http://www.myp2p.eu/competition.php?competitionid=&part=sports&discipline=tennis
Click on the TV icon to the right of 'Spain' and then hit 'play'.

Spain leads Serbia 2-1 in their first round Davis Cup tie

How the Davis Cup works:
http://www.daviscup.com/about/index.asp

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Rafa vs. Tipsarevic
The last two games and interview with Toni Nadal and Rafael Nadal in Spanish.
Uploaded by merikob

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzN_5ZkCTGw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnAGbYOoUm0
Both of the Spanish Team in the Davis Cup March 7, 2009 - TV news report

Devastating display from Nadal

Source: http://www.daviscup.com/news/matchreport.asp?articleid=15791

It’s the toughest ask in tennis at present – playing Rafael Nadal on clay. And it’s as hard on Spanish clay as it is on the Roland Garros ‘terre battue’ on which he has never lost a match.

The latest victim of Nadal’s historic dominance was Serbia’s Janko Tipsarevic, who won just three games as Spain moved to within one rubber of a home quarterfinal in July against either Germany or Austria. And that quarterfinal might be guaranteed on Saturday night, as the speed of Nadal’s victory, and David Ferrer’s earlier straight sets win over Novak Djokovic, mean the doubles began at 4.05pm local time, just three hours later than its originally scheduled time.

Nadal ran Tipsarevic ragged

Nadal was brutal. Tipsarevic, who says he plays his best tennis against the top players, won his opening service game to make the score 1-1, but then lost 11 games on the run as Nadal ran his opponent ragged. It was like a surgeon calmly but inexorably removing the heart of his patient, so that by the end Tipsarevic was happy to win two games in the third set.

“On clay, Rafa is at another level compared to the rest,” Tipsarevic said after his 61 60 62 defeat in just 95 minutes. “On hard court I wouldn’t say the same, he can still lose to the top players, but on clay, he is a level above all the other top players and I'm not the only one who says that. But I’m not happy with my performance – of course it's no embarrassment to lose to Nadal on clay, but I think I could have played a lot better than that.”

Nadal himself said it was the situation - clay, warm spring sunshine and a home crowd - that was hard to beat. “Better than this – impossible! The atmosphere was great, the court was full, and it’s an amazing feeling when we play at home with this kind of atmosphere.”

The atmosphere was church-like

The atmosphere was almost church-like from the middle of the second set, once it was clear that Nadal was in a class of his own. A few interesting rallies stirred the soporific faithful, but they were just sitting enjoying the sun and the sight of a craftsman at the height of his powers.

Ferrer’s earlier 63 63 76(3) victory was a triumph for the Spaniard’s steadiness, but he must have through it was Christmas, such were the gifts he got from Djokovic. Djokovic later said he didn’t want to give any excuses, but he felt “on foreigner territory” in his first match on clay since losing creditably to Nadal in the semifinals of the French Open in the first week of June.

Djokovic later opted out of the doubles, which Serbia has to win to avoid the rare – possibly unique – fate of losing the tie on the day it started, though fading daylight is likely to rule out a definitive outcome on Saturday. His place was taken by Victor Troicki, which means all eight nominated players have participated on the opening day of this remarkable tie.

It also means the chances of completing the tie on Sunday are greatly enhanced, given that there is unlikely to be the need for a long rest period between the conclusions of the doubles (assuming the doubles doesn’t finish on Saturday) and the first reverse singles. The first of Sunday's singles is due to be the most eagerly-awaited clash of the weekend between Nadal and Djokovic. The start of play on Sunday has been brought forward by one hour to 10 o’clock local time.

Spain in the driving seat Serbia threw itself a lifeline at the end of an eight-hour 20-minute day in Benidorm, a day which saw Spain take control early on, but the visitors leave with tentative smiles on their faces.

Nenad Zimonjic and Victor Troicki beat Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo 76(5) 64 76 (7) as light faded on the first day of play in this fascinating tie. Had the Spaniards won the set – and they had a set point at 6-5 in the second of the two tiebreaks – play would have been abandoned for the day. As it is, the tie is now back on schedule after missing Friday’s play because of storm damage to the 14,000-seater temporary stadium at the Terra Mitica theme park on Thursday night.

Damage may be done

But the damage to Serbia may already be too great to rectify. With Rafael Nadal virtually unbeatable on clay, the visitors’ only realistic chance of progressing to July’s quarterfinals was to win the three rubbers in which Nadal was not involved. The doubles victory was successfully accomplished thanks to a very good display by a pair playing only their second Davis Cup by BNP Paribas rubber together, but Novak Djokovic’s earlier defeat to David Ferrer means Nadal will have to lose at least one match if Serbia is to win.

