Breaking
Tag

Rafael Nadal

Browsing
TENNIS

Fans react to recent Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal sighting

By

Djokovic is flying the friendly skies with Nadal, and fans can hardly believe it

By now, tennis fans have seen or heard that Novak Djokovic posted a selfie with Rafael Nada on social media. The two were not practicing on a tennis court or strolling the grounds of a tennis facility. Instead, they were in the same airplane together traveling to California to prepare for Indian Wells.

How crazy is it that two of the greatest tennis players of all time are on the same commercial flight to the US? And by the way, shouldn’t Nadal be headed to Las Vegas first for the Netflix Slam against Carlos Alcaraz happening days before Indian Wells if Alcaraz is healthy?

Fans had plenty of humorous reactions to this odd coincidence. They took to social media to share them.

What fans said about the Djokovic and Nadal selfie
The first concern was about Roger Federer. While Fed is traveling in Thailand enjoying the fruits of retirement, Rafa is posing for airplane selfies with Novak. The Big 3 are perceived not to be close friends, but Roger and Rafa are friendlier with one another than either seems to be with Djokovic. Second, fans wondered what other passengers thought when they saw these two on their flight. Did people ask for autographs? Or did they ask for tips on their game?

Others wondered if this is the only type of sighting we will see of the pair this year. Is it possible they will not face each other on a tennis court? It is an unsettling thought that Nadal prepared us for, indicating that he may not be competitive in Grand Slams.

It is a testament to what Djokovic and Nadal have meant to the game for two decades that this type of selfie creates a reaction. Fans love these players even more so after all these years.

Keep Reading
By
TENNIS

“Sometimes people forget I am 20 years old, I have 17 titles in 2 years” – When Rafael Nadal spoke about dealing with the pressure of expectations

By

Rafael Nadal once opened up about dealing with the pressure of heightened expectations early in his career, stemming from his extraordinary success as a teenager.

Nadal won his maiden ATP title at the 2004 Prokom Open at just 18 years old. This was followed by a prolific 2005 season, where he amassed 11 tour-level titles, including his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open.

The Spaniard’s success continued into 2006, as he secured five ATP titles, successfully defending his Roland Garros title and triumphing at the Masters 1000 events in Monte-Carlo and Rome. However, despite emerging victorious at the Stuttgart Open after the claycourt Major, he concluded the year without any more titles.

As the 2007 season commenced, there was considerable anticipation for Rafael Nadal’s resurgence. After failing to claim victory at the Australian Open and Dubai Tennis Championships, he entered the Pacific Life Open (now known as the Indian Wells Masters) on the hunt for his first title of the season.

During his campaign at the Masters 1000 event, the Spaniard candidly discussed the weight of expectations, acknowledging the relentless pressure to win every tournament despite being only 20 years old. He also emphasized his desire to simply enjoy his tennis career without the burden of additional demands.

Well, sometimes the people forget I have [am] 20 years old. That’s true. I have 17 titles in two years. That’s true. But well, I need always little bit more time playing without this pressure in every tournament,” he said in a press conference.

You need to win. Well, I try my best always, but I know I — I can lose every match. I can win every one. But that’s it. I just want to play, enjoy the — my career. I enjoy the tennis because I love play with — play with little bit pressure, with the competition, and I don’t want more pressure than I really have already,” he added.

Moreover, Nadal underlined his primary focus on making improvements and becoming the best player he could be, with the ultimate goal of becoming the World No. 1.

Because I enjoy playing tennis and I just have to again improve my tennis. I can’t stop. And sometimes when you are improving, it’s not easy to win. I just want to — I’m trying to be best player every year, and sometimes, especially, my goal is be prepared if any day I have the chance to be No. 1,” he said.

