RAFA NADAL - US OPEN 2011

UPDATED September 12, 2011, 10:30 p.m.

FINAL ~ US OPEN 2011
Novak Djokovic unfortunately defeated Rafa Nadal
6-2, 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-1
Monday, September 12, 2011

Arthur Ashe Stadium
Various TV Carriers will carry the Final
For me it will be aired on Cox Cable's Channel 1015
Weather for NewYork

Final US Open 2011 Rafa Nadal Zimbio Pictures

LIVE Streaming Opportunities
u s open
espn3
fromsport

The US Open website states that CBS will air the final on Monday, September 12, 2011, but according to the crawl on CBS on Saturday September 9, 2011, THAT IS NOT TRUE...
TV Schedule for US Open

The Tennis Channel Schedule may re-air the FINAL match

Semi Final
Rafa Nadal defeated Andy Murray
6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Arthur Ashe Stadium
Zimbio pictures of Rafael Nadal Semi Final

Semi Final
Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer
6-7, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Arthur Ashe Stadium

U.S. Open 2011
Singles ~ Men
Round 1
Rafa Nadal defeated Andrey Golubev
6-3, 7-6(7-1), 7-5
Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Round 2
Rafa Nadal defeated Nicolas Mahut
6-2, 6-2, Mahut retired
Friday, September 2, 2011

Round 3
Rafa Nadal defeated David Nalbandian
7-6(5), 6-1, 7-5
Sunday, September 4, 2011

Round 4 ~ Round of 16
Rafa Nadal defeated Gilles Muller
7-6(1), 6-1, 6-2
Thursday, September 7, 2011
At the link (quick before it's taken down), many uploads of Round 4 match...in case you were away, like me and didn't get to see Rafa on fire. Parts 3 - 13

Rafa fields questions from Press people

Quarter Final
Rafa Nadal defeated Andy Roddick
6-2, 6-1, 6-3
on Arthur Ashe Stadium
Friday, September 9, 2011

Semi Final
Rafa Nadal defeated Andy Murray
6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Arthur Ashe Stadium

Semi Final
Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer
6-7, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Arthur Ashe Stadium

FINAL ~ US OPEN 2011
Novak Djokovic unfortunately defeated Rafa Nadal
6-2, 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-1
Monday, September 12, 2011

LIVE Streaming Opportunities
u s open
espn3
fromsport

TV USA
ESPN2 and The Tennis Channel
TV Schedule for US Open

Great Links at the US Open site
Click the link and check out all the options at the tab Video and Radio
interactive video

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 27: Rafael Nadal of Spain talks to the media during previews at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2011 in New York City.

My previous post ~
Rafa Nadal days before US Open - 2011

Draws

Schedule

Completed match scores

Live scores

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 25: Rafael Nadal attends the 12th Annual BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis at W New York Hotel on August 25, 2011 in New York City.

Pictures

Zimbio ~ Rafael Nadal Unveils New Armani Jeans Campaign

Daylife

U.S. Open pictures of Rafa

U.S. Open website photos

Round 1 pictures at Zimbio

Round 2 - Better than Round 1's outfit, for sure

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Nicolas Mahut of France during Day Five of the 2011 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 2, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Nick Laham

Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Nicolas Mahut of France during Day Five of the 2011 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 2, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against Nicolas Mahut of France during Day Five of the 2011 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 2, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America

More Round 2 at Zimbio

Round 3

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against David Nalbandian of Argentina during Day Seven of the 2011 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America

More Round 3 Zimbio Pictures of Rafael Nadal

Round 4 - Round of 16 Zimbio Pictures of Rafael Nadal

Quarter Final Zimbio Pictures Rafael Nadal

Semi Final Pictures

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after he won his match point against Andy Murray of Great Britain during Day Thirteen of the 2011 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (September 9, 2011 - Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after he won his match point against Andy Murray of Great Britain during Day Thirteen of the 2011 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts against Andy Murray of Great Britain during Day Thirteen of the 2011 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images North America

Rafael Nadal of Spain reaches for a return against Andy Murray of Great Britain during Day Thirteen of the 2011 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images North America

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return against Andy Murray of Great Britain during Day Thirteen of the 2011 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images North America

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after he won his match point against Andy Murray of Great Britain during Day Thirteen of the 2011 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after he won match point against Andy Murray of Great Britain during Day Thirteen of the 2011 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. September 9, 2011 - Photo by Al Bello

More Semi Final Zimbio Pictures of Rafael Nadal

Final US Open 2011 Rafa Nadal Zimbio Pictures

Davis Cup.com
Davis Cup Spain/ESP

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

Rafael Nadal (R) unveils his new Armani Jeans campaign at Macy's Herald Square on August 25, 2011 in New York City. Photo by Thos Robinson/Getty Images North America

RAFA NADAL .....AND HE COOKS GAMBAS, TOO!