Djokovic at least has his country’s fate in his own hands. He is due to play Nadal in the first reverse singles at the revised start time of 10am local time on Sunday morning. But he will have to play vastly better than the way he played against Ferrer. True, the Spaniard was his usual solid self, but Djokovic gave far too much away, including several double faults, and only really got into the match after going a break down early in the third set.

Djokovic said after Ferrer’s 63 63 76(3) victory that he didn’t want to make any excuses, but he felt “on foreigner territory” in his first match on clay since losing creditably to Nadal in the semifinals of the French Open in the first week of June.

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Photo credits: unknown
Apologies to the photographer(s)

Nadal in scintillating form

Source: http://www.daviscup.com/news/matchreport.asp?articleid=15794

By contrast, Nadal was imperious in his 61 60 62 victory over the hapless Janko Tipsarevic. This is a man at the top of his form, on his favourite surface, under clear blue skies and with his home crowd cheering him on. Nadal himself said it was a situation that was hard to beat. “Better than this – impossible! The atmosphere was great, the court was full, and it’s an amazing feeling when we play at home with this kind of atmosphere.”

The bad news for Serbia is that Tipsarevic’s assessment of Nadal is shared by many other players. “On clay, Rafa is at another level compared to the rest,” Tipsarevic said after his 95-minute defeat. “On hard court I wouldn’t say the same, he can still lose to the top players, but on clay, he is a level above all the other top players.”

Watching the Doubles
Photo credits: unknown
Apologies to the photographer(s)

The doubles had just one break of serve, the Spaniards being broken midway through the second as Djokovic opted out and Troicki played very well. There was little between the pairs, the Serbs just played the big points better. As well as keeping the tie live into Sunday, the win also gives Serbia future options in doubles that will prevent the need for Djokovic to play on all three days.

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Rafa Nadal
March 6, 2009 Practice
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From Rafa's Website
www.rafaelnadal.com

HAPPY, HAPPY, JOY, JOY - DOUBLE VICTORY FOR SPAIN!

7th of March

Rafa Nadal has just finished his job for the day, successfully giving Spain a comfortable 2-0 lead at the Davis Cup tournament in Benidorm by beating (quite easily) Jarko Tipsarevic in three sets, 6-1, 6-0, 6-2 in front of his home crowd at the ‘Terra Mítica’ park.

The current World number 1 only needed and hour and 36 minutes to put his county in front and in an extremely comfortable position (however, they know it’s still too early to celebrate) and will now concentrate on supporting his team-mates for their next doubles match scheduled for tomorrow.

“Rafa makes things looks too easy, but he just happens to be too good sometimes”, said a very proud Albert Costa, the Spanish Davis Cup Capitan.

“It’s such a beautiful atmosphere, especially packed for a first day I think, so I want to thank everybody for that”, said Rafa straight after finishing his singles match.

FERRER PLAYS KEY ROLE

It is also thanks to David Ferrer that Spain has taken a commanding lead after overcoming the no.1 Serbian player and No.3 tennis player in the World, Novak Djokovic.

On his way to victory, David saved 2 sets points in the 3rd and final set and played amazingly well under pressure in the decisive tiebreak. He congratulated Novak for his efforts before going over to see the rest of his team and celebrate the win.

RAFA’S PLANS: Rafa is scheduled to fly to Indian Wells with Iberia Airlines on Tuesday and to this moment his plans have not changed, he would arrive in California that same day in the evening, however if the Davis Cup is delayed any more, he may have to change his plans.

Congratulations España!

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Rafa fan site:
http://vamosbrigade.com/

Original Forum from Rafael Nadal's website (before Nike made a new Forum):
http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=84197

Link to pictures of Rafa
http://www.zimbio.com

If links don't work, I'll be back to fix them later.

I must post an update on Darfur, right now.

REVISED SCHEDULE FOR SPAIN VS SERBIA DAVIS CUP - START NOW ON SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2009

Rafa Nadal
Photo credit: Daylife

Bad weather in Benidorm caused the first matches of the Davis Cup tie to be postponed until Saturday March 7, 2009

Ferrer vs Djokovic start time - 10:00 a.m. local Spain time
9:00 a.m. GMT
4:00 a.m. EST
Nadal vs Tipsarevic follows the above match.

Live Streaming
Davis Cup Live Stream for Saturday March 7, 2009
www.channelsurfing.net
Look in the list for Davis Cup Spain

Or you can go to
http://www.myp2p.eu/competition.php?competitionid=&part=sports&discipline=tennis
Click on the TV icon to the right of 'Spain' and then hit 'play'.

Spain vs Serbia
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Rafa fan site:

http://vamosbrigade.com/
Original Forum from Rafael Nadal's website (before Nike made a new Forum):

http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=84197

Photo credit: Yahoo

Photo credit. rtve es.

