RAFA NADAL - MONTE CARLO 2012

Updated Sunday, April 21, 2012, 11 :02 p.m. USA/EST

Monte Carlo 2012
Credit to Nida @nidssserz
Website: Vamos Brigade
 

 

Click image to enlarge. Rafael Nadal of Spain bites the winners trophy after his straight sets victory against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the final during day eight of the ATP Monte Carlo Masters, at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 22, 2012 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. April 22, 2012 - Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe.

Click image to enlarge. Rafael Nadal of Spain makes his winners speach listened to by Novak Djokovic of Serbia after the final during day eight of the ATP Monte Carlo Masters, at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 22, 2012 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. April 22, 2012 - Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe.

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Rafa after the match - Behind the scenes
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Monte Carlo - 21012
Round 1
Rafa has a bye

Round 2
Rafael Nadal defeated Jarkko Nieminen
6-4, 6-3
Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Round 3
Rafael Nadal defeated Mikhail Kukushkin
6-1, 6-1
Thursday, April 19, 2012

Quarterfinal
Rafael Nadal defeated Stanislas Wawrinka
7-5, 6-4
Friday, April 20, 2012

Semifinal
Rafael Nadal defeated Gilles Simon
6-3, 6-4
Saturday, April 21, 2012

FINAL
  Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic
6-3, 6-1
Sunday, April 22, 2012
This was the eighth Monte Carlo title in a row won by Rafa.
This is a record.
Rafa regained the record for the most Master Series titles ~
20 Master Series titles

TV
The Tennis Channel
TV Schedule
The Tennis Channels airs LIVE,
but also reairs
most likely in the evening of the day the matches were played.

LIVE Streaming
ESPN has Live and Replays online ~
espn.go
www.fromsportcom

Live Scoring

Monte Carlo Pictures of Rafa
zimbio
daylife

Round 2 Pictures
zimbio
daylife

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his match against Jarkko Nieminen of Finland during day four of the ATP Monte Carlo Masters on April 18, 2012 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. April 18, 2012 - Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe.

Rafael Nadal of Spain thanks the support after his match against Jarkko Nieminen of Finland during day four of the ATP Monte Carlo Masters on April 18, 2012 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. April 18, 2012 - Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe.

Spain's Rafael Nadal hits a return to Finland's Jarkko Nieminen during the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament tennis match on April 18, 2012 in Monaco. Photo credit: Getty Images.


A reflective Rafael Nadal during his post match press conference Tennis - Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 2012 - Day Four - Monte-Carlo Country Club. Wednesday April 18, 05:58 PM. Photo credit: Press Association Images.


Rafael Nadal makes a point during his post match press conference Tennis - Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 2012 - Day Four - Monte-Carlo Country Club. Wednesday April 18, 05:59 PM. Photo credit: Press Association Images.

Round 3 Pictures
zimbio

daylife
sports.yahoo

Quarterfinal Pictureszimbio
daylife

Spain's Rafael Nadal reacts after defeating Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka, during their quarter final match of the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters tournament in Monaco, Friday, April 20, 2012.

 
Semifinal Pictures
zimbio

Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Gilles Simon of France in their semi-final during day seven of the ATP Monte Carlo Masters, at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 21, 2012 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. April 21, 2012 - Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe. Click image to enlarge.

Final Pictures

zimbio

Relevant Articles
Interview with Rafa's left knee - By Peter Bodo

Fan Support Sites ~ Great sources of information

Vamos Brigade

Rafa's Babolat-sponsored Forum
Facebook RAFA-NADAL-BRING-BACK-LONG-PANTS-SLEEVELESS-TOPS

Rafa's Facebook
www.facebook.com/Nadal

Rafa's Website
rafaelnadal.com

MONTE CARLO ON THE CLAY 2011 ~ VAMOS!