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Uploaded by USOPEN
Rafa explains how he cooks gambas (shrimp)

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Uploaded by USOPEN
Press asking Rafa questions after Round 1 of US Open 2010

Highlights, Press Conferences, and more can be found at
www.usopen.org

US OPEN 2010 - VAMOS RAFA!

US Open 2010

NOTE:
See my next post to continue US Open Rafa coverage

Round 3
Rafa Nadal defeated Gilles Simon
6-4, 6-4, 6-2
Sunday, September 5, 2010

US TV Schedule


At this link
www.usopen.org/en_US
look on right for
US OPEN LIVE
WATCH IT NOW
Also, click on post title at the top to go to the online viewing

RAFA IS BLOGGING AT THE US OPEN 2010
Submit your question at
rafa@timesonline.co.uk

You must be subscribed to The Times to read Rafa's blog.
But there is a way around this.
There are threads at both of the following fan sites
that post Rafa's blogs:
Vamos Brigade
Rafa's Babolat-sponsored forum
It is free to register at these sites and then you can read at your heart's content.

Round 2
Rafa Nadal defeated Denis Istomin
6-2, 7-6(5), 7-5
Istomin was a very worthy opponent
Friday, September 3
Arthur Ashe Stadium

Round 2 pictures of Rafa
zimbio Rafael Nadal
daylife Rafael_Nadal

Rafa answers press questions

Round 1
Rafa Nadal defeated Teimuras Gabashvili
7-6(4), 7-6)(4), 6-3
Tuesday, August 31, 2010

More Pictures of Round 1
daylife Rafael Nadal
zimbio Rafael Nadal


Pictures before Round 1
daylife-Rafael Nadal
zimbio-Rafael Nadal
www.usopenseries.com

USA TV
ESPN2
also The Tennis Channel at times

Free online watching possibilities
www.atdhe.net
www.fromsport.com


www.usopen.org/en_US tv

www.atpworldtour.com

Join Us at Facebook
RAFA-NADAL-BRING-BACK-LONG-PANTS-SLEEVELESS-TOPS

Great information at these Rafa fan websites:

Vamos Brigade

Rafa's Babolat-sponsored forum

Rafa on facebook

Youtube Channel by ATPWorldTour


Round 2 pictures

Rafael Nadal of Spain towels off during his match against Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan (not pictured) during day five of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images North America

The shoes of Rafael Nadal of Spain are seen against Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan (not pictured) during day five of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images North America

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point against Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan (not pictured) during day five of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images North America

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point against Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan (not pictured) during day five of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (September 2, 2010 - Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images North America

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point against Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan (not pictured) during day five of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images North America

Rafael Nadal of Spain waits for a serve from Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan (not pictured) during day five of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images North America

Rafael Nadal of Spain picks a ball to serve against Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan (not pictured) during day five of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images North America

Round 1 pictures

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after a point against Teymuraz Gabashvili of Russia during his first round men's single's match on day two of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images North America

NEW YORK - AUGUST 31: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after a point against TeymurazGabashvili of Russia during his first round men's single's match on day two of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Photo credit ~ Getty Images Photographer

Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts to losing a point in the 11th game of the first set against Teymuraz Gabashvili of Russia during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010. Photo credit ~AP

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, celebrates during the second set of his match against Teymuraz Gabashvili, of Russia, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010. Photo credit ~AP

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, celebrates after breaking the serve of Teymuraz Gabashvili, of Russia, in the third set during a U.S. Open tennis tournament first-round match in New York, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010. Photo credit ~AP

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning a point in the second set tie-breaker against Teymuraz Gabashvili of Russia during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010. Photo credit ~AP

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, adjusts the tape on his left ankle during his match with Teymuraz Gabashvili, of Russia, in the first round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010.


NEW YORK - AUGUST 28: Teniis player Rafael Nadal attends the 2010 Arthur Ashe Kids' Day at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 28, 2010 in the Queens borough of New York City. Photo credit - Getty Images Photographer

LOYALTY IS CHARACTERISTIC OF RAFA FANS

We who are Rafa Nadal fans, want him to win. But our admiration doesn't wane when he doesn't win. It is who he is as much as his winning record that we are attracted to.

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Rafa tossing bottle - best part - it is a practice and Rafa was wearing his sleeveless top
Uploaded by vamosrafelnadal

Click on post title
Video of Rafa at U.S. Open - after practice
Signing autographs

My picture was selected by Rafa to be one of the ten winners of the Babolat contest

I received an email from Babolat (Rafa's tennis racket company) stating Rafa selected my picture biting my tennis racket to win prizes for winners of photos 4-10. So, I am not one of the top three winners. My prizes are small. But still - cool.