Looking back at Rafael Nadal’s campaign at the 2007 Pacific Life Open

Rafael Nadal won the 2007 Pacific Life Open
Rafael Nadal won the 2007 Pacific Life Open

Rafael Nadal entered the 2007 Pacific Life Open as the second seed, kicking off his campaign with a 6-3, 7-6(3) win over Arnaud Clement in the second round after receiving a bye in the opening round.

Subsequently, the Spaniard defeated Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 6-4 and claimed a dominant 6-1, 6-1 win over Juan Carlos Ferrero. He advanced to the semifinals by beating Juan Ignacio Chela 7-5, 7-5.

Nadal then triumphed over third seed Andy Roddick 6-4, 6-3 to set up a blockbuster final against Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard defeated Djokovic 6-2, 7-5 to clinch his first title of the year.

Keep Reading
By
TENNIS

“Everyone has their own perception” – Carlos Alcaraz weighs in on Rafael Nadal calling Novak Djokovic ‘the best in history’

By

Carlos Alcaraz has given his views on the GOAT debate after Rafael Nadal recently called Novak Djokovic the best player in tennis history.

Last year, Djokovic equaled Margaret Court’s record for most singles Majors (24) in tennis history, which is also an Open Era record. With respect to ‘big titles’ (Grand Slams, ATP Finals, Masters 1000s, and Olympic gold) won, Djokovic (70) is well ahead of Nadal (59) and Roger Federer (55).

Carlos Alcaraz feeling 'hurt' after shock defeat in Buenos Aires

Rafael Nadal recently hailed longtime rival Djokovic as the best player in the sport’s history, stating that the statistics back up that claim.

I believe that numbers are numbers and statistics are statistics and, in that sense, I think he has better numbers than mine and that is indisputable. It is not beneath me nor do I have an ego big enough to try to disguise a reality that is not. This is the truth,” he told Diario AS. (via CNN)

I think that with respect to titles, Djokovic is the best in history and there is nothing to discuss in that,” he added.

When asked to give his views on the same, rising Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz stated that while statistics show Djokovic is a step ahead of Nadal and Federer, it is not easy to pick between the trio.

Everyone has their own perception of things. For some it is Djokovic the best, for others it is Rafa, for others it is Federer. Rafa said that it is Djokovic at the level of numbers and I also think so. At the level of numbers, Djokovic is the best in history, there is no doubt about that. I think to say who is the best is something that goes beyond the numbers. All three are there and for me all three are the best,” he told MARCA.

After retirement in Rio, Carlos Alcaraz targets Indian Wells and Las Vegas exhibition with Rafael Nadal

At the ongoing ATP 500 event in Rio de Janeiro, Carlos Alcaraz picked up an ankle injury during his tournament opener, which forced his mid-match retirement.

Facing Thiago Monteiro in the opening round of the Rio Open, Alcaraz twisted his ankle in the first game of the contest. After getting some treatment off the court, he resumed the match and managed to break Monteiro’s serve to take the lead.

However, the injury continued to trouble him and he eventually retired from the clash with the scoreline reading 1-1.

Later, after undergoing an MRI scan, the 20-year-old announced that he had a Grade II lateral sprain which could keep him on the sidelines for a few days. He also assured fans that he will be back on the tennis court in Las Vegas, where is to face Rafael Nadal in an exhibition match on March 3. He also confirmed his participation in the Indian Wells Masters.

I just had an MRI on my ankle after yesterday’s injury. After the meeting with my doctor Dr. Lopez Martinez and my physiotherapists Juanjo Moreno and Sergio Hernandez the diagnosis is a grade II lateral sprain. I have a sprain that will keep me out for a few days! See you in Las Vegas and Indian Wells,” Carlos Alcaraz said.

Keep Reading
By
TENNIS

Rafael Nadal reveals the two most important matches of his career – and one is surprising

By

Rafael Nadal has revealed the two most important matches of his career and named one obvious choice, along with a more surprising selection.

The legendary Spaniard picked his epic 2008 Wimbledon final triumph over Roger Federer, as well as his painful defeat to Novak Djokovic in the gruelling 2012 Australian Open final.