Monte Carlo 2011

Final

Rafa Nadal defeated David Ferrer 6-4, 7-5

Rafa has won 7 consecutive Championships at Monte Carlo - A Record

Zimbio pictures ~ Final Monte Carlo

Schedule

USA TV

The Tennis Channel

Rafa is scheduled next in Barcelona
Barcelona Open

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates defeating Andy Murray of Great Britain during Day Seven of the ATP Masters Series Tennis at the Monte Carlo Country Club on April 16, 2011 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. April 15, 2011Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe

Monte Carlo 2011
Semi Final Pictures
Zimbio Pictures

Rafa posted this video at facebook

Monte Carlo 2011

Round 1

Rafa Nadal (seeded number 1) - Bye

Round 2

Rafa Nadal defeated Jarkko Nieminen

6-2, 6-2

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Round 3

Rafa Nadal defeated Richard Gasquet

6-2, 6-4

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Quarter Final

Friday, April 15, 2011

Rafa Nadal defeated Ivan Ljubicic

6-1, 6-3

Rafa with Press asking questions after Quarter Final Match

Semi Final

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Rafa Nadal defeated Andy Murray

6-4, 2-6, 6-1

Part of the Semi Final match

Rafa with Press asking questions after Semi Final Match

Final

Rafa Nadal versus David Ferrer

Match to Start Not Before 2:15 p.m. local France Time

8:15 a.m. USA EST/EDT

Schedule

USA TV

The Tennis Channel

Highlight video at the home website ~
Monte-Carlo

TV Schedule

USA Viewing ~
The Tennis Channel

espn3 Streaming

PICTURES
DAY 1 Zimbio Pictures

Day 2 ~Rafael Nadal of Spain crosses his arms as he speaks to the media during Day Two of the ATP Masters Series Tennis at the Monte Carlo Country Club on April 11, 2011 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. April 10, 2011 Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe


Day 2 ~ Rafael Nadal of Spain closes his eyes for a moment as he speaks to the media during Day Two of the ATP Masters Series Tennis at the Monte Carlo Country Club on April 11, 2011 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. April 10, 2011. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe

DAY 2 Zimbio Pictures

Day 2 Daylife Pictures


Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning a point against Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia during Day Six of the ATP Masters Series Tennis at the Monte Carlo Country Club on April 15, 2011 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. April 14, 2011Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe.

Monte Carlo 2011
Quarter Final Pictures
Zimbio Pictures

MONACO - APRIL 11: Rafael Nadal of Spain's last six victories are shown during Day Two of the ATP Masters Series Tennis at the Monte Carlo Country Club on April 11, 2011 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Photo credit: Getty Images.

Reporting on Rafa at Monte Carlo and Sudan Elections April 16, 2010

UPDATE! UPDATE!
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The last game with Rafa and David Ferrer
Uploaded by meriko100

After match interview with Rafa (in Spanish)

Interview after Semi Final with Rafa (in English)
Look for link for "Interviews" (Between "Highlights" and "Features")

Lee Goodall and Robbie Koenig talk about Rafa and Fernando in Monte Carlo Final
Use "Features" link for "The Experts' Preview"

UPDATE April 17, 2010
Semi Final
Rafa Nadal defeated David Ferrer
6-2, 6-3

Monte Carlo
FINAL
Rafa Nadal versus Fernando Verdasco
Sunday, April 18, 2010
8:15 a.m. USA EDT

Any Rafa fan will enjoy this
There is a commercial first, and it's in Spanish until the very end

Monte Carlo
Quarter Final
Rafa Nadal defeated Juan Carlos Ferrero
6-4, 6-2

Semi Final
Rafa Nadal versus David Ferrer
Saturday, April 17, 2010
7:30 a.m. USA, EDT

Rafael Nadal of Spain in action in his match against Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain during day five of the ATP Masters Series at the Monte Carlo Country Club on April 16, 2010 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Photo credit: Julian Finney

13 QF Rafa pictures

End of Update
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In this post: Rafa in Monte Carlo - up next Quarter Final match

Darfur, Sudan - news and action to take

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Monte Carlo
Round 3
April 15, 2010
Rafa Nadal defeated Michael Berrer
6-0, 6-1

Quarter Finals
Rafa Nadal versus Juan Carlos Ferrero
Friday, April 16, 2010
Second match on Court Central
First match starts at 4:30 a.m. USA EDT

TV:
The Tennis Channel

Odd thing is
this tournament in France
has better TV coverage in the USA
than the two tournaments
that were recently in the USA - Indian Wells and Miami