To enlarge click on the image above.

The following links show all the photos that entered the contest (I am on the first link below (page 3):
www.flickr.com/photos/babolatvs/page3/
www.flickr.com/photos/babolatvs/page4/
www.flickr.com/photos/babolatvs/page1/
www.flickr.com/photos/babolatvs/page2/

DEL POTRO MAKING THE ROUNDS ON USA TV

Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro on Charlie Rose after winning the US Open

The entire September 15 interview will be on Charlie Rose's website for a short time.

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Here is a 3:14 portion of the interview.
Uploaded by CharlieRose

Del Potro on Regis and Kelly

US Open Championship Ceremony
Thanks to quierover1234 - here is the Spanish
Del Potro said... "I want to say thanks to my team, the truth is that without them this would be very difficult to achieve. To all Argentinians in here (people shouting) and specially to my mom, my dad, to Julieta, to my grandfathers and to all my friends, the people who support me all the time, this is for you."

Championship Match Video

Click post title to go to pictures of Juan Martin Del Potro.

My complaint is I couldn't find the championship match on CBS as was promised. And that once I called and complained to my local CBS station, I was informed the match was on another channel. But the match was jumping from one TV station to another throughout the match - without warning. Name another sport that network TV would disrepect so much and do this. Ridiculous.

CBS Complaint line: 212-975-4775

SO I MISSED THIS BECAUSE MY MIND'S BEEN ON RAFA AT THE US OPEN

JUST PLAIN MISSED THIS

I simply love youtube. Because it just makes the world so small.

I was thinking Oprah opened her season next week.
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Uploaded by heppinyc

National TV Broadcast: Black Eyed Peas performed "I Gotta Feeling" and officially opened Oprah's 24th Season (2009-10) along with 21,000 fans dancing on Michigan Avenue (Chicago, Illinois) on Tuesday, Sept 8th (2 days before it aired nationwide).

The producer, Australian Michael Gracey, was also responsible for a famous flash mob dance at a Liverpool train station that was used for a phone commercial, but Tuesdays event was much larger in scale.

And in order to pull it off, late last month local casting agencies were enlisted to look for dancers.

This is being touted as the World's Largest 'Single-City' FLASH MOB event ever held, thanks in part to T-Mobile! Watch in HD Quality if available.

(Lyrics)

I gotta feeling that tonights gonna be a good night,
That tonights gonna be a good night.
Lets live it up.
I got my money,
Lets spend it up.
Go out and smash it.
Like Oh My God,
Jump off that sofa.
Lets get get OFF,
I know that well have a ball,
If we get down,
And go out,
And just loose it all.
I feel stressed out,
I wanna let it go,
Lets go way out spaced out,
And loosing all control.
Fill up my cup,
Mozoltov,
Look at her dancing,
Just take it off.
Lets paint the town,
Well shut it down.
Lets burn the roof,
And then well do it again.

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So, this is what I like to dance to.....
and have twice at Waterplace Park in Providence, Rhode Island

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Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca- Mambo Yoyo
Love this band. So much fun! Can't sit still when the conga rules.
Uploaded by idamawatu

Click post title to go to Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca website.

Song Mama Kiyelele - starts at 45 seconds

Fourth video on my sidebar has the song São Salvador by Ricardo and Makina Loca

MONTREAL TO BE A TEST FOR NADAL'S KNEES - FANS READY TO SUPPORT RAFA

Rafa in Mallorca in July 2009

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Uploaded by PlayWithPassionTV

Breaking news
Coach and Uncle Toni Nadal confirms Rafa will play in Montreal. He flies on Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Source: www.marca.com/2009/08/03/tenis

Translation by Bluemama at The Babolat supported Rafa Nadal Forum
Thread: Rafa in the News and Other Tennis Blogs, Page 191

Toni says that Rafa's level won't probably be his best in Montreal, and that the first matches will show his real form, because he has not pushed to hard during practicing.

Toni says that the goal is that Rafa plays at his best at the US OPEN.
He adds that the number 1 ranking is not the main goal, but that Rafa plays well, in good conditions, and gives his maximum. And he adds that then, they will see if Rafa can beat players as Federer, Murray, Djokovic.

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Nadal back for Montreal Masters

Eurosport - Mon, 03 Aug 21:36:00 2009

Source: uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/03082009/58/nadal-montreal-masters World number two

Rafael Nadal will return to action at next week's Montreal Masters event after a two-month lay off with injury, his coach and uncle Toni Nadal said.