Photo credit: Reuters

Photo credit: Marca

Photo credit: Marca

Rafa Nadal and Nicholas Almagro
Photo credit: Jose Navarro

Photo credit: Jose Navarro

Photo credit: Jose Navarro

Photo credit: Jose Navarro

Rafa
Photo credit: Jose Navarro
Photo credit: unknown
Apologies to photograher

Photo credit: unknown
Apologies to photograher

Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Photo credit: Marca

Rafa
Photo credit: Getty Images

The next three articles are from Rafael Nadal's website.
The most recent post is the first one.

DAVIS CUP DAY ONE

Source: http://www.rafaelnadal.com/nadal/en/home

7th of March

The much anticipated Davis Cup encounter between Spain and Serbia was suspended yesterday after strong winds saw seats ripped out of the 16,000-capacity stadium, causing some concerns over its structure and the safety of the people attending the opening day of their first round showdown at the ‘Terra Mítica’ park.

The overnight 55-mile-per-hour winds may have damaged a large section of the temporary seating, but the organizers of the event were quick to call in engineers, technicians and security staff (who work hard all day to fix the built-in arena that was put into place for the event) to help them “come up with a solution that would guarantee the safety of the event” and allow the tournament to go ahead as scheduled.

Much later in the day, the Spanish squad was allowed to carry on with a double training session as preparation for what will be a very long day of tennis today and even though they know the 3 day rubber may be extended to Monday, they are all ready for whatever comes ahead. This is how today’s Schedule looks:

First up, at 10am (local Spanish time) David Ferrer and Novak Djokovic will fight for a chance to give their teams the lead before their corresponding team-mates: Rafa Nadal and Tipsarevic take over center stage to play the second singles match.

At the moment, no decision has yet been made as to whether the doubles rubber between Tommy Robredo/Feliciano López (representing the Spanish Armada) and Novak Djokovic/Nenad Zimonjic (representing Sebia), will remain on Saturday as well, or pushed back to Sunday.

Rafa is scheduled to fly to Indian Wells with Iberia Airlines on Tuesday and to this moment his plans have not changed, he would arrive in California that same day in the evening, however if the Davis Cup is delayed any more, he may have to change his plans.

What ever happens, the team knows that they don’t expect the rubber to be “a walk in the park”. That is why “we have to play at out best level and try to win”, said Rafa. “We are prepared for everything, any score: 2-0, 0-2, 1-1….we just want to do our best”.

Vamos España!

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MARCH 08 | 2009

DAVIS CUP: FIRST DAY OF PLAY CANCELLED

6th of March

Source: http://www.rafaelnadal.com/nadal/en/news

The first day of play in Spain’s Davis Cup matchup against Serbia has been suspended after the organizers of the event decided that the strong winds compromised the stadium.

Gusts up to 60 mph have “blown off some of the rows of the stands and has played an effect on the whole stability” of the 16,000-seat temporary stadium, International Tennis Federation referee Soren Frienel said.

“Matches have been canceled because of the security of the stands.”Frienel will meet with the Spanish and Serbian federations at 11 a.m. to decide whether the World Group first-round tie can be pushed back one day, to be played from Saturday to Monday.

He was confident it can start on Saturday, pending an inspection and repairs of the damage to the specially constructed outdoor clay court at Terra Mitica amusement park.“The structure will be inspected tomorrow and be repaired before anyone can be allowed into the stadium,” Frienel said.

The ITF inspected the stadium late Thursday after the gusts along the Mediterranean coast cast doubt on whether the scaffold-structure was safe enough to host the event. Winds were expected to drop to about 35 mph early Friday.

Although the teams were reluctant to push back Friday’s two opening singles matches, there was little choice.“We’re talking about a security issue so there’s not much we can say about that, what the teams prefer,” Frienel said. “Both teams have to accept the decision and they have.

”Third-ranked Novak Djokovic was to open against Spain’s David Ferrer before Serbia’s Janko Tipsarevic faced top-ranked Rafael Nadal.Spain beat Argentina in November for its third Davis Cup title since 2000, while Serbia was looking to avoid a second straight first-round exit.

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MARCH 07 | 2009

DAVIS CUP: ORDER OF PLAY REVEALED

March 5th

Source: http://www.rafaelnadal.com/nadal/en/news

Yesterday morning, the Davis Cup draw ceremony for the Spain –vs- Serbia first round rubber revealed the order of play for this weekend’s showdown at the ‘Terra Mítica’ Park in Benidorm.

At the event, the Spanish Armada: Rafa Nadal, David Ferrer, Tommy Robredo and Feliciano Lopez were accompanied by their Capitan, Albert Costa together with the Serbian team lead by their corresponding Capitan, Bogdan Obradovic and his players: Novak Djokovic, Víctor Troicki, Janko Tipsarevic and Nenad Zimonjic.

ORDER OF PLAY

Today, Friday 6th of March will be the beginning of the Davis Cup tie which will take place at 11:00am (Spanish local time).

