February 2011
38 posts
2 tags
RafaLint: January 31st volume 2
[caption id=”attachment_23023” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo by Greg Jongerlynck”][/caption]
Okay, so a few things that need to be passed along right away. Well, maybe a few minor things that could wait and one thing that needs to be passed on right away. I’ll let you sort out which is which…
k sends in a link to a story...
January 2011
134 posts
2 tags
RafaLint: January 31st
Another injury update (google) - not much new here, except for his phase one coping plan: partying to deal with the jet lag.
iB3 AO wrap-up.
ESPN2 video: Rafa Slam Denied.
The surfrace has been declared for the first DC tie - not surprisingly,it’s hard court. You can buy tickets here.
Rafa went to watch Mallorca lose this weekend. Hope he’s not jinxing a new team!
[gallery...
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Uncle is Uncle
[caption id=”attachment_22999” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images”][/caption]
Toni was interviewed by the New Zealand Herald: Uncle still main man for Rafael. Some excerpts:
Toni Nadal is recognised from Shanghai to Soweto, Bangladesh to Budapest. Standing with him outside the player cafe at Melbourne Park,...
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Two centimeter tear
[caption id=”attachment_22995” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo by WILLIAM WEST/ AFP/ Getty Images”][/caption]
Thanks to sara_xmn for tweeting this article from Marca in which Rafa confirms he has a 2 centimeter tear. (Google mangling) Sounds like he plans on stopping two weeks and then playing it by ear from there based on how he...
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RafaLint: January 28th
[caption id=”attachment_22987” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo by PAUL CROCK/ AFP/ Getty Images”][/caption]
You just knew there had to be more airport footage, right? Well, here’s a clip from tve, and here’s a compilation of tve and iB3 reports.
Stan Wawrinka tweeted a photo of himself, Rafa, and Homer.
An article at...
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Back home
Did he take a shower on the plane? His hair is wet. He mentions Davis Cup in the airport interview…wonder if it’s a “we’ll have to see” answer. Google mangling indicates it’s a wait and see.
Original Article
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JMac on Rafa: 100%
Posted by niketennis.
Original Article
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AO: Herald Sun Q&A entry 5
[caption id=”attachment_22970” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images”][/caption]
We have a last entry in the Herald Sun Q&A series.
DESPITE his loss in the Open quarter-finals, Rafael Nadal found time to answers more questions from his fans.
Are you ever a bit nervous about wearing such an expensive watch...
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RafaLint: January 27th
[caption id=”attachment_22965” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo by NICOLAS ASFOURI/ AFP/ Getty Images”][/caption]
First up, an update on Rafa’s status via the Herald Sun. Rafa flew back to Spain on Thursday (Australian time). According to the article, Rafa had some scans done on-site:
The scans showed Nadal had suffered minor...
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AO: Final Times Online blog
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Thanks to Bee and Inés teamed up to send me the last Times Online entry.
Hello everyone,
Well, the Australian Open came to an early end for me. It is unfortunate but this is how it is. No excuses, no nothing.
David played a...
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AO: Talking to his team during the match
Video of Rafa talking to his team during the quarterfinal match. (Thanks, keiberly.)
Google mangling of the subtitles:
The ischium
Javi, I made sure that fiber breakage!
Fiber breakage for sure!
Toni, I’m in the quarter-final of Australia … and I recall no shit!
I’m pretty sure “recall” = “retire”
Original Article
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RafaLint: January 26th
[caption id=”attachment_22947” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo WILLIAM WEST/ AFP/ Getty Images”][/caption]
I think I’m making a nice soft blankie out of this RafaLint. I could use one now.
First, and most importantly, someone tweeted this earlier today and I meant to post it at lunch but ran out of time. In this article, Toni...
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AO: Presser photos and video
The full video is here. Here’s an excerpt:
[gallery link=”file”]
Photos by REUTERS/Mick Tsikas, GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images, and AP Photo/Vincent Thian
Original Article
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AO: Quarterfinal videos
Interview:
Highlights:
Thanks, Jorge
Original Article
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AO: Quarterfinal photos
[gallery link=”file”]
Photos by REUTERS/Petar Kujundzic, WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images, GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images, REUTERS/David Gray, Clive Brunskill/Getty Images, REUTERS/Tim Wimborne, NICOLAS ASFOURI/AFP/Getty Images, and AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama
(Sorry, running too late for captions and, besides, no snark)
Original Article
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AO: Not the happy slam
[caption id=”attachment_22882” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo by GREG WOOD/ AFP/ Getty Images”][/caption]
Davis Cup teammates, PlayStation buddies and my two favorite tennis players Rafa and David Ferrer played today in the last quarterfinal of the Australian Open. We were all expecting a battle of the stubbornly fierce vs. the...
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AO: Practice videos
Posted by NadalwinLive.
Posted by tsumayuki.