The Spaniard has been suffering from tendinitis in both knees and has not played a competitive match since being knocked out in the fourth round of the French Open by Robin Soderling on May 31.

"Rafa will play in Montreal. It is good news for us," Toni Nadal told Radio Marca.

"It's another thing to know what standard he will be at. I imagine he won't be in very good condition. He has been training but without really pushing it very much

"To see what form he's in we'll have to see how he copes in a proper match."

During his time away from the court, Nadal lost his French Open and Wimbledon titles and his number one ranking to Swiss rival Roger Federer.

In an interview last week, Nadal cast doubts as to whether he would be fit to defend his title in Montreal.

"There is no particular objective at present," Nadal's coach continued. "The challenge is to get back into form and to be in good shape for the US Open."

The US Open starts on August 31.

Reuters

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Rafa Nadal confirmed that he will play in Montreal, Canada in the Masters where he won the title in 2008. In Spanish

Highlights from the final at the 2008 Rogers Masters in Toronto. Rafael Nadal takes on Nicolas Keifer. ATP Masters Series marquee matches at http://www.atpmastersseries.tv

Montreal Entry List/Fact Sheet (updated July 5, 2009)

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ROGERS CUP
MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA
AUGUST 10-16, 2009
Prize Money: US $3,000,000 (US $2,430,000)


Montreal, Quebec

SURFACE: Hard court

BALL: Penn Masters Series

PRIZE MONEY: U.S. DollarsPaid by ATP

WEB SITE: http://www3.rogerscup.com/men/english/home.php Qualifying draw:

Friday, August 7, 9:00 p.m.

Main draw: Friday, August 7, 3:00 p.m.

Doubles draw: Saturday, August 8, 6:00 p.m.
ATP Ranking Points W: 1000
F: 600
SF: 360
QF: 180 R16: 90
R32: 45
(Seeds 1-8: 0)
R64: 10 (WC: 0)
Q: +25 Q14: 14
Q28: 0
Entry deadline: June 29, 2009

Seeding: August 3, 2009
1 Nadal, Rafael ESP
2 Federer, Roger SUI
3 Murray, Andy GBR
4 Djokovic, Novak SRB
5 Del Potro, Juan Martin ARG
6 Roddick, Andy USA
7 Simon, Gilles FRA
8 Verdasco, Fernando ESP
9 Tsonga, Jo-Wilfried FRA
10 Gonzalez, Fernando CHI
11 Davydenko, Nikolay RUS
12 Soderling, Robin SWE
13 Cilic, Marin CRO
14 Monfils, Gael FRA
15 Robredo, Tommy ESP
16 Nalbandian, David ARG
17 Blake, James USA
18 Wawrinka, Stanislas SUI
19 Gasquet, Richard FRA
20 Berdych, Tomas CZE
21 Ferrer, David ESP
22 Tursunov, Dmitry RUS
23 Stepanek, Radek CZE
24 Safin, Marat RUS
25 Fish, Mardy USA
Plus many more

Follow on twitter at twitter.com/couperogers

Website:
www3.rogerscup.com/men/english/home

TV Schedule

www3.rogerscup.com/men/english/tvSchedule
more here:
www.tsn.ca/tennis/on_tsn/?show=tennis

Watch online (not free)
www.tennistv.com/page/Home

RAFAEL NADAL FINDS HUMOR IN EMBARRASSING MOMENT DURING BALEARIC ISLANDS OLYMPIANS TRIBUTE

Llaneras and Nadal proved to be great friends
Photo: Cati Cladera

Between laughter and a lot of heat, Nadal displayed his good humor during a tribute
to the Balearic Olympians held in Bellver Castle.
Rafa tied his sports jacket at the waist after checking
that his trousers he had been ripped.
Photo: Cati Cladera

The Balearic medalists: Joan Llaneras, Rafa Nadal, Toni Tauler and Rudy Fernandez
Photo: Cati Cladera

The Governor brought all athletes islanders who participated in the Olympic Games
in a heartfelt tribute at Bellver Castle
Photo: Cati Cladera

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September 10, 2008 four Spaniards were honored for their Olympic medal wins in Spain. Rafael Nadal apparently had a tear in his inner pant seam. Cute the way Rafa handles it.
Uploaded by vamosrafel

Tribute to Olympic balearic athletes

Nadal laughs off Olympic tribute trouser malfunction
Source: www.thinkspain.com
Thursday, September 11, 2008

Rafael Nadal's propensity to wear trousers at least one size too small for him caused a degree of hilarity at a tribute to the Balearic Islands' Olympic medal winners in Palma last night when his inner seams burst open during a press photo shoot.