Boo on USA Tennis TV Coverage
It is the pits
especially CBS

Rafael Nadal of Spain in action in his match against Michael Berrer of Germany during day four of the ATP Masters Series at the Monte Carlo Country Club on April 15, 2010 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe

Possible online viewing (for free)

www.fromsport.com

www.atdhe.net

For a fee
www.tennistv.com


Fan Support Sites ~ Great sources of information

vamos brigade

Rafa's Babolat-sponsored forum

The Tournament Website:

Monte Carlo masters

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Sudan

Important website with up-to-date on-the-ground reports i on sudan

Open letter by Sudan Democracy First Group to Jimmy Carter Center is below and can be found at ionsudan.net/reports

Please consider emailing the letter to Jimmy Carter's Center at : carterweb@emory.edu

I did.

Here is the letter by Sudan Democracy First Group

April 15, 2010

Dear Mr President,

It is with regret that we find ourselves compelled to write this letter to you on the eve of the close of polling in the Sudanese “elections”, three days before the expected declaration of victory for the National Congress Party (NCP) and its indicted President.

Once more we are writing to ask you to withdraw your observer mission from Sudan and salvage your own personal reputation and that of the Carter Center. Your mission is based on the Declaration of Principles for International Observation and Code of Conduct for International Observers which defines democratic elections as, “an expression of sovereignty, which belongs to the people of a country, the free expression of whose will provides the basis for the authority and legitimacy of government”. It further recognises that, “the rights of citizens to vote and to be elected at periodic, genuine democratic elections are internationally recognized human rights”.

As you will be aware over the last 5 days there have been hundreds of reports of inference with the right to vote from domestic sources, including the media, party agents, and independent civil society groups. The election has been riddled with massive irregularities and fraud not only with respect to matters relating to the voting itself such as the absence of candidates from ballot papers, the rigging of voter registration, and the use of non-permanent voter ink, but also commission of crimes such as the burning of election centers, the beating of voters, forced voting based on violent threats, summary trials of citizens in Khartoum, arrest of candidates, attacks on domestic monitors and so on. Indeed even Mr Alhaj Warrag, a prominent journalist and co founder of SDFG was charged under the Sudanese Penal Code with “waging war against the state” simply on the basis that he wrote an article on April 6th which called for a boycott of the already rigged elections.

It may be as a result of language and cultural barriers that you do not comprehend these incidents, but it is astonishing to us that your public statements since your arrival completely run counter to the on-the-ground reports and realities, seeming to only echo the pronouncements of the NCP and officials from the National Election Commission (NEC). In fact despite your Center’s declared policy of not making public statements during the course of voting, you appear to have judged it necessary to continually speak to the media and to make statements about the election. For example on the 13th of April you told AFP that the problems being reported were “administrative problems” that there was “no evidence of fraud so far as I know."

These statements not only completely ignored the facts and realties on the ground during the polling days, but also jeopardise the efforts of your own staff to monitor the elections fairly and prepare an accurate and credible report. Your statements also undermine the positions of the major political forces and only serve to inflame the fragile political and security context. The boycott of the elections by the majority of the Sudanese in fact helped to prevent the threat of violence, contributing to maintaining the fragile social stability. If there had been a real choice could you imagine the reaction of millions of Sudanese encountering the massive irregularities and fraud which have unfolded during the polling days. You should indeed thank those who boycotted the elections for saving Sudanese lives by preventing bloody confrontation.

Our belief as SDFG is that the opening of the polls was simply the second phase of the well prepared rigging process for this election. The pre-polling prerequisites for legitimising the victory of the NCP and its President were already in place well before April 11.th As our latest public statement put it, “the census results were manipulated, constitutionally inconsistent laws were deployed restricting basic freedoms, electoral constituencies were delineated to suit the interests of the NCP, the voter register was maneuvered around predicable and determined outcomes (places and votes), and State resources were monopolized, including access to the media and corrupt and unlimited expenditure during the campaign.”