Original Article
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AO: Spanish Q&A entry 5
[caption id=”attachment_22869” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo by REUTERS/Tim Wimborne”][/caption]
Rafa’s latest Q&A for elmundo.es is up. (mangling)
I love that someone says they think he weighs less than his officially listed weight and he replies by adding 1kg. I totally don’t get what’s going on with part two...
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AO: Times Online Rafa blog and Q&A entry 9
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Thanks to RafaNadalUnoffi for sending in the most recent Time Online entries.
Hello everyone,
What am I going to write about today? I am really running out of stories. Just to tell you what I have done - I suppose some people will say, so what!?!?!?!
Let me then talk about the tournament. I see Andy [Murray] and Novak [Djokovic] very strong, but also Roger...
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Armani Jeans website
As Viva pointed out, Rafa pictures are now featured on the Armani Jeans website. Click on an image and roll your mouse around to, um, explore.
I made screen grabs of the enlarged photos and stitched them together…
[gallery link=”file”]
Original Article
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AO: Herald Sun Q&A entry 4
Photo by REUTERS/Tim Wimborne
A new Herald Sun Q&A is up:
Q - What has been the most disappointing loss of your career so far and what is your favourite match you have won? - Nigel, Melbourne
A - This is a very difficult question. I have some disappointments but I have to say that they are not too many. Maybe my second Wimbledon final was one of the worst. And wins, I have many good...
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AO: Times Online Rafa blog and Q&A entry 8
Photo by Mark Dadswell/Getty Images
Latest Times Online blog - thanks to Bee and RafaNadalUnoffi.
Hi all,
I am back at the hotel after a tough match. I think I played one of my best matches, definitely the best so far here in Melbourne and I am happy since I was a bit worried about this match.
I am now back at my hotel and have had some room service. While waiting I am watching some YouTube...
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AO: Round of 16 videos
On court interview:
Highlights:
Hot Shots:
Thanks, Jorge
Original Article
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AO: Round of 16 photos
Photos of Rafa in his large, billowy, makes him look 12, but it also looks more comfy, so I won’t complain t-shirt during the match against Cilic.
[gallery link=”file”]
Photos by GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images, REUTERS/Mick Tsikas, Ryan Pierse/Getty Images, Mark Dadswell/Getty Images, WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images, REUTERS/Tim Wimborne, and AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama
Plus, some...
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AO: Round of 16 presser
Photo by GREG WOOD/ AFP/ Getty Images
Oye. I don’t think I should have taken that hour long nap before work…I feel wonky now. Luckily, Rafa wasn’t feeling wonky for his match last night (today…whenever - too tired for the timezone math). Any way, Rafa’s presser transcript is up. There’s also a video on yahoo.com - which you must watch for the big smiles....
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AO: Chillin'
Photo by AUL CROCK/ AFP/ Getty Images
Today, Rafa took on #15 Marin Cilic in the 4th round of the Australian Open. They’d only met once before when Cilic beat Rafa in straight sets in Beijing (2009). Rafa and his very big shirt broke in the first game of the match and again in game five. He took the first set 6-2, but it felt much closer than that as there were many deuces in the games. Rafa...
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AO: Spanish Q&A
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Oops - I’ve been negligent about checking the Spanish Q&A Rafa’s doing with elmundo…so, let’s catch up.
Entry 2 (mangling)
Entry 3 (mangling)
Entry 4 (mangling)
Original Article
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AO: That's one way to cool down
[caption id=”attachment_22779” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo via Rafa's Facebook”][/caption]
Rafa’s posted some photos of him, Maymo and small, flightless waterfowl - aka, penguins - from his visit to the aquarium. Check them out. (Thanks SA and zoejrogers for the heads up.)
(And this officially makes the first time...
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RafaLint: January 23rd
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Another late night for people in the US who want to watch a RafaMatch - he’s scheduled to go on around 2:30am my time. *whew* So, until then, let’s keep busy.
Tomic match/Cilic previews:
Tomic match highlights part 1...
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AO: Times Online Rafa blog and Q&A entry 7
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Bee’s back on the prowl again today and she send in the latest Times Online entry.
Blog:
Hi all,
Short one today since it got late and I have to go to sleep. Lots of people talking about me sweating and losing weight. I am well,...
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AO: Times Online Rafa blog and Q&A entry 6
[caption id=”attachment_22763” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo by REUTERS/Petar Kujundzic “][/caption]
Thanks to RafaNadalUnoffi for Rafa’s latest Times Online entry.
First, the blog:
Hello everyone,
I am writing this blog just before having lunch and getting ready for tonight’s match. I’ll have a light lunch with...
10 tags
AO: Round 3 presser
[caption id=”attachment_22756” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images”][/caption]
The presser transcript is up on the AO site. Also videos in English and Spanish on Yahoo (region blocked, sadly).
Q. There were some difficult moments out there tonight.
RAFAEL NADAL: Sure, yeah, especially in the second. Yeah,...
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AO: Round 3 videos
Hot shots:
Posted by BestWorldTennis - thanks, Jorge.
On court interview:
Posted by leyendanadal.