Covering his dignity by tying his jacket around his waist, the new Olympic tennis champion (photo, second left) at least seemed able to share the joke.

Also honoured at last night's gala were (photo, left to right) fellow gold medal winner, Joan Llaneras (cycling), and silver medal winners, Toni Tauler (cycling) and Rudy Fernández (basketball).

RAFAEL NADAL AT HIS HOME AIRPORT AFTER US OPEN 08 SEMI-FINAL

Rafael Nadal
Semi-Final
US Open 08 September 7, the 2nd day of the match
Rafa lost to Andy Murray
Photo credit: Unknown

Above 6 photos credit: Virgine Bouyer DPPI

Rafael Nadal at the airport
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Uploaded by vamosrafel

I translated the title given to the Youtube by the poster at Google http://translate.google.com/translate_t#:
Rafa Nadal vuelve a casa y ya piensa en la Davis
which translation came out as:
Rafa Nadal returns home and already thinking about the Davis

and at the youtube page the "more info" states:
Regreso de Rafa a Mallorca para pasar unos días de descanso antes de afrontar la Copa Davis con EE.UU.

Which google translated means:
Return of Mallorca for Rafa to spend a few days rest before the Davis Cup deal with U.S.

>:>:>:>:>:>:>:>:>:>:>:>:>:>:>:>:>:>:>:>:

www.barackobama.com/issues

<:<:<:<:<:<:<:<:<:<:<:<:<:<:<:<:<:<:<

www.savedarfur.org

www.darfurolympics.org

GENOCIDE STOPS WITH US

Remember the Darfuri people

Silence Kills

Use Your Freedom to Speak Out Against Genocide DE

1-800-GENOCIDE

RAFAEL NADAL ~ EVEN WHEN HE LOSES HE TAKES A GOOD PICTURE

Rafa Nadal
2nd day of his Semi-final
US Open September 7, 2008
Photo credit: Matthew Stockman

Photo credit: Getty

Above two photos credit: Matthew Stockman

Above two photos credit: Nick Laham

Rafa lost to Scotsman Andy Murray over the course of two days,
two courts and with the benefit of wonderful fan support in the US Open 08
Semi-final
2-6, 6(5)-7(7), 6-4, 4-6
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Rafael Nadal Press Conference September 7, 2008
US Open Semi-Final - over two days due to Hurricane Hannah
Uploaded by USOPEN

Transcript of Press Conference:

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Q. How did you feel about the match being suspended yesterday and having to come back out today?

RAFAEL NADAL: Well, for me it was a little bit lucky, no? Yesterday I was not playing, so today I played a little bit more. So just accept, no?

Today was a different match. I played with a little bit more energy. It was later. Before I don't know where was the energy. Well, he played well, no? I have my chance in the fourth. I didn't convert. He beat me. Just congratulate him.

Q. What was the problem yesterday? You started too early? What was it?

RAFAEL NADAL: Probably more than 84 matches, no? It's difficult, no, every day be fresh, so I know one day going to happen something like yesterday.

Well, wasn't the best moment because it was a semifinals of the US Open, but at the same time never is a good moment, no?

If that happen one week ago in the Olympics going to be a terrible moment. If that happen two weeks ago or three weeks ago when I was fighting for be No. 1 in Toronto and Cincinnati going to be terrible moment, too.

Always is bad moment, but I'm very happy for everything. I tried my best during all the tournament. I wasn't very fresh during all the tournament. I did semifinals, so very happy for that.

Today I tried my best for try to come back to the match. I did well, it wasn't 100%, but I did well, so happy for everything.

Q. When you say that you didn't feel that fresh, it's normal, you're a human being. But how did you see? Do you think you're a little slower, or do you think you are not so mentally focused all the time? For instance, when you missed that volley you were 32 and 4030 and then 40All and you missed an easy drop volley when he was very far away on the fourth set.

RAFAEL NADAL: That's part of the game, no? He play better than me and he beat me. If you saw the match yesterday when I have to split and run, much slower than usual, no? That's the true.

Well, it was more difficult be all the time concentrate, no? That's it.

Q. You had that one game where you held off six, seven breakpoints, and then held serve and came back and broke him right away. Looked like things were changing there, but then he came right back. Were you surprised that he came back as strongly as he did, or did your level go down a little bit?

RAFAEL NADAL: No. I had my chances. If you remember, I had 31, Love30, no? So I had a big chance in that moment of the match. I saw the match for sure not impossible. I was feeling better. He had some mistakes.

But at the same time, I had a little bit lucky for be in that moment, because I had a lot of breakpoints against me yesterday too in the second set. So he played well.