The Carter Center had already reported on these major violations of the pre-election process: indeed the assessment of the Center was one of the main bases upon which the major political parties made the decision to boycott the elections. You will be very aware that Center itself was also a prime target of this intimidatory violence with its staff suffering harassment, arrest, interrogation and expulsion. We are completely at a loss to understand why your public statements contradict not only those of independent Sudanese voters and major political and civic forces of Sudan but also the findings and assessments—and experience—of the Carter Center. Your latest statements have given rise to distrust on the part of Sudanese people towards the Carter Center that will certainly overshadow its impartiality.

In Darfur after issue of the arrest warrant for President the violent threats and attacks by the NCP on the international aid community and Sudanese civil society went largely unchallenged by the international community. Forced submission to the power of the NCP paralysed the Darfur region, creating an increased state of fear. Once again in the context of these elections the vicious threats and attacks against the international community – this time against election observers –have been swallowed with little protest, let alone withdrawal and refusal to lend legitimacy. Sudanese people watch as the international community once again abandons the civic and political rights of the citizen and the future of democracy to the ascendency of the NCP. The international community already failed when they sacrificed justice in Darfur for an illusory peace with the Darfur Peace Agreement, and they achieved neither. Now with the current elections internationals need to learn that peace and democracy are also inter-related and interdependent: there is no room for further failure that costs more Sudanese lives.

We note with appreciation that European Union observers pulled out of Darfur: yet you did not, relying on an inexperienced UNAMID assessment. UAMID officers were kidnapped in the last days as a statement against their complicity in these elections. Was Mr Ibrahinm Gambari the head of UNAMID the appropriate authority to give the go ahead to the Carter Centre to deploy and monitor elections in the war zone of Darfur? The internally displaced communities, Darfurian civil society, rebel groups, and major political parties had all said elections in Darfur were impossible—whether in terms of their very conduct, fairness or appropriateness. The Carter Center’s deployment and monitoring of polling in Darfur is only adding to the political and security fragmentation of Darfur. We are sorry to see now that your judgement about elections in Darfur only adds to the questions which were raised about your statements in 2007 on the scale of the atrocities in Darfur when they were used indirectly to support NCP propaganda at that time.

As a civil society Sudanese coalition including representatives from a range of communities, farmers, workers, displaced people and activists, we appreciate the international community’s acts of solidarity and support towards Sudan. We are committed to the rules and principles of international instruments and institutions. We will however openly reject any paternalism or neo-colonial attitudes towards the will of the people of Sudan.

Mr. President: As a leader coming from a country which has progressed thorough a long heritage of democratic principles and practices, we expected you to respect and observe that human beings, regardless of their wealth, colour of skin or geographical location are entitled to exercise their political will safely, freely and fairly. This is the only sustainable means for peace and stability.

We are deeply disappointed Mr President that despite your avowed independence as observer and your profile as a leader of democracy in your country you appear to have become part of the recent invasion of conservatism and international and regional actors to pressurise Sudanese political forces to not boycott the elections. SDFG and many advocacy groups have reported and documented the orchestrated efforts led by the US Special Envoy to Sudan, Scott Gration, to bring on board leaders such as former South African President Mbeki, organisations such as the Arab League, individual countries, and pro government regional NGOs. As we noted in our last statement which challenged such kinds of international interference, the right of self determination for the people of South Sudan, and popular consultation for the people of Blue Nile and South Kordofan, must be protected and implemented on time with international support, "without any compromise or connection with the current corrupted electoral process”.

The Carter Center’s reputation is on the line in Sudan, with the imminent reproduction of a regime with a history of two decades of repression and violence and the future of peace, stability and democracy in Sudan in the balance.

We ask you to consider your position very carefully and withdraw prior to the announcement of the already known results of these “elections”.

Yours sincerely,
Sudan Democracy First Group

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Reporting on the Sudan Elections

On the last of five days of polling in Sudan, reports from across the country continued to document technical problems, electoral irregularities, and unfortunately violence and intimidation.