Rafael Nadal in Brisbane

At the 2008 Wimbledon Championships, Nadal overcame his great rival, Federer, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(5-7), 6-7(8-10), 9-7 in a thrilling final to claim his first title at the All England Club.

The contest is regarded by many as one of the greatest matches in tennis history and it saw Nadal win his fifth Grand Slam title and first outside the French Open.

In the final of the 2012 Australian Open, Nadal was edged out 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5-7), 7-5 by his other biggest rival, Djokovic, in an amazing and brutal encounter.

At an incredible five hours and 53 minutes, the marathon final — which is also considered an all-time classic — is the longest match in Australian Open history and the longest major singles final ever.

During his wide-ranging interview with La Sexta’s El Objetivo, Nadal addressed which matches stood above the rest from his remarkable career.

“Roland Garros is undoubtedly the most important tournament of my career. Concerning the special matches, it’s true that I have never experienced a five-set final in Paris,” the 37-year-old said.

“So I would say the 2008 Wimbledon final won against Roger Federer and the 2012 Australian Open final lost against Novak Djokovic. I lost, but I took a step forward in my career that day.”

The 22-time Grand Slam champion made his long-awaited comeback at the Brisbane International last month, where he reached the quarter-finals. The Mallorcan withdrew from the 2024 Australian Open due to a hip muscle injury that emerged during his defeat to Jordan Thompson in Brisbane.

Prior to Brisbane, Nadal had not played a singles match for almost a year — since losing to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open, where he sustained a hip injury. He underwent arthroscopic surgery to treat the psoas muscle in his hip in June 2023.

Nadal hoped to make his return from his latest setback at the ATP 250 tournament in Doha this week, but he was forced to withdraw.

“I would have loved to play in Doha, where the tournament team, as well as the amazing Qatar fans, have always supported me greatly,” said Nadal in a social media post.

“Unfortunately I am not ready to compete and I won’t be able to come to Doha where I really wanted to be and play again after that unforgettable win in 2014. I will focus on keep working to be ready for the exhibition in Las Vegas and the amazing Indian Wells tournament.”

The Spaniard is aiming to compete at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells next month, which will run from March 6-17. Before that, Nadal will play his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the ‘Netflix Slam’ exhibition in Las Vegas on March 3.

Keep Reading
By
TENNIS

Roger Federer illustrious tennis career to be unveiled in an intimate documentary

By

The emotional conclusion of Roger Federer’s illustrious tennis career is set to be unveiled in an intimate documentary, initially intended solely for personal recollection but now slated for release on Prime Video.

Directed by Asif Kapadia and Joe Sabia, the film delves into the final 12 days of Federer’s journey, capturing his most vulnerable moments as he bids farewell to the sport that has shaped his life for over two decades.

Federer’s retirement, a poignant moment marked by his participation in the Laver Cup 2022, witnessed his closest rivals Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray standing by his side as he took his final bow on the court.

The documentary promises an insider’s view into Federer’s emotional state during this period, offering unprecedented access to his relationships with his fellow tennis icons.

Originally conceived as a personal keepsake, the project evolved into a profound exploration of Federer’s farewell, providing viewers with an intimate glimpse into his world.

Reflecting on the transition from private memoir to public documentary, Federer expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share his story with a global audience, citing Prime Video’s expansive reach and influence in the film industry.

Federer’s retirement marked the end of a remarkable career marred by a prolonged struggle with a knee injury.

Despite his determination to overcome physical setbacks, the former world No. 1 ultimately made the difficult decision to heed his body’s signals and bid farewell to professional tennis.

Here is what Federer said of the documentary: “Initially, the idea was to capture the final moments of my professional tennis career so that I could have it later on to show my family and friends,” Federer explained. “During my career, I tended to shy away from having cameras around me and my family, especially during important moments. But I didn’t see the harm in shooting this as it was never intended for the public.”