The first encounter will be between David Ferrer against the Serbian No.1 player, Novak Djokovic, followed by Rafa Nadal against Janko Tipsarevic.

Tomorrow, Saturday 7th of March will stage the doubles encounter at 1:00pm (local time) between Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo, representing the Spanish team and Novak Djokovic and Nenad Zimonjic, representing Serbia.

The third and last day of the Davis Cup rubber (8th of March) will feature the reverse singles matches between Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic (in the first single’s match) and David Ferrer against Janko Tipsarevic (in the second and final match).

Right after the draw was put into place; both teams had their corresponding press conferences. Spain confirmed that it will be a very difficult couple of days given their opponents; which count with the support of “the number 3 ranked player in the world and the number 2 best doubles team”, However, they will be giving it their all and hopefully win the tie, like Rafa described it.

What ever happens, the team knows that they don’t expect the rubber to be “a walk in the park”. Every match is different NO mater who they are playing against. “Tennis is a very competitive sport”. That is why “we have to play at out best level and try to win”, said Rafa. “We are prepared for everything, any score: 2-0, 0-2, 1-1….we just want to do our best”.

Friday's matches could be delayed by strong winds, with gusts forecasted to reach 60 kph (37 mph) in the morning before calming in time for the 11 a.m. (1000 GMT) start.

Winds were even stronger on Thursday, with heavy rain at times, limiting both teams' chances to train.

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Spain-Serbia tie to start 23 hours late

Source: http://www.daviscup.com/news/matchreport.asp?articleid=15745

One of the most eagerly awaited ties of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas first round will get under way on Saturday morning, when Spain’s David Ferrer takes on Novak Djokovic. That is subject to an early morning inspection by safety authorities at the 14,000-seater temporary stadium in the Terra Mitica theme park on the edge of Benidorm, an inspection that will hopefully be the last act in a two day series of extraordinary events.

Players, organisers and spectators were left frustrated on Friday afternoon, as glorious sunshine and gentle breezes that would have been perfect for tennis were instead used by engineers to repair damage to the stadium wrought by record strong winds on Thursday afternoon and evening. Wind speeds reached 89 km/h (55mph) late on Thursday, causing damage to some of the upper tiers of the arena.

The Spanish tennis association RFET had announced at midnight local time on Thursday night that play scheduled for Friday would not take place. On Friday morning officials and journalists arrived to find seats lying strewn around the ground, some in pieces after falls from considerable heights. The stadium was a complete no-go area until lunchtime.

Officials from the RFET and their technical advisers held a news conference in which they said continuing strong winds were preventing their technical staff starting repair work. That work began in the middle of the day, and early inspections made it clear that play could, in all probability, begin on Saturday morning. The referee, Soeren Friemel, later announced that play would begin at 10 o’clock local time on Saturday, an hour earlier than the scheduled start time for Friday, subject to an 8am safety inspection.

By starting early, organisers are clearly hoping to keep open the option of getting the tie completed in two days. Spain’s captain Albert Costa said: “The players want to finish on Sunday because they have to leave for Indian Wells, but we’ll see. It depends how the tie goes, how long the matches are, and who plays on what days. Anything can happen as we can see!”

The crucial figure in this is Novak Dokovic. He is due to play three matches, but he is at least first on court against Ferrer, so if his match is quick, he might be in a position to start the doubles. The only rule amendment for these circumstances is that captains will need to notify the referee of any changes to their doubles teams 10 minutes after the end of the second singles, not an hour before the doubles as is usual.

The weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday is generally good, which will be a relief to more than just Spain’s tennis community as Benidorm is not the only part of Spain suffering abnormal conditions. The capital Madrid has been under snow this week, and the winds have caused other damage along the coast, including blowing the gangway off a moored luxury cruise liner.

Davis Cup rules allow for play on up to five days, so action on Monday or even Tuesday is theoretically possible. In addition, the BNP Paribas Masters in Indian Wells doesn’t start until the middle of the week, so there is less pressure for the players to be on a plane than in most tour weeks.

The match referee Soeren Friemel, who took part in the RFET’s news conference, said: “This is not about the wind being too strong for tennis. In tennis terms we could play. It is about safety of spectators and all concerned. The Spanish federation has done a great job in organising the tie, and the players are all happy with the court. These are exceptional weather conditions that could not have been predicted.”

The RFET has twice used 14,000-seater stadiums like this one which are built from scratch on a base of scaffolding. It did it first for the 2000 semifinal in Santander against the USA, and for the 2003 semifinal in Malaga versus Argentina.

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Spain tie suspended after gales

Source:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/7924062.stm

The first day of Spain's Davis Cup tie against Serbia was postponed after strong winds damaged the purpose-built stadium in Benidorm.

Gusts of wind blew off some rows of seats and affected the whole stability of the 16,000-seat stadium.

