Cheryl, I can't agree more.
I really think I would cry~
Rafa will be missed. (even though i'm a great Federer fan)

This tragedy is far more dramatic than Federer's own from last year.

i'm not even a rafanatic (i like him, but i'd root for nole over him) yet i'm miserable about this. i like the way you write cherylmurray!

This was the right course of action for Nadal, as depressing as his withdrawal is. I have to say, as a Fed head I find this real depressing. Even when Fed wasn't play in the during the hard court season like at Rotterdam I felt less depressed. I mean really, how can you not feel for Rafa Nadal, he is too nice to hate and too good loose? (Not in matches. I hope you all follow the train of thought.) I hope for him that he can return to fine form, I'm not ready for Murray and Nole to be the next rivalry in tennis history. The RafaRoger era should not end like this even if it means Fed is chewed apart by a fit as a fiddle Rafa in the future.

Good article, but one quibble: In many cases it is not a "thinly veiled accusation" that Rafa is mentally devastated from Paris and afraid he wouldn't win Wimbledon because of his knees----it is precisely what is being said. He himself said that when he enters a tournament he does so to win, and he did not think he could win Wimbledon with the condition his knees are in. We've got to take him at his word, the fighter that he is.
Among Federer's records that we may never see broken are his winning 5 consecutive titles at two different slams (going for 6 in a row at the US). From far and wide people were saying Rafa could win 5 in a row at the French, and probably more. Now the prospect of 5 in a row for him, starting over next year, is not likely. Why wouldn't he be devastated?
When you're young, have talent on loan from God, are beloved world-wide, and have more money that you could ever spend, the only thing left is to go for the glory.
I hope Rafa did bail because he thought he couldn't win with his knees, and that he expects to recover fully and soon----otherwise the real reason for giving up on Wimbledon is something we don't know about and is much worse than tendinitis.

Rafa plainly said after he withdrew from Queens he would not compete in Wimby unless he was 100% and he was trying to do that with all his therapy. He used the exho at Hurlingham as a test to see if he could. In all the match reports of both matches, it was said he clearly was slower than normal and was not even getting to balls that he normally would. Bending his knees as is required to get to balls on grass caused him much pain. He even said that he tended to be thinking more of his knees when playing instead of the point itself which he says is another proof that he is not ready to compete. To insinuate that he is hiding behind his knees is exactly the kind of thinking that disgusted Cheryl and many Rafa fans!

Gr8 article as usual cherylmurray,Rafa is such a competitor to say otherwise is just idiotic.
U know I love u anyway cos you're such an Andy M fan. People are saying DLP is gonna take him out, please say it's not true!
Fanfortennis: I c your r bing misrepresented on another thread. suppose u r not surprised! Looking 4ward 2 munchies.

Cheryl,I really love your article.I'm sick and tired of some stupid people's accusing Rafa for everything.What has this young man done except making things more interesting in tennis? I've been following tennis for a long time and I've noticed that Roger has always been the bride,while Rafa has always remained as a bridesmaid even if he's winning.People in Roland Garros don't root for him because they think that he was "stealing" the trophy from Roger.In Melbourne,all the attention was again on Roger even though Rafa was the victor.Now that Rafa has gone for a while,Roger will enjoy the top spot again.
Cheryl,even though your article is very nice,I felt really sad after reading it.Why are you behaving like Rafa's career has ended all of a sudden? What do you mean by "It feels like the end of an era ? a glorious, golden era"? Even thinking about it makes me sad...

I agree with all that Cheryl says, perhaps those who choose to misinterpret Rafa's words would like to give a press interview in a foreign language without making mistakes or having foreign press take the wrong context. Try listening to Rafa in Spanish then you might understand what he is saying. I am a Brit living in Spain and know how difficult it is to express yourself in a foreign language. I know Rafa will return stronger he has an immensely strong work ethic and sense of duty. He did not want to let down the spectators who pay large sums of money at Wimbledon to see tennis players give their all, when he is clearly unable to do so. I have also suffered from tendinitis in my knees and it is almost impossible to bend. so 'Vamos Rafa y te repondras bien'.

When I learned a few days ago that Rafa was pulling out of Wimbledon, my heart sank too. Just like the sentiment expressed here by many. After some "painful" thought of recent history, I, too, had to fight myself from thinking this might be the "end of an era".

Let's face it: Nine months of pain is real. And I'm not sure rest and therapy can be a cure for this recurring injury. I don't have high hopes for the US Open and the remaining hard court tournaments -- kneekillers all -- for this year... then followed by another title defense at the Australian Open next year.