Later he served very well, and he played last game a little bit lucky for the two lets. But that's part of the game, you know. He beat me because he was better than me.

Q. How disappointed are you to only get this far, and how do you think he matches up against Federer?

RAFAEL NADAL: Disappointment for me?

Q. Yes.

RAFAEL NADAL: Well, I accept the loses with the same calm when I win. So I am disappointing? Yes. But at the same time, I am happy because I did good semifinals here.

Probably when I arrived here my situation wasn't the best situation for play a good tournament with too many tournaments and too many matches in my shoulders.

I fight well and I had a good tournament, so I go from the US Open with positive things, with a good tournament, no?

So tomorrow Andy has his chances. I think Federer going to be the favorite. That's for sure. But Andy is doing very well, no? He's having very good second part of the season, Toronto, Cincinnati, right now here the finals. So he's very, very good player. He can do it everything.

Q. You obviously have had a long season and played so many matches. Besides being tired, there are some injuries that you have to deal with coming into this tournament? And two, is it a consolation that last year you lost fourth round and this year you're in semifinals in terms of your ranking and your position in the...

RAFAEL NADAL: (Through translation.) Injuries? What injuries?

Q. We know you're tired from playing so many matches, but do you have any injuries?

RAFAEL NADAL: No, no. Not one during all the season.

Q. You had talked about how you raised your energy level for today's match versus yesterday. Did Andy Murray do anything differently today than he was doing yesterday?

RAFAEL NADAL: I don't know, no? I didn't see probably Andy played well, but I think Andy I played against him in Toronto. The first set of Toronto, in my opinion, he was playing very well, too.

So my feeling was Andy was playing better the first set of Toronto than today's match. That's my feeling.

Q. Was that unusual for you to try a dropshot on match point? Did it bother you that he stood that far behind the baseline to return serve?

RAFAEL NADAL: For sure both things. First thing, dropshot, well, I run a lot in the point before. I was against wind. The ball was difficult because with the backhand higher, so it was not many chances to do.

He was far away from the baseline, but that's good for me. If I am good I can serve outside and later have the control of the point with the forehand. That wasn't bad for me, for my game.

Q. Your shots seemed to fly on you a little today more than usual. Was that because of the wind or because of the lowness and the hardness of his shots?

RAFAEL NADAL: (Through translation.) No. The true, I was happy how I was playing today, no? If you comparing yesterday, well, everything going to be good. I go on court only with calm. Just try to fight. I just go and fight as much as I can and go back home knowing I tried everything. So that's why I go today like this.

Q. You played so much this year. Is it possible that for next year you will change your schedule and reconsider it so maybe you can be fresh until the very end?

RAFAEL NADAL: Every year you guys ask me the same questions. But one time if I feel injury, one time if I feel tired, but the answer always is the same: If you want to be in the top positions you have any chance for play less or not. Do you think?

Q. No, no chance.

RAFAEL NADAL: Okay. So that's my answer.

Q. You've had an incredible run: Roland Garros Wimbledon, becoming No. 1, the gold. Could you talk about your feelings about this season? Are you thrilled with it? Is this something that you expected? What are your thoughts about this incredible run?

RAFAEL NADAL: Well, almost perfect season, no? So I did incredible things for me. What I didn't expect was one season like this. When I started the season I started the season playing soso.

Without bad results in Australia, semifinals, but my level was soso. I have some tough loses because I have a good tournament, like semifinal. Losing one strange match against Seppi in Rotterdam.

Well, I did well, no, because I played semifinals in Indian Wells and final in Miami. But both tournaments I have very good results. When I lost I lost 62, 64 and 63, 62, so always I go to the next tournament with bad feeling, no, knowing I played a good tournament.

So after Miami everything change, no? I start playing my best tennis in my careera. I played MonteCarlo, Barcelona. The only problem I have in my season, physical problem, is the blister in Rome.

Link to Andy Murray interview after beating Rafa in US Open 2008 Semi-final

New York laments Rafael Nadal's US Open exit
If defeat can ever be a triumph then Rafael Nadal made it so with his magnificent exist from Flushing Meadows.

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

By Kevin Garside in New York

No complaints: Rafael Nadal was gracious as he faced defeat to Andy Murray in New York

Andy Murray was the better man, he said. No excuses. His words were those of a champion, a Spanish gallant. Win with honour, lose with grace.

It is fair to say New York did not get the final it wanted. Dear old Roger versus an anti-hero from Scotland. As much as we love Murray in Britain, you cannot hang an ad campaign on his shoulders this side of the Atlantic.

America likes its stars with bells on. A headband is the basic requirement. Federer drips brilliance. Murray has been a tennis tour de force in this tournament. But the neutral drum bangs for the boy from Majorca.