News was dominated by reports that nine members of Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir's National Congress Party (NCP) were killed in South Sudan three days ago. The NCP blamed the Sudan People's Liberation Army - but SPLA leaders denied the violence was coordinated and described the incident as an isolated, individual crime by one of its soldiers. In other news, the youth movement Girifna reported on its website that two of its members had been detained in Khartoum yesterday. The Committee to Protect Journalists called on the Sudanese authorities to immediately drop criminal charges against prominent journalist and opposition party member Al-Haj Ali Warrag. Authorities charged Warrag on Sunday with "waging war against the state" in connection with an article that he published on April 6.

The National Election Commission yesterday estimated the voter turnout ranged widely from 63% to 82% in each state, though these figures have been questioned. With polling now complete, all eyes turn to the announcement of results and the reaction of world leaders across the globe. Vote counting will begin tomorrow and the National Elections Commission plans to begin releasing results next Tuesday, April 20. Many Sudanese fear the possibility of post-election violence.

ELECTIONS LINKS

Sudanese Voices

• Sudan elections turned into a lie that cannot live - Hala Al Karib at Sudan Tribune
• Rigged elections boxes should be disqualified - James Okuk at Sudan Tribune
• Sudan elections provide lessons for 2011 referendum - Justin Ambago Ramba at Sudan Tribune
• SuNDE Condemns Detention of Nonpartisan Observers - Statement
• Statement from Sudan Domestic Election Monitoring and Observation Programme (SuDEMOP) - Statement
• NEC Inconsistencies and Suppression Persist on the Third Day of Voting- African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies
• Interview with Osman Hummaida of the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies - All Africa

Analysis/Opinion

• Obama's Sudan Fumble - John Norris at Foreign Policy
• Half horrid, half hopeful - The Economist
• Too poor to vote - Mohamed Adow at Al Jazeera English

Pictures, Summaries and Facts about Elections

• Photos: Children vote in Khartoum North - Radio Dabanga
• State by State Reports - Miraya FM

Headlines from Last Two Days

• Sudanese vote on last day of tense elections - Agence France Presse
• Sudan president asks opposition to join government - BBC News
• Elections spark new fears in Darfur camps - Reuters
• Killings, harassment mar last day of Sudan vote - Reuters
• Sudanese journalist charged with 'waging war' against state - Committee to Protect Journalists
• Sudan poll shooting 'kills nine' - Al Jazeera English
• Sudan's Growth Buoys a Leader Reviled Elsewhere - New York Times
• Sudan Election Should Not Legitimize Bashir, Says Ambassador Frazer - Voice of America
• Rights Activists Describe Sudanese Elections as Rigged, say U.S. Not Tough Enough
• The UN Provides Logistical Support for Elections, Security in Sudan - Voice of America
• Elections in Sudan Ending - Voice of America
• Live-music organizer trumpets change in Sudan's political tone - The Globe and Mail
• Security forces beat Independent candidate agent in Western Equatoria - Sudan Tribune
• Arman's Withdrawal from Sudan's elections and popular uprising scenario - Sudan Tribune
• Fears that Western Equatoria on the brink of election violence - Sudan Votes
• Over 1,000 university students studying in North Sudan will not vote - Sudan Votes
• Independent candidate urges calm when results are announced - Miraya FM
• NCP candidates now wanted fugitives for Darfur market scam - Radio Dabanga
• NEC employee arrested for keeping ballot boxes in his house - Miraya FM
• Public holiday announced to increase voter participation - Miraya FM

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Uploaded by ilovemylifesblog

RAFA NADAL MOVES ON TO PLAY MICHAEL BERRER APRIL 15, 2010

Monte Carlo
Round 2
April 15, 2010
Rafa Nadal defeated Thiemo de Bakker
6-1, 6-0

Video Monte Carlo 2010 Wednesday Nadal Interview

Round 3
Rafa Nadal versus Michael Berrer
Thursday, April 16, 2010
Second Match on Court Central
The first match begins 4:30 a.m. USA, EST