Highlights from ESPN
Nadal Seeks Fourth Straight Grand Slam Title - bit that aired during the match
Original Article
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AO: Round 3 photos
Photos from yesterday’s match against Tomic.
[gallery link=”file”]
Photos by AP Photo/Mark Baker, GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images, Julian Finney/Getty Images, Clive Brunskill/Getty Images, REUTERS/Daniel Munoz, Matt Blyth/Getty Images, TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP/Getty Images, AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill, AP Photo/Rob Griffith, and REUTERS/Tim Wimborne
More from the AO site and...
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AO: Has anyone seen this man's serve?
[caption id=”attachment_22702” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo by GREG WOOD/ AFP/ Getty Images”][/caption]
In his 3rd round match at the Australian Open, Rafa took on the last Australian standing: the young upstart Bernard Tomic. It started promising with Rafa breaking early and taking the first set 6-2. He seemed slow, out of sorts...
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AO: It comes with the territory
Bit that aired on ESPN2 tonight:
Higher quality from ESPN is here.
Original Article
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RafaLint: January 21
Trying to stay awake for Rafa’s match…
(Photo via Rafa’s Facebook)
Rafa helped a bit by posting a thigh porn photo to his Facebook page. Looks like he and his team all have new shoes. And he also let us know he’s properly prepared for the Tomic match. Yep, the aquarium trip happened.
Oos I forgot to say yesterday I went to th Aquarium and I’ll get some pics to...
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AO: Herald Sun Q&A entry 3
Photo by REUTERS/Tim Wimborne
Another entry is up on the Herald Sun site.
Q - Hi Rafa, I have an aeropro drive with rpm blast strings but what tension is good for those strings? Also what tension do you use? - Trent Jones, Victoria
A - It depends on how you play and what you want. I use 25kg. You have more control with more kilos and more power with less. I would go for 24, 25, or even a bit...
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AO: Rafa makes a custom polo; you can get a free...
[caption id=”attachment_21469” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo via NikeTennis on Facebook”][/caption]
Nike Tennis has posted some photos of Rafa customizing a polo in the Nike Sportswear Polo Van.
In other Nike Tennis news, people in Melbourne can get a free Rafa bandana! Here’s the info on how.
Original Article
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RafaLint: January 20th
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Match articles:
Nadal plans trip to aquarium after gutting Sweeting
Rafa Roadshow continues
I can bring down Nadal, says Tomic
Fully fit Nadal eyes Grand Slam sweep
Rafael Nadal remains creature of habit as he prepares for...
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AO: Times Online Rafa blog and Q&A entry 5
[caption id=”attachment_21452” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo by AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill”][/caption]
Thanks again to Bee. From the Times Online.
Blog:
Hi everyone, Just came from dinner and wanted to write a few words to you.
We had a nice dinner here nearby the hotel. No match tomorrow, so some good sushi. We are staying at a...
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Longer Kia “Open Drive” video [Updated]
Posted by australianopentv.
Updated: Old video was removed; diannada pointed out this new one with a virtual seat belt added. Heh. Naughty Rafa needs to buckle up.
Original Article
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AO: Round 2 presser
Video of the presser:
Posted by yerangell. (I’m using YouTube’s new iframe embedding code - I hope it works for everyone.)
Original Article
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The first of the Armani photos
El Pais has posted some photos from the Armani shoot. Enjoy…
Don’t forget to press the “amplair” button. And press it again.
Looks like the images might have gone temporarily missing from the elPais site…but I’d saved them for you. ;)
[gallery link=”file”]
Original Article
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AO: Round 2 photos
Photos from today’s win over Sweeting.
[gallery link=”file”]
Photos by NICOLAS ASFOURI/AFP/Getty Images, REUTERS/Tim Wimborne, Clive Brunskill/Getty Images, Scott Barbour/Getty Images, Quinn Rooney/Getty Images, and REUTERS/Daniel Munoz
Original Article
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AO: Round 2 presser
[caption id=”attachment_21399” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images”][/caption]
Rafa’s presser is up on the AO site:
Q. Were you aware of who your opponent was today? Had you ever heard of him?
RAFAEL NADAL: About him? I heard about him, but I really didn’t know how he play. Yeah, my uncle was...
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AO: Let's go to the aquarium!
Original Article
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AO: Post round 2 interviews
Original Article
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AO: Not so sweet for Sweeting
[caption id=”attachment_21384” align=”alignright” width=”150” caption=”Photo by Clive Brunskill/ Getty Images”][/caption]
Round 2 of the Australian Open found Rafa playing #116 Ryan Sweeting for the first time. I’m thinking Sweeting might have been happier if he was still a RafaVirgin. It was a boring no-contest kind of match. Even when Rafa lost a...
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A piece of the court
My piece of the Madrid court on which the Unidos por la Infancia exhibition match was played arrived today. It comes in a white press-board box (like a cereal box) with the foundation logo on it. Open that up and you find a clear plastic container in which the actual court piece sits. You can slide the top off the container so that you can actually handle the court piece if you want. The court is...