Goodness knows, Nadal has had his days this year: the French, Wimbledon, Olympic Gold, world No 1. He almost had another on Sunday when he wrenched the third set from Murray, after a leaden opening when his semi-final began the day before.

The crowd were jumping when he broke to lead 3-1 in the fourth and had Murray at 0-30 on the Scot's serve. It was not to be. Murray summoned his Mojo and broke 20-odd thousand hearts.

Nadal was probably back in Majorca when Murray and Federer took to the court last night. He left behind a vapour trail of stardust. His absence could not diminish a presence that pervades the game, much as Tiger Woods suffuses golf whether he plays or not.

Just as Woods will be the Ryder Cup reference point in Louisville next week, despite watching on TV, so Nadal coloured the atmosphere in Flushing Meadows.

When Michael Schumacher announced his retirement from Formula One in an emotional address at Monza three years ago this coming weekend, the organisers screened the press conference. The start-finish straight in the Royal Park, a red sea of celebrating tifosi, fell silent. It was like watching man walk on the moon; history happened in Monza's front room.

Nadal's parting words ring out across the ether via YouTube. They should have been broadcast live at Flushing Meadows.

The crowd love Nadal for the razzmatazz he brings to a tennis court, for the rapier flourish he unloads on the forehand side, for the wins that result. On Sunday he won big in defeat.

"It's part of the game, no? He play better than me and he beat me. I had my chances. If you remember I had 3-1, love-30, no? So I had a big chance in that moment of the match. I saw the match for sure, not impossible.

"He had some mistakes. But at the same time I was a little bit lucky to be in that moment because I had a lot of break points against me yesterday, too, in the second set.

''So he played well. Later he served very well. And he played the last game a little bit lucky for the two lets. But that's part of the game, you know. He beat me because he was better than me."

For parents guiding children through the peaks and troughs of their formative sporting years, that last sentence is a gift. It should be wrapped in tinsel and placed under the tree at Christmas. They will never receive a more valuable present.

In the mind of the champion it is acceptable to lose. The point is to give it all you have. If you are good enough, that will be enough most days. On the odd occasion when your opponent is better, salute him. Nadal finished second on Sunday. First of the losers? Not in New York.

Already his sights are set on the next campaign. "The season is not over. I have semi-finals of Davis Cup. I hope I can recover for this important confrontation against the US and later try to be good for the Masters Series of Madrid, Paris and Shanghai. I always try my best, every day, with my practice and my matches. I try to fight in every moment. The goal is always the same: improve, no?"

Nadal's last words were for the man who put him away, Murray, contesting a grand slam final for the first time. Regardless of the result Nadal believes Murray came of age in New York and was worthy of the top-four billing he assumed yesterday. "Andy has very good potential. He serves well and has very good talent. When he is playing aggressive he can beat anybody, no?"

Yes.

Rafa's last blog post after losing to Andy Murray September 6 & 7, 2008
~ Murray was better - no excuses
http://timesonline.typepad.com/rafael_nadal/2008/09/murray-was-bett.html

Rafa answers questions from fans while at the US Open 2008:
http://timesonline.typepad.com/rafael_nadal/2008/09/questions-for-4.html

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Slideshow of photos of Rafa from day two of US Open 08 Semi-Final
Photo credits: Getty, Matthew Stockman, Nick Laham, Chris McGrath, Abaca Press, Mary from The Forum at www.rafaelnadal.com and unknown

www.usopen.org

Link to 23 pictures of the second day - Sunday, September 7, 2008 of Rafa's Semi-Final match v Andy Murray

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Vintage Rafa
Roland Garros 2005
Rafa's English has improved so much...but so adorable in his attempt here.
Uploaded by LILCOOLBADBOY

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The US Open 2008 And the winner is....

Roger Federer.

End of Murray's New York fairy tale

Source:

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/end-of-murrays-new-york-fairy-tale-923590.html

Murray falls in straight sets as Federer retains US Open title with vintage performance

By Paul Newman at Flushing Meadows

Tuesday, 9 September 2008

Murray found himself unable to find the strength he displayed against Nadal

It was not to be. Andy Murray had never played seven times in a tournament before and his final outing here at the US Open last night proved a match too far. The 21-year-old Scot's first appearance in a Grand Slam final ended in acute disappointment, but at least he had the consolation of knowing he had lost to the player he regards as the greatest the game has ever seen.

Roger Federer, who won 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 in an hour and 51 minutes, has had his most difficult season since winning his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon five years ago, but the former world No 1 had been showing signs over the last fortnight that he is rediscovering the form that once gave him such an aura of invincibility.