As much of a Rafa fan as I am... the future does look bleak. I really hope I'm wrong.

I don't remember the source but I remember reading yesterday that Rafa's doctor said that he needs three or four weeks rest and he will be fine.So,I don't think it's career threatening injury (that's what Rafa also said).But Wimbledon is a big hole for me now without Rafa,that's for sure...

I love your Article Cheryl,personally it was a catch 22 for me in a way i wanted him to play..to see him walk out on the court as the defending champ ..but then i knew that he could not survive 7 -5 set matches.
i am glad that he decided not to play because it would have been more devastating for him to play and lose early.I believe that Rafa has learned a lesson and he when he steps back on that court he will come back as a man.
a man that has matured and will learn from his mistakes.Wimby will not be the same without him .and after these 2 weeks are over he will feel better and so will his fans.
rafa will be deeply missed.Now the thing is.. i have to get a life because i can not sit here and wait for him to come back(lol)..and he will come back !
Rafa brought passion and excitement to the game! tennis is boring without him.

postpone Wimbledon!

Belaire - but that is precisely the point. They are saying it ISN'T really his knees. The suggestion is that he's just....psyched out or something and using the tendinitis as an excuse.

sisterofnight - It makes me sad too. I am not saying that Nadal's career is over by any stretch of the imagination. He was more severely hobbled in Bercy than he is now - and he came back to win the AO. I don't even think that a win at the USO is out of the question if he's completely fit. However, the fact is that the days of every final being contested by Federer and Nadal seem over. I'd love to be wrong though - really I would

Deuce - I don't think Del Potro will even BOTHER Murray on grass. Murray plays smart tennis. He'll know that all he has to do is slice the ball at DelPo's feet, and the Argie will be toast. He still has trouble getting to "low" balls.

deuce, I have seen the posts calling me all sorts of names. Is funny cuz I haven't even been posting there and "certain" posters just can't stop their complaining. Hopefully Cheryl or Ricky will keep an eye on those 2 posters because they seem to be getting out of control.

I'm glad that Delpo isn't in Fed's half anymore. Anytime he is around fed he just bends over--lol. Murray has the talent and variety to beat him!

People have been talking lately of "slogans" and war cries. How about this one deuce:
"BRING THE CROWN BACK TO THE HOMETOWN!"

Even though its upsetting that Nadal is not defending his title, its a good decision by him. Things happen for a reason though they might not make sense at that point in time when they happen. Hope he takes rest, recharges and comes backs and dazzles us with his confidence, humbleness and talent.

Goodluck Rafa! keep up the spirit.

cherylmurray: I love you even more, what reassuring calming words, just worried cos JLDP has just beaten him.
Hi fan4, I was puzzled too. BTW love the war cry, answered you on Murray's thread-when I could get a word in edgeways, you know what I mean...

As sad as I am for Rafa right now, I do realize that Wimby will go on. I have always said I admired and liked Murray so it should not be a surprise that in the absence of Rafa, I will root for Murray to win! I also like Nole and I do hope he surprises us all at Wimby.

I do know what you mean deuce about getting a word in edgewise--lol. I've been ignoring them and it feels great!!!! Will start making the "sofa food" now so until then:
"BRING THE CROWN BACK TO THE HOMETOWN!"

Cheryl, thanks for your article,I loved it.

Tomorrow will be painful, I hate, HATE that someone else will be walking out on Center Court instead of Rafa. He so deserves that honor.

What a sad time.

I know Holly. Regardless of the fact that Rafa won't be there, EVERYONE knows who is the CURRENT REIGNING WIMBLEDON CHAMPION! No one can ever take the fact that Rafa is a Wimbledon Champion away from him or the fact that he became the champion in one of the most classic matches ever! He will be back to fight again and we can hope for Rafa completing a GOLDEN career slam on his FIRST try!!!!

Also, champ on three different surfaces at 22, wow!

That's true too deuce! Winning the AO did that for him! So within less than a year span, he won a GS on clay, grass AND hardcourt PLUS an Olympic Gold Singles medal!!! He also completed the trifecta of RG-Queens-Wimby which I don't think had been done before or if it had, it was by Borg. So many accomplishments to count at such a young age of 22!!!!

fan4tennis: I wonder, at the risk of upsetting just a few people, we could call it "The Greatest Year Of All Time." Getting that Olympic Gold puts his achievements out of the reach of 99% of the rest. Ooooo, I do feel wicked.....