However, a favourable forecast has left organisers hopeful they can complete the tie, which is now scheduled to begin at 0900 GMT on Saturday.

World number one Rafael Nadal is due to return from injury in the tie.

A Spanish tennis federation spokesman said: "Once the conditions allow, we will work the whole day so that tomorrow (Saturday) we can play the first singles matches."

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) said Davis Cup rules allowed for the tie to run on for up to five days and play on Monday or Tuesday was possible.

Spanish star Nadal has not played since losing to Andy Murray in the Rotterdam final on 15 February because of a knee injury.

"I feel great and with a great will to keep going on," Nadal told his personal website. "I'm very excited about representing my country."

Champions Spain are without Australian Open semi-finalist, and 2008 Davis Cup hero, Fernando Verdasco because of injury but are otherwise at full strength.

"Everybody's perfect," captain Albert Costa said of his squad after Nadal, Nicolas Almagro, Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo practised on Wednesday.

"Nadal's 100%, everybody on the team is 100% healthy."

Spain remain strong favourites on their favoured surface of clay, despite the presence of world number three Novak Djokovic in the Serbia team.

"Playing against Rafa would be very interesting, he's the world number one and he plays really well in all surfaces," said Djokovic. "But I think we all know that clay is definitely his favourite."

Roger Federer is another name missing from the first round as a back problem has forced him out of Switzerland's testing trip to face the USA in Birmingham, Alabama.

Argentina, last year's runners-up, bagged two victories on Friday against the Netherlands in Buenos Aires, despite the absence of David Nalbandian and Juan Martin del Potro.

Juan Ignacio Chela struggled for nearly four hours to beat Jesse Huta Galung 6-2, 2-6, 6-2, 6-7 (4), 6-2, while Juan Monaco overcame Thiemo De Bakker in straight sets.

France look like being serious challengers for the title this year with a line-up that includes Gilles Simon, Gael Monfils, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet.

Facing the Czech Republic in Ostrava, the French got off to a bad start with Simon losing to Tomas Berdych, but Tsonga fought back and defeated Radek Stepanek in straight sets.

Sweden's home tie against Israel has already been the subject of much attention as it will be played behind closed doors.

Local authorities took the decision over fears about the safety of the Israeli team members in Malmo - a city with a large Muslim community.

The ITF has criticised the move, but Sweden captain Mats Wilander said: "This is about security and there have been experts on the case.

"We can only try to play our best, even though it will be hard (without the fans)."

Around 1,000 police officers will be on duty for the three-day tie and between 8,000 and 12,000 people are expected to demonstrate on Saturday.

2008 ~ A YEAR FOR TENNIS HISTORY AND NADAL PLAYED HIS PART

www.tennistalk.com ~ The_Nadal_story_part_1: A_humble_upbringing

www.tennistalk.com ~ The_Nadal_story_part: 2 2003 ~_Rafa_blows_up

The Nadal story part 3: 2004 ~ Nadal's breakout year

www.tennistalk.com ~ The_Nadal_story_part_3: 2004 ~ Nadal's_breakout_year

November 28, 2008 By Jonathan Morgan

Many consider 2004 to be Rafa's coming of age year, which saw him in his first ATP final, his first Davis Cup appearance, his first ATP title, and of course, his first victory over Roger Federer

2004 was the year that Nadal became a mainstream name in the tennis world. Before that, people knew who he was and what he was capable of doing, but no one figured it would be this quickly. At just 17, Nadal opened the year with a first round loss in Chennai in singles. However, he made a run to the title in doubles with Tommy Robredo, giving him momentum for the next week; a finals run in Auckland. It was Rafa's first ATP final, and he lost 7-5 in a heartbreaking third set to Dominik Hrbaty.

At the Australian Open, Rafael was becoming more and more of a mainstay of the tour. He wasn't quite ready to break through, but people were certainly talking about him. He met up with Lleyton Hewitt in the third round in a match that definitely brought him to the forefront of the tennis world. After shocking Hewitt all match with an array of fantastic shots, young Rafa couldn't put it together at the end of sets. Hewitt won the match in straights, with 2 tiebreak wins, very similar to the El Aynaoui match at the US Open. Like his jump from challengers to the ATP level events, Rafa was just not there yet.

He got his very first Davis Cup invitation shortly after that, as the Spaniards opened their campaign against the Czechs in the Czech Republic. Young Rafa, after losing the opening rubber in Jiri Novak, was able to defeat Radek Stepanek on a quick indoor court in an away tie in a live 5th rubber. Talk about pressure. And Nadal did it in straights. Jubilation ensued, as Nadal's career looked to be on incredible upswing that everyone was anxious to see would take him.