Order of Play

TV
The Tennis Channel

Wednesday, 14 April 2010

Singles - Second Round
[1] N Djokovic (SRB) d F Serra (FRA) 62 63
[2] R Nadal (ESP) d [Q] T de Bakker (NED) 61 60
P Kohlschreiber (GER) d [3] [WC] A Murray (GBR) 62 61
D Nalbandian (ARG) d [7] M Youzhny (RUS) 46 63 76(5)
[8] I Ljubicic (CRO) d M Llodra (FRA) 63 76(3)
[9] J Ferrero (ESP) d B Becker (GER) 63 64
[11] D Ferrer (ESP) d [Q] A Golubev (KAZ) 63 62
[12] T Robredo (ESP) d V Troicki (SRB) 64 63
[13] S Wawrinka (SUI) d E Gulbis (LAT) 61 64
M Berrer (GER) d [14] J Monaco (ARG) 64 64
P Petzschner (GER) d [15] J Melzer (AUT) 76(4) 62
A Montanes (ESP) d A Seppi (ITA) 76(1) 36 60

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his match against Thiemo De Bakker of Holland during day three of the ATP Masters Series at the Monte Carlo Country Club on April 14, 2010 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Photo credit: Julian Finney

More pictures


Possible online viewing (for free)

www.fromsport.com

www.atdhe.net

For a fee
www.tennistv.com


Fan Support Sites ~ Great sources of information

vamos brigade

Rafa's Babolat-sponsored forum

The Tournament Website:

Monte Carlo masters

Monte-Carlo-2010-Monday-Highlights

IT'S TIME TO PLAY ON CLAY - VAMOS RAFA IN MONTE CARLO!

Rafa is in Monte Carlo

Round 1
he had a bye

Round 2

Rafa Nadal versus Thiemo de Bakker
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Court Central
3rd match
The 1st match is scheduled to begin 4:30 a.m. USA EST


Order Of Play

Possible online viewing (for free)

www.fromsport.com

www.atdhe.net

For a fee
www.tennistv.com

Fan Support Sites ~ Great sources of information

vamos brigade

Rafa's Babolat-sponsored forum

The Tournament Website:

Monte Carlo masters

Monte-Carlo-2010-Monday-Highlights

Nadal Feature

Rafa talking to the media
April 11, 2010
Day 1 in Monte Carlo
All photo credits: Julian Finney

Rafa on the Red Carpet for Players Party
April 11, 2010
Day 1 in Monte Carlo
Photo credit: Julian Finney

RAFA NADAL - HE EMBODIES THE SPIRIT OF "I CAN, I WILL AND I DID"

Photo credit: Terra
All photos from the Madrid Open Semi-Final Match
Nadal Vs. Djokovic
May 16, 2009

I shouldn't be here, but for the Rafael Nadal Madrid Semi-Final Match with Novak Djokovic

I am here to say WHAT A MATCH!

And the drama of the fact that the crowd was pro-Rafa to put it mildly just added to the whole experience. I mean it was Spain and Rafa against Novak.

They both - Rafa and Novak - gave us something to sit on the edge of our chair's and sofa's to watch.

I had to leave the house in the third set to go to choir rehearsal and I have to miss the final match tomorrow unless it gets started late or goes long enough for me to come home and watch it after our concert. Today, I sat my movie camera on the tripod in front of the live streaming and at least got to watch the match when I returned, even though the video quality was poor. And what is up with www.TennisTV.com? The sound was on "real time" and the video was lagging behind - way behind.

The men's final match follows the women's final, Sunday May 17, 2009. The men's match is scheduled to start not before 10:00 a.m. USA EST/DST.

Rafa came out the winner score wise today in the Semi-Final against Djokovic. Rafa is vulnerable right now with some knee problems flaring up, however... which always concerns we enthusiastic fans of Rafa.

The Semi-Final
Rafa lost the first set. 3-6, then he won the second set 7-6 with a tie breaker (7-5) and Rafa then won the third set 7-6 with a tie breaker (11-9). Something special.

Some comments of the commentators:
After Rafa won a point during the third set tie break at 7-6 going to 7-7:
I'm running out of superlatives. The quality of the tennis is spectacularly good. Especially considering the (length of the match, the altitude and the energy exerted up to this point). What these two guys are able to do with the tennis ball..it's mind-boggling. These two players are bringing out the best in one another. It's wizardry from both players."

After Djokovic won a point during the third set tie break:
What a shot! Tennis out of this world. It was incredible.