Explaining his decision to turn it into a documentary for Prime Video, he added: “However, we captured so many powerful moments, and it transformed into a deeply personal journey. I am happy to be partnering with Prime Video because of their vast global reach and significant presence in the film industry. This ensures that the story of my final days in tennis will resonate with both tennis enthusiasts and broader audiences worldwide.”

His final appearance at the Laver Cup, surrounded by his esteemed colleagues, serves as a fitting conclusion to a legendary chapter in the sport’s history.

Keep Reading
By
TENNIS

Novak Djokovic relationship with Nadal’s team comes to light after Uncle Toni controversy

By

Rafael Nadal continues to recover from the hip injury which ruined his 2023 season

The relationship between tennis rivals Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal has come to light, following a controversial comment made by the Spaniard’s Uncle Toni last year. Nadal missed the majority of last season due to a hip injury and aggravated the problem at 2024’s Brisbane International before withdrawing from the Australian Open.

2024 Brisbane International: Day 6
Rafael Nadal aggravated a hip injury before the Australian Open

Nadal had high hopes for a better start to 2024 after spending almost 12 months recovering from his injury. However, the Spaniard’s uncle and former coach Toni caused controversy with a joke about the 22-time Grand Slam winner’s rivals.

During a conversation with the Majorca Daily Bulletin he said: “Now, what we need is, we need an injury of Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and maybe Daniil Medvedev. We need that many… a lot of problems and then Rafa can play really good.”

Former coach of the Serbian Davies Cup team Bogdan Obradovic has shed some light on the relationship between Djokovic and Nadal’s camps. Speaking to sport he said: “We’ve always been friends with Nadal and his team.

“I don’t know if it was taken out of context, if he wanted to be funny and missed everything. I look at Tony as our friend, I don’t believe he meant any harm.” While Nadal was absent for the majority of last season Djokovic ruled supreme adding three Grand Slams to his tally.

However, the Serbian suffered a semi-final defeat at this season’s Australian Open against eventual winner Jannik Sinner. Obradovic believes that Djokovic will bounce back, with the Paris Olympic Games amongst his targets.

2024 Australian Open - Day 13
Novak Djokovic was beaten in the Australian Open semi-final

“Everything is stable,” added Obradovic. “One defeat can happen to anyone. He is number one, the world’s top. What does it mean to fall? When we measure (Michael) Jordan and all the athletes, no one was that stable.

“What can I say about number one? Even if he falls, he’ll fall to number two. It’s not the beginning of the end and Novak himself said it after the Australian Open. There are more tournaments and the Olympics.”

Keep Reading
By
TENNIS

Nadal puts return on ice, admits ‘not ready to compete’

By

Rafael Nadal on Wednesday was forced to shelve his plans to return to action at next week’s Qatar Open, admitting he is “not ready to compete”.

The 37-year-old missed most of last year with a hip injury sustained at the Australian Open before making his comeback at last month’s Brisbane International.

Nadal puts return on ice, admits ‘not ready to compete’

However, a small muscle tear then forced the 37-year-old to pull out of this season’s first Grand Slam in Melbourne.

The 22-time Grand Slam title winner now hopes to return to the tour at the Indian Wells Masters in California from March 6-17.

“I would have loved to play in Doha, where the tournament team, as well as the amazing Qatar fans have always supported me greatly,” Nadal said in a statement on X.

“Unfortunately I am not ready to compete and I won’t be able to come to Doha where I really wanted to be and play again.

“I will focus on keep working to be ready for the amazing Indian Wells tournament.”

Nadal was named on the entry list last month for the Qatar Open, to be held February 19-24, and where he was champion in 2014.

Earlier Wednesday, the former world number one, whose ranking has plummeted to 646, admitted he had been suffering “some discomfort these past few weeks and I’m a bit on the limit”.

“At this point every blow I take, every injury, is a setback not only in tennis and physically, but also mentally,” he told La Sexta television.