After a few ho-hum weeks in Milan, Dubai, and Indian Wells, Nadal came into Miami in 2004 looking very hungry. In fact, it was at this tournament that the Tennis Channel did a No Strings show on Rafael. Nadal came into this event barely seeded at #32, the lowest. This created an unfavorable draw for Rafael, as he had to face top seed and top ranked player in the world, Roger Federer. Federer was at the start of his fantastic reign at the top of the tennis world, and had just come off a victory in Indian Wells the week prior. They met up in the third round and Nadal destroyed him. Federer just didn't know what to do with the kid's game as it was so unlike anyone's he had ever seen. Granted, Federer did appear to be sick and reports at the time were saying as much, but it was Federer that actually predicted after that loss that it would be Nadal that would succeed him at the top of the tennis game within 3 years.

He wasn't off by much. Although he lost in the next round to Gonzalez, yet another statement was made. This kid is for real.

Nadal's next event changed the course of his career. A quarterfinal matchup with fellow extremely talented teenager Richard Gasquet in the Estoril event in mid April 2004 turned out to be more than either man bargained for. Nadal won the first set and lost the second, but in the course of the match, he hurt his ankle. Rafa fought back hard to win the third set, but had to withdraw from his semifinal match. Nadal missed the next few months of the tour, including both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, due to that left ankle stress fracture.

Nadal returned in July of that year in the Bastad event and put up a decent result in his first event back. A few wins and a healthy Nadal took some steps that summer to win his first ATP title of his career. After a few trans-Atlantic flights and a nice battle against Hewitt in Canada, Nadal returned to Europe for the event in Sopot, Poland in August. He romped through that draw, winning all 5 matches in straight sets and taking his first career title. After his injury, his ranking had slipped to 71, but this title shot it back up to 48.

Two weeks later, at the US Open, he won his first 5 setter against Ivo Heuberger before taking on World #2 Andy Roddick in a night match. Roddick demolished him, proving that Rafael was continually making strides but he wasn't quite ready to play with the big boys yet. At just 18, though, he was making good time.

Like in 2003, his post US Open run was marred with losses. After a Davis Cup singles victory over Arnaud Clement, Spain was into the finals to play against the USA in December. Nadal's fall that season was disappointing, as he put up a 2-4 record before the Davis Cup final. All was forgiven, however, when the Davis Cup final was underway in Seville in early December.

Carlos Moya opened the tie with a solid win over Mardy Fish to give the Spaniards a 1-0 lead. Surprisingly, Rafael was given the nod to take on Andy Roddick in the second rubber, as opposed to Juan Carlos Ferrero, who had won the French Open just the year before. The decision turned out to be a fantastic one. Many people point to this match when they talk about Nadal turning from a boy to a man. Even Roddick years later remarked that he awoke a sleeping giant in this match.

Clay of course, was never Roddick's favorite surface, but he has the serve and the tenacity of winning to get the job done on any surface you throw at him. Roddick took the first set in an epic 8-6 tiebreak before Nadal bounced back to take the second easily, 6-2. Things were looking up for the Spaniard as Rafa was looking more and more comortable as the set wore on. The third set tiebreaker was crucial. Nadal scrapped and took it 8-6, setting off insane cheers from the Spanish as Nadal took a 2 set to 1 lead. Roddick looked deflated in the 4th as Nadal took it 6-2. Moya took out Roddick in the 4th rubber to seal the deal as the Spaniards and Nadal took the Davis Cup title.

Nadal ended 2004 ranked 51, 2 spots down from his 03 year end rank of 49. Needless to say, though, his 2004 was much more successful and career alterting than 2003. He entered 2005 with his confidence soaring high and ready to explode.

www.tennistalk.com ~ The_Nadal_story_part_4: 2005-2006 ~ A_developing_star

www.tennistalk.com ~ The_Nadal_story_part_5: 2007-present ~ World_Superstar

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IKER CASILLAS -VS- RAFA NADAL

www.rafaelnadal.com

November 28th

Iker Casillas and Rafa Nadal might play different sports but there is no doubting that their hearts both lie in the same place when it comes to football.

The tennis world No.1 is a staunch Real Madrid fan, as is Casillas, and when the two met today to discuss a charity event they are arranging, they couldn't resist talking about the upcoming clash with Barcelona.

"Rafa and I are both convinced that we will win 1-0 in the Camp Nou," Casillas told AS.The event is called 'Friends of Iker vs Friends of Rafa - To free the world of malaria' and will involve both tennis and football, and as an extra treat, a bit of karting action.

All the players have not yet been confirmed but F1 driver Fernando Alonso will definitely be taking part and Casillas and Nadal could not resist taking pops at the other today.

"Rafa has a good pair of feet but he does not have the vision," quipped the Real Madrid goalkeeper before Nadal responded with: "Iker could do with some tennis lessons, I would even give them for free if he wanted.