Hey Deuce!!! How are you? What a nice comment from you. I like it :) How have you been? Watching tennis? I miss you guys but have been busy and having a nice time on Rafa's forum. I'm cheering Murray (and Novak) for Wimb. I hope Andy can do it. Don't have much hope for Novak but still won't write him off totally. How's Andy looking. I hope he doesn't get weighed down by pressure at crucial moments. Go Muzzah!!!!! Oops, this is Nadal's thread :P

I actually shed a tear when I heard the news that Rafa had pulled out of Wimbledon. We could all see it coming as he simply wasn't at his best recently, and for his fans it's painful to watch him not at his best. I hope that the answer will be found for a lasting cure, because tennis right now without Rafa is so lack lustre. He is without doubt the most passionate of all the players, and for me the ultimate to watch. He is a STAR.

Cheryl, you seem to be saying that it's the end for him, I sincerely hope it isn't. My interest was re-awakened when Rafa turned pro, there were years before that when I just found the whole thing so boring and predictable, so I really hope we see Rafa again at his best.

VAMOS RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope Rafael returns soon.

Carrie - I don't think it's the end for him at all. But I *do* think it's the end of being able to count on a Federer/Nadal final. That's all.

remi!!: hi, how's you? Am looking forward to Wimbles and holding my breath for Andy. Yes, I liked my comment about Rafa too and so far no ton of bricks has fallen on me, but there again I am well behind the sofa! Take care.

I'm sad, angry and frustrated. Sad because no Rafa means no joy for me watching tennis. Angry because for months I've been saying I could see him being uncomfortable while playing, he knew but kept pushing himself instead of taking a break. And frustrated cos what you've said Cheryl, it looks like this is the end of those amazing Federer/Nadal games and it's always hard to let go a golden era... I just didn't want it to end so abruptly...

Alba, you act like Rafa is NEVER coming back. He will be and he will be fully healed and raring to go! Whether he meets fed in the final of any tourney, I don't care! I care about Rafa reaching the final! The matches between Rafa and Murray and Nole have been great so maybe it's time for a new rivalry to be born!

But Cheryl, that's not because of Rafa's injury. The rivalry had become a foursome anyway with Murray and Djokovic in the mix, so it's still going to be interesting.

Hi people,

I was pretty shocked too when I heard he wan't playing. I've been on holidays and a bit isolated from the world last week so I didn't know how he faired in Hurlingham - but after those results I guess it didn't make any sense to play - thanks fan4tennis for the comments about the match reports.
It's a pitty but tennis life goes on huh? I'll root for Murray and Verdasco.
About the end of an era Fed/Nadal - Nadal/Fed, who's to say? Maybe it's Fed who stops reaching finals before Nadal does

I just feel that Wimbledon has been cancelled, it's the first time ever, I have no appetite for it at all. I simply cannot warm to any other player, sad realy, but that's how it is.

Rafa, Get Well Soon, you are sorely missed!!!

VAMOS RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok... I've just seen something that made me laugh. Somebody else thinks Fed looks like a japanese manga in this picture?

http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/muestra_foto_grande.html?foto =/elmundodeporte/imagenes/2009/06/23/1245748110_g_0.jpg&alto=512&ancho =384&md5=9bddb7d0f66bdf26c19bdf4927472a7d

Fan4tennis,

It's not that I think he's not coming back, it's more that the longer it takes him to recover the longer we'll have to wait to see another final against Federer. It has to be in a GS and they are 'only' four. Lately we haven't had the chance because Rafa's injuries and Fed struggling to get his game back and somehow it looks like this is the end of something, like it's gonna be difficult to see them together in a GS final.

I think for the first time I'll root for Murray this Wimbledon. It's about time for a brit to win it and sorry for Fed fans but seeing him win again it's just... boring?

You know for me this is amazing!!!!

First of all, I think Rafa made the right decision not to play at Wimby!.......no matter WHAT his health MUST come first!!!......I realised all along that Rafa was not in form.......it was the ONLY reason that Rafa could be beaten at RGarros!!!...esp before the quarters!!!.....it was clear to me!!!

However, I think this is the beginning of good things for Rafa. He will have much deserved rest.....and will take this opprotunity to rethink his career, his game AND his scheduling esp.........this my friends will be the beginning of a NEW Rafa!!!.....just wait and see!!!