He added: “I am 100% confident of being in Indian Wells, it’s a very special tournament for me. I don’t know if it’s going to be the last time I play in it, so I would like to be in Indian Wells, for sure.”

RAFAEL NADAL (ESP)
TENNIS – FRENCH OPEN – ROLAND GARROS – ATP – WTA – ITF – GRAND SLAM – CHAMPIONSHIPS – PARIS – FRANCE – 2022
© TENNIS PHOTO NETWORK

Nadal reiterated that his “main goal is to try to get to the clay season as healthy as possible, to at least give me the chance to enjoy this part of the season”, which the Spaniard has dominated in his career.

He has won a record 14 French Open titles and holds an astonishing 112-3 win-loss record at Roland Garros.

Nadal won two matches in Brisbane in January after a year on the sidelines but felt pain in his upper left thigh during a quarter-final loss to Jordan Thompson.

Keep Reading
By
TENNIS

‘Discomfort’ Puts Rafael Nadal at Cross-Roads in Doha as He Declares Indian Wells Verdict

By

The tennis community was all excited about Rafael Nadal’s comeback at this season’s Australian Open. However, the Spanish tennis player, who was on the sidelines for almost the entire 2023 season, picked up another injury in Brisbane, as he later missed the first Grand Slam event. As fans are now once again eagerly waiting to see him on a track again, the 22-time singles Grand Slam champion recently provided a verdict on his participation at the Indian Wells.

September 19, 2019, Geneva, Switzerland: RAFAEL NADAL of Team Europe chats with the media prior to the Laver Cup tennis event in Geneva Switzerland. (Credit Image: © Christopher Levy/ZUMA Wire)

Will Rafael Nadal participate in the upcoming Indian Wells?
In an interview that will be broadcast this Wednesday night on The sixth, the ‘King of the Clay’ said, “I have had some discomfort in recent weeks and I am a little bit on the limit. At this point every blow I take, every injury, is a setback not only in tennis and physically, but also mentally. I trust the 100% to be in Indian Wells, it is a very special tournament for me . I don’t know if it will be the last time I am going to play it, but there are options that yes, so I would like to be in Indian Wells yes or yes.”

Keep Reading
By
TENNIS

Novak Djokovic’s next tournament confirmed and he could face Rafael Nadal

By

Novak Djokovic has been spending time relaxing with his family in Spain in recent days, but now his next tournament on the ATP Tour has been confirmed.

The world No 1 suggested he was struggling with a virus during the Australian Open and he turned in an unusually limp performance in his defeat against eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.

 

Novak Djokovic - Latest news, reaction, results, pictures, video - The Mirror

His comments in his final press conference in Melbourne left some doubts over whether he would have an extended break from the game, as he confirmed once again that his focus will be on Grand Slam events for the rest of his career.

“I still have high hopes, you know, for other Slams, Olympics, and whatever tournaments that I’ll play,” he said, looking ahead to the rest of 2024.

“It’s just the beginning of the season. It’s not the feeling that I’m used to. I mean, it kind of has been incredibly satisfying for me, you know, to start off most of my seasons with a Grand Slam win and never lost in semis or finals of the Australian Open.

“So this time it’s a bit different, but it is what it is. Let’s see. I don’t know.

“This tournament hasn’t been, as I said, up to my standard or criteria or the level that I would normally play or expect myself to play, but doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the beginning of the end, you know, as some people like to call it.

“It’s not a secret that I want to break more records and make more history of the game and the focus will be on the Slams from now on. That’s something that keeps on motivating me.”

After achieving the historic number one ranking for the longest weeks at number one, it’s going to be a relief for me because I’m going to focus all my attention on Slams mostly.

“When you are going for number one rankings, you kind of have to be playing the entire season.

“My goals will adapt and will shift a little bit, which means that I will have an opportunity to do that which, as a father and a husband, I’m really looking forward to.”