Photo credit: Sports/YA EFE

Above four photos credit: Daylife

Photo credit: Terra

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Semi-Final Match in Madrid May 16, 2009 Nadal Vs. Djokovic
Uploaded by merikob

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Rafael Nadal's Press conference after his SF match in Madrid
in Spanish
Uploaded by merikob

Rafael Nadal on court Thanking the crowd - in Spanish

Rafael Nadal Beats Novak Djokovic in the Longest Masters Series Match in History

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/176889-rafael-nadal-beats-novak-djokovic-in-the-longest-masters-series-match

There are times when you are watching a tennis match, and after a period, you just stop passing comments, and succumb to its excitement. You do not have anything left to say, because, even as a spectator, you are emotionally drained by the quality, excitement and drama of the match.

On one hand, you desperately want the underdog to win so there is a change at the peak, but at that very moment, the top dog comes with something so phenomenal that you cannot help but admit that the latter deserves to edge through.

On the other hand, you want the contest to get over, so that your heart can take some rest from the excessive pounding it has endured during the match, while at the same time, you do not want it to finish because the quality of tennis cannot, possibly, reach better heights.

Ultimately, you are in a very confused state of mind and just wait for the inevitable to happen. Once it happens, though, you feel every moment of your time or money worth spent, and happily savor the memory of something special that you had the fortune to witness.

This was precisely my state of mind as Rafael Nadal edged through Novak Djokovic, 3-6 7-6(5) 7-6(9), in the longest three set match in a Tennis Masters Series history, at the Semi Finals of the Madrid Masters 2009.

The Serbian did everything that a human could possibly conjure up to try and dismantle Nadal's supremacy at this surface. He took the bull by the horns by giving Nadal a dose of his own medicine, and breaking him right away to race up to a 3-0 lead.

Nadal, who was out of sorts with his forehand, has never looked under more pressure, and in a state of panic, than in the opening set of the game.

Djokovic pushed Nadal back off the baseline, and for most of the first set Nadal retorted to his old style of play by looping in high shots towards Djokovic’s backhand from six feet behind the baseline.

Djokovic, surprisingly, obliged by beating Nadal in his own game. He attacked, he defended superbly, played drop shots and volleys which would even make Stefan Edberg proud.

There was a deafening silence among the twelve thousand spectators, as Djokovic prevailed by taking the first set 6-3. An upset looked very much on the cards.

Nadal rejuvenated and again looked like the Rafa that we know. Both players served immaculately and the first few games went like a breeze as they held serve comfortably.

The pressure was surely mounting on both players as Nadal took a short medical timeout after the fourth game, although no damage was done. Djokovic, meanwhile, was matching Nadal-of-the-old in defense and the semi-finalists were battling through some breath taking rallies.

The definition of the word athleticism was assuming a different meaning altogether.

Nole used his improved defensive skills to good measure and Nadal found himself in a scary position at a set and 15-40 down. It was then, it seemed that Pete Bodo’s

comparison of Nadal with Pete Sampras proportioned its full meaning.

Nadal fired down an ace and service winner to get back to deuce, saved two more break points with precise serving and survived the toughest service game of the set to lead 5-4.

Both battled for three more tough service games to get to the tie-breaker at 6-6.

Even though Djokovic survived those close sets, his body language was starting to deter. Nadal took full advantage of it and breezed through the tie-breaker to level the match at one set all!

The third set became a matter of will, rather than skill, as we witnessed the BEST tennis of the match—and possibly the year—with every possible strategy being worked out. Winners were struck out of nowhere and inhuman passes were made which fondly reminded of the epic five hour match at Melbourne.

The set also showed that the Novak Djokovic of May ‘09 is a much fitter and mentally stronger player than the Djokovic of Jan ’09.

Djokovic suffered from cramps right after breaking Nadal to get to 3-1, and took a full medical timeout during the process.

He played the rest of the match in pain, and got broken immediately after, but showed resolve of steel—being attended by the physio after during every changeover—to fight point to point against the Spaniard, and still managed to hold many break points in between.

Both players held serve to go on to 6-6, and produced one of the best tie-breakers of all times in the deciding set of the semi-final. There was never a relaxing moment during the tie-break, and each point looked like an uphill journey.