"The event will take place three days after the clash in the Camp Nou on the 16 December and tickets will be between €6-10.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Federer and Nadal set for Qatar

For Every Roger Federer the World Needs a Rafael Nadal

2008: Prince Rafa detrhroned King Roger


Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero congratulates the winners of the Davis Cup after the Final Match Argentina Vs Spain Fernando Verdasco and Jose Acasuso. 3rd Time Spain wins the Copa Davis but first time in foreign country.

(Photo by Photo Agency)

Source of pictures (17): Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez and Spanish Davis Cup 2008 Team

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero congratulates the winners of the Davis Cup after the Final Match Argentina Vs Spain Fernando Verdasco and Jose Acasuso. 3rd Time Spain wins the Copa Davis but first time in foreign country.

(Photo by Photo Agency)

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero congratulates the winners of the Davis Cup after the Final Match Argentina Vs Spain Fernando Verdasco and Jose Acasuso. 3rd Time Spain wins the Copa Davis but first time in foreign country.

(Photo by Photo Agency)

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero congratulates the winners of the Davis Cup after the Final Match Argentina Vs Spain Fernando Verdasco and Jose Acasuso. 3rd Time Spain wins the Copa Davis but first time in foreign country.

(Photo by Photo Agency)

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero congratulates the winners of the Davis Cup after the Final Match Argentina Vs Spain Fernando Verdasco and Jose Acasuso. 3rd Time Spain wins the Copa Davis but first time in foreign country.

(Photo by Photo Agency)

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero congratulates the winners of the Davis Cup after the Final Match Argentina Vs Spain Fernando Verdasco and Jose Acasuso. 3rd Time Spain wins the Copa Davis but first time in foreign country.

(Photo by Photo Agency)

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Photo credit: Photo by Photo Agency

Nadal and media hail their heroes ~ Article

Video links:
Nadal and Feliciano speak on the telephone with sound delay issues ~ Spain to Argentina

Rafa congratulates the spanish team ~ This is in Spanish

Fernando Verdasco who made the 3 against 1 victory over Argentina in Davis Cup Final 2008

Verdasco: "Struggles whole life for this " and Lopez, Ferrer and Captain Emilio Sánchez Vicario ~ interviewed after Davis Cup 08 win in Argentina

Rafa off the court ~ mostly
Uploaded by niinzniinz

This is a promo photo for Nadal’s upcoming duel against Real Madrid goalie Iker Casillas. The charity event for malaria, which takes place on December 16, will involve football, tennis and go karting.
Source: rafael-nadal-has-shrunk

www.rafaelnadal.com

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RAFAEL NADAL LISTENS TO HIS BODY

Rafael Nadal announces he will not be able to play the final Davis Cup
Photo credits: Getty and unknown

The following are from www.rafaelnadal.com:

NOVEMBER 03 | 2008

NOT PLAYING IN SHANGHAI

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

Dear fans and media reps,

It has been a long and difficult year where I managed to obtain great results, both on a professional and on a personal level. I have mentioned in various occasions that the tennis calendar has been extremely hard with practically every single week playing. This forces us players to put pressure on our bodies, making it impossible for a top level player to be 100% at each event.

On a personal level I had as one of my goals to become #1 during this year and competing at so many events might have harmed, specially at the end of the season, my physical condition, taking away the power needed to play at a high level in these last events. I don´t know if this has been a mistake or not but the fact is that with the goal achieved I also have to take one of the most difficult and painful decisions:

I have decided not to compete at the Masters Cup in Shanghai. As I say this is one of the most difficult decisions in my career due to the importance of the event and above all, due to the fact that I wont be able to share time with the fans in China and the tournament organizers that always have treated me in such special way.

I am deeply saddened and disappointed for my fans around the world that expected to see me in Shanghai. I do however, expect to be there again in October 09 for the ATP Masters 1000 event in Shanghai.

I know that many people were speculating about this matter and even though I have yet not done any tests, I can honestly say I have taken the right decision. I want to recover and get ready for the Davis Cup final in Mar del Plata, Argentina. That is also another reason for not going to Shanghai.

Many thanks to all for your support and understanding.

Rafa

NOVEMBER 04 | 2008

RAFA'S MEDICAL RESULTS

Barcelona, 4th November

Angel Ruiz-Cotorro, the Spanish tennis federation (RFET) doctor, as well as Rafa’s doctor has released a statement today in which he revealed the state of Rafa’s right knee injury after some tests done early in the morning in Barcelona.

“After the necessary medical procedures and tests were carried out this morning. I can confirm that Rafa is suffering from tendonitis in his right knee”.

“As a result of this injury it is necessary that Rafa rests and undergoes more treatment involving anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy and ice packs until next Saturday”.

"Once this period of rest is over, and depending on the development of the pain, Rafa will gradually begin training on the court again," adding that further tests were planned for Monday

Nadal pulled out of the season-ending Masters Cup on Monday because of the injury, which last week forced him to retire from his Paris Masters quarter-final against Nikolay Davydenko.