He never had to hit the heights he had scaled in beating Novak Djokovic in his previous match, but Federer was too good for Murray, who appeared to pay for his efforts in having to play his semi-final against Rafael Nadal over the previous two days. The 21-year-old Scot also seemed to have a problem with the congenital condition in his right knee that has troubled him in the past.

Murray never played with the panache he had shown in beating Nadal and never moved with the same freedom, but Federer had gone into the match with a distinct advantage. Not only had he spent four hours less on court in winning his previous six matches but he had also enjoyed the luxury of preparing for the final with a day's rest, having completed his semi-final victory over Djokovic on Saturday.

Murray joins Greg Rusedski, who lost here in 1997, and John Lloyd, who lost in Melbourne in 1977, as the only British men to have reached a Grand Slam final in the Open era, while Fred Perry remains the last British man have won a major, 72 years ago.

The Scot leaves Flushing Meadows, however, with plenty of reasons to feel positive. He climbs to No 4 in the world rankings, equalling the highest position achieved by Tim Henman and Rusedski, and $1m (about £570,000) richer after receiving a bonus of $250,000 for finishing runner-up in the summer's US Open series as well as his prize money here.

Murray said the last fortnight had been "the best time of my life". He added: "I had a great tournament. I came up against the man who in my mind is the best player ever to play the game. I got the better of him the last two times we played and he definitely set the record straight today."

Federer paid tribute to Murray – "He's played great over the last two weeks and I'm sure we're going to see much more of him" – and added: "This is a very special moment in my career. I've had a difficult time at a couple of Grand Slams this year and to win this is incredible."

Having lost his Australian Open and Wimbledon crowns and his world No 1 ranking, Federer was thrilled to claim his 13th Grand Slam title, just one short of Pete Sampras' all-time record. He also became the first man since Bill Tilden in 1924 to win the US Open five years in succession. Remarkably, it is only his third title of a year in which the glandular fever he suffered in January clearly took a toll.

There had not been many Scots in evidence at Flushing Meadows over the previous fortnight, but for the finale they made their presence felt. There were a number of saltire flags dotted around the 23,000-capacity Arthur Ashe Stadium, although the majority of the fans were clearly behind Federer.

Murray is one of the quickest players, but Federer is no slouch either and looked the faster man from the outset. When Murray throws in softly-struck half-court balls it flummoxes some opponents, who are then rocked back as the Scot then ups the pace of his shots. Federer and flummoxing, however, do not go together. Whenever Murray played the ball short the Swiss stepped in to drive big ground strokes and hurry the Scot into his next shot.

Federer came out with all the swagger of a man who had won his previous 33 matches on these courts. Murray put the ball back in court on only one of Federer's first six service points and had already saved a break point at 1-2 when he dropped his serve for the first time to trail 2-4. Two games later Federer broke again to take the set, repeatedly stretching Murray with the sheer pace of his game.

Murray had won only five points against serve in the first set and when he was broken at the start of the second his task was looking immense. You learn, however, always to expected the unexpected from the Scot and from 0-2 down he won 11 of the next 12 points. With Federer starting to misfire on his serve, Murray broke the Swiss to love and had him at 0-40 in his next service game. At 15-40 Murray thought a Federer backhand had gone long but continued the point, which he lost. Hawk-Eye's cameras confirmed the ball was well out, but the chance to challenge had gone – you can call for a video review only on the last shot of a rally or immediately after the shot in question – and Federer went on to hold serve.

In the middle of the second set Murray landed awkwardly and appeared to twist his right knee. The Scot has a weakness there – his kneecap bone is in two parts, which is not a common condition – and for the rest of the match he appeared to be in some discomfort. At 5-6 Federer broke to love to take the second set. On his first set point Murray played a poor drop shot and Federer pounced to drive a forehand winner down the line. The Swiss leapt into the air and roared in celebration, sensing that he had taken a decisive lead.

With Murray clearly struggling with his knee, Federer stormed into a 5-0 lead in the final set. Typically, however, the Scot did not go down without a fight. He won the next two games and saved the first match point with two brave volleys. On the second he returned two Federer smashes, but not the third and the Swiss sank to his knees in delight.

The disappointment of not being able to show what he is capable of in the biggest match of his life may linger, but Murray can take consolation from the experience of his contemporary, Djokovic, here 12 months ago. The Serb also lost to Federer in straight sets in the final, but went on to beat the Swiss en route to his first Grand Slam title in the Australian Open four months later. Murray will be back.

Link to video of US Open 08 Final - Roger Federer vs. Andy Murray 1 of 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwCDdK1iEuo

from alfonso1402