It sparked question marks over whether he will play at the Indian Wells and Miami Open ‘Sunshine Swing’ tournaments in March, but now it has been confirmed that the 24-time Grand Slam champion will make the trip to America next month.

Indian Wells officials have posted a social media post confirming Djokovic will be part of their draw for the first time since 2019, as he will aim to win his fifth title in the Californian event.

He is likely to also confirm his participation in the Miami Open that comes up straight after the Indian Wells tournament, which will give the Serbian a chance to increase his lead at the top of the ATP rankings.

Novak Djokovic

Indian Wells chiefs are also promoting the return of Rafael Nadal to the tournament, as they are hailing his comeback as ‘the return of The King’.

In the women’s draw, Naomi Osaka is one of the headline comeback acts being used to promote the event, with Caroline Wozniacki also part of the promotion ahead of a tournament that gets underway on March 6th.

Keep Reading
By
TENNIS

“I’m sure there’s something serious going on, otherwise Rafael Nadal would come here & play”: When Novak Djokovic discussed Spaniard’s US Open absence

By

Novak Djokovic once shared his thoughts on Rafael Nadal’s absence from the 2012 US Open, highlighting what a considerable loss it was for the tournament.

Djokovic entered the New York Major as the second seed and defending champion, on the hunt for his second US Open title. Nadal, meanwhile, pulled out of the Grand Slam event due to tendonitis. This injury had already led to his absence from the London Olympics and the Masters 1000 events in Canada and Cincinnati, ultimately forcing him to conclude his season early.

Ahead of his title defense, Novak Djokovic shared his perspective on Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from the event. He found the Spaniard’s absence “strange” given the rarity of the top four players – himself, Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray – missing a Grand Slam event, which he believed was indicative of the great era in men’s tennis.

“Well, it is strange because he hasn’t missed a slam for a long time. I think neither of us top four have really missed a slam for a long time, which can only work in favor of the sport,” he said in a press conference.

“I think that’s why it’s one of the reasons why we are experiencing a great era of men’s tennis, because all the top players are really committed in their performing and all the top events and, you know, reaching the final stages of those events,” he added.

The Serb lauded Nadal as a “great competitor” and expressed certainty that the Spaniard was dealing with a serious issue, as he would undoubtedly be competing in New York otherwise.

“So Rafa is a great competitor and somebody I know really well on and off the court. I’m sure that there is something serious going on, you know, because otherwise he would come here and play,” he said.

Djokovic went on to acknowledge Nadal’s absence as a great loss, not just for the tournament but for the sport as a whole, given his immense popularity. He also extended his best wishes to the Spaniard for a speedy recovery.

“So I know it’s in a way a loss for the tournament and, you know, for tennis itself, because he’s greatly appreciated, successful, and very popular athlete around the world. But, you know, I wish him a speedy recovery, obviously,” he added.

Novak Djokovic failed to defend his title at US Open 2012 in Rafael Nadal’s absence

2012 US Open - Day 15

Novak Djokovic clinched his maiden US Open title in 2011, claiming a 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-1 over Rafael Nadal in the final. The following year, the Serb kicked off his title defense with a 6-1, 6-0, 6-1 win over Paolo Lorenzi.

He secured similarly dominant straight-set victories over Rogerio Dutra da Silva and Julien Benneteau to reach the fourth round of the Major. Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals after Stan Wawrinka retired from their fourth-round clash.

Rafael Nadal withdraws before Australian Open - NBC Sports

Subsequently, the Serb defeated seventh seed Juan Martin del Potro 6-2, 7-6(3), 6-4 to reach the semifinals. He then triumphed over David Ferrer 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2, setting up a blockbuster title clash against third seed Andy Murray.

Murray dashed Djokovic’s hopes of a successful title defense at the New York Major, claiming a hard-fought 7-6(1), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 win over the Serb to secure his maiden Grand Slam title.

Keep Reading
By