ANGEL RUIZ-COTORRO

Doctor of the Spanish tennis federation (RFET).

From the Front Page of Rafael Nadal's website www.rafaelnadal.com

No Davis Cup Final for Rafa. "It Pains Me"

Tuesday November 10th, 2008

Unfortunately Rafa will not be able to compete at the Davis Cup final. After the medical tests done today, he announced that he will not travel with the Spanish team to Mar del Plata in Argentina on Thursday.

Rest assured that this was one of the worst decisions he's ever had to make, a very painful one, the one that no one wanted to hear. Rafa is deeply upset about it, more than anyone else for sure

These were his words at the press conference in Barcelona:

"After a very long and positive year, it is terrible for me not to be able to participate at two of the events that were part of my goals this season, Shanghai and the Davis Cup final."

"This is a very difficult time for me, but at least I know I’ve done everything possible to be in the final. It was a goal of mine to be there”

“I’m used to playing with pain, but this pain is different, new in a way. I can’t control it” said Rafa today at a Press conference in Barcelona.

“I’m conscious of the fact that my team has the ability to win without me for sure. I don’t think Spain’s chance to get the title will end because of me, it’s nothing like that” concluded Rafa before thanking his team captain, Emilio Sánchez Vicario for being so supportive and “understanding” about his situation.

When asked if the injury had something to do with the this year’s tennis Calendar, the 4 time Roland Garros champion said that it “didn’t help” but at the same time, he “didn’t do anything crazy to try to get to No.1”. He thinks that “the Olympic Games certainly made the schedule tighter"

NOVEMBER 07 | 2008

JUST FOR THE RECORD

7th of November, 2008

I don’t usually make denials of false information published related to me, but given the seriousness of the matter I would like to make a clear statement.

Some Argentinean media have published a false interview with me after my press conference in Madrid. During that interview that never happened it's said that I make comments about the Argentinean government and Argentinean politics. That interview and those comments are completely false and my team is now trying to track the source of this interview and take appropriate measures.

I am the kind of person that never make comments about politics, not local, nor national, and specially not international.

I really hope that all the Argentinean people that read the article know that it wasn’t me who said those things but instead it was someone else who taking advantage of my name, wrote a false story trying to harm my image and reputation.

Thank you everyone!

Rafa

Injured Nadal Out of Davis Cup

Source: http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411337/2299890

Nov 11, 2008

World number one Rafael Nadal will miss Spain's Davis Cup final against Argentina this month after failing to recover from tendinitis in his right knee.

The French Open and Wimbledon champion said the decision to withdraw had been extremely difficult and added he had done everything possible to get fit but had decided to obey his doctors' orders.

"I am used to playing with pain but this was a new and different pain I cannot control," he told a news conference.

"I am not feeling that great. These are very hard choices when you are an individual player, even more when you are playing doubles, but much more when it's about a Davis Cup team."

Olympic gold medallist Nadal, who took over as number one from Swiss Roger Federer in August, has blamed his injury on an overloaded tennis calendar.

The injured knee forced him to pull out of the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai and he also had to retire from his Paris Masters quarter-final against Nikolay Davydenko last month.

The athletic Mallorcan has played 93 singles matches this year, winning 82 and collecting eight titles. He said he did not think he had pushed himself too far.

"I haven't done anything crazy to get to number one in the world," he said. "I don't feel ready to approach a match like this one and that's why I won't be there, much to my regret."

VIOLENT MOVEMENT

Spanish tennis federation (RFET) doctor Angel Ruiz Cotorro said Nadal would have to rest for another 10 days.

"In two weeks he can start pre-season training but he'll have to take it slowly," he told the news conference. "It's a new and acute injury and it is caused by violent movement."

The RFET is expected to name its team on Tuesday for the tie in Mar del Plata from Nov. 21-23. Spain won the Cup in 2004 and 2000 while Argentina are yet to win but reached the final in 2006 when they lost to Russia.

World number 12 David Ferrer is expected to take over as Spain's number one, with Tommy Robredo, Nicolas Almagro or Marcel Granollers joining doubles pair Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez to make up the four-man team.

"I know that my team mates can win the final without me," Nadal said. "We have the players to beat Argentina, although it won't be easy."

Davis Cup - Granollers replaces Nadal for final

Marcel Granollers-Pujol has been called up to the Spain team in place of the injured Rafael Nadal for the Davis Cup final against Argentina later in November.

Team captain Emilio Sanchez-Vicario handed Granollers a place alongside the more experienced David Ferrer, Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez.

Santiago Ventura will join the side as a sparring partner.

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Gilles Simon upset Roger Federer, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, on Monday, November 10, 2008, in the opening match for both men in the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai.

Source: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/10/sports/tennisatp10.php