Each held match points, trading several mini-breaks, and ultimately Nadal got that additional mini-break of Djokovic’s serve at 9-9 with an outwordly passing shot that even he would be proud of!

He closed out the match on his serve, and fell to the ground as the LONGEST match in a Masters Series ended at 4:02 hours.

Twelve thousand Spaniards rose to give Novak Djokovic a deafening, and well deserved, applause as he, visibly heartbroken, guided himself to the dressing room.

Much can be said about Djokovic’s inability to convert break points (he could convert only two out of eight opportunities), or his visible fatigue due to injury in the decider, but it was evident that he was the better player for most of the match.

He was ahead of Nadal in all the statistics (even broke Nadal more) producing more winners, lesser unforced errors, higher number of breaks, and total number of points won.

But it was Nadal who prevailed during the most important points of the match and proved just how difficult it is to beat him on any surface, leave alone clay.

My salute to Nadal and Djokovic. Too bad there was only one person walking out as the winner.

The following is from http://www.madrid-open.com/site/news/6/3181

Speaking after beating Novak Djokovic in what was the longest three-set tour match (in minutes) since the ATP Tour began keeping records in 1991, Nadal said his focus was on recovering from his marathon semifinal.

“First of all I am very happy to be in the final,” said the top seed. ”I’m not too worried who else is going to be there, I just want to be there and I’m there. Whoever is playing best on the other side of the draw is going to be there. The tough thing for me to do it going to be recovering from the tough match of today, that won’t be easy.

And he said that the phenomenal support from his countrymen in the stands could be what pulled him through his third-consecutive clay court final for the season.

“I’ve said it before and ill say it again, I’ll always say it. The public here is very special, they are very much on the side of the Spaniards and we all appreciate that,” said the 22-year-old.

“It’s important to here the ambiance of the people and the encouragement they give you to overcome the most difficult moments is essential. It is because of them I’m in the final, for sure.

Stunned Djokovic seeking positives in Nadal defeat

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/feedarticle/8511246

MADRID, May 16 (Reuters) - A stunned Novak Djokovic was left licking his wounds on Saturday after coming within a whisker of inflicting a rare claycourt defeat on world number one Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open.

Spaniard Nadal battled back from a set and a break down and saved three match points for a dramatic 3-6 7-6 7-6 win in the longest three-setter ever at over four hours in a Masters Series event.

It was the third time in a month he had beaten Djokovic following his victories in the finals at the Monte Carlo and Rome Masters and he improved his record against the Serb to 14 wins and four defeats.

"I don't know what to do," a shattered-looking Djokovic said at a news conference.

"Next time I'll probably take two rackets on the match point and try to hit with both of them. It's frustrating that when you play so well you can't win."

Djokovic has had a fine clay season, also winning the title in his native Belgrade last weekend, and said his recent meetings with Nadal had boosted his confidence.

"I'm taking positives from the last couple of matches we played on this surface," he said. "And the positives are that I was one point away from the victory."

At a separate news conference, Nadal said he had congratulated Djokovic for his performances on clay and for the way he played on Saturday and had also wished him luck for the French Open starting later this month.

"He's probably feeling down now but when he analyses the match in the cold light of day he'll take positives out of it and see he was very close to beating me," he said.

"It will definitely give him confidence for Roland Garros and he's been having a spectacular clay season.

"He's a great player, he always has been. It seems to me he's getting better with every game."

Reporting by Iain Rogers, editing by Dave Thompson

Play-By-Play of f Nadal Vs. Djokovic Instant Classic
at...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/176923-play-by-play-of-a-nadal-vs-djokovic-instant-classic

May 3, 2009 Rome Final Ceremony

Monte Carlo Masters 2009 Trophy Ceremonay- April 19, 2009
Nadal capture the 5th consecutive title in Monaco beating Djokovic 6-3 2-6 6-1

The Official Website of Madrid Open
www.madrid-open.com/site/results/orden_de_juego

Watch Live Streaming of Match
www.tennistv.com

Fan Sites of Rafa
http://vamosbrigade.com
The original forum from Rafa's Website:
www.activeboard.com/forum