This is by no means the end of ANYTHING!!!!........All this means is that there are better things to come and Rafa will be the one to hoist the US OPen trophy at the end of the year, thereby achieving the first ever (i think) "Golden" Career Grand Slam!!!........he began the year with a bang and will end it with a bang!!!......by year end, Rafa and us Rafanites will even forget about the loss at RGarros......you mark my words!!!......in life I have learnt that every cloud has a silver lining........and this situation with Rafa is no different!

To this end, I have to say that my interest in Wimby is mute.......but out of respect for the other players I will watch......even if Rafa is my favourite player, the other players i think deserve our support becos Rafa is not the only player who makes up the tour!.....however, i do understand how others may feel when they admit that they will not watch Wimby and that it will be boring................Yes!!.....Rafa is a rock star!!!......and it just shows how much of a tremendous contribution Rafa has made to tennis and how marketable the sport has become BECAUSE of him, and by extention his rivalry with Federer! I will dare to go so far as to say that Rafa has single-handedly revolutionalised the sport in recent years and has inspired BOTH players AND spectators alike.........more than any other player has!!

And one more thing before I end..........is it just me?......I think the only way that Federer can be sure to win a GS is when Rafa is not playing!!!!......if Fed is never able to beat Rafa in a GSlam........then im afraid his leagcy of being a GOAT will never be firm in my books......if at all!!!

MonaLisa, I too think that to every cloud there is a silver liing, and I'm sure Rafa will be all the better for the time out and I just keep my fingers crossed that we see him in his inimitable style soon.

I wholeheartedly agree that Rafa has made tennis look like rock 'n' roll, not intentionally of course, but he just has an aura about him and he lights up the court with his presence. I have been watching tennis for more years than I care to mention, and apart from McEnroe, no one else has had Rafa's aura. No matter how much he tries not to let it go to his head, be humble and not arrogant, he is undoubtedly the tennis star today.

This Wimbledon, I back different players match by match; I was rooting for Novak yesterday, and today I was pleased that Murray won, but I don't have any unconditional support for anyone else. It would be a good thing if a new name won it this year.

VAMOS RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get Well Soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cheryl,if you are saying it's the end of Federer-Nadal finals,then surely you're implying that it may be the end of Rafa's career? Otherwise,how can we not see Rafa-Roger finals? Roger seems constantly getting to go through to finals but unfortunately,Rafa isn't around :(

MonaLisa- ....sorry about this but Rafa is not the first man with a Golden Career Slam. Andre Agassi has one, which brings Rafa's awesomeness into perspective if he does it, so not first, or second for that mater as Federer's Gold in Doubles actually qualifies him as a Golden Career Slam as well. I think it is right to give Fed credit for that though. (The man was unlucky to peak basically in between the Olympics he so wanted to win.) At least I've been told, so Rafa will be the third man, definately not person though, I think the women one up the men in that department. Ya, I read this on a wikipedia. Check out Grand Slams I think....(Still Rafa has a chance to go for two golds I think as the next Olympics are on grass)

"But I *do* think it's the end of being able to count on a Federer/Nadal final. That's all." cherylmurray 6/22/09 8:39 PM

Being able to "count on" a Rafa-Rog final versus the end of Rafa's career is 2 TOTALLY DIFFERENT things! I don't think that Cheryl is saying in any way shape or form that Rafa's career is over. Rafa now has the time to totally heal up his knee and knows now what he needs to do in the future. He will come back stronger than ever (like he did after last year and won the AO). My personal opinion is that fed will stop making finals long before Rafa does. And if Rafa decides to skip some tourneys, it won't be the GS that he skips. All the experts plus many players (including fed, Nole and Murray) always said (paraphrasing) 'unless Rafa is injured, ill or otherwise, he is hard to beat.' Well, he is injured and withdrew, and now the others have their chances, but he will be back and ready to win!!!!

Recordbreaks, I have heard the exact opposite than you. I have heard because fed's gold was in doubles that it didn't count toward his SINGLES titles. Their doubles ranks and titles are totally separate from their singles. If fed had won a "Golden Slam" then I'm sure that would have been touted and repeated non-stop once he won the career slam.


Cheryl or Ricky!!! Could you please find out for a fact about who has completed the Golden Slam and if a doubles gold counts toward singles titles?

I never really heard people talking about it with Andre when they were comparing him to Federer at RG so I looked it up on wiki, probably not the most reliable source, but it said that the double gold gave him it. Though, you're probably right, doubles title don't count for anything in singles and the same applies for doubles.

Unofficially, yes it's a golden career slam. But officially it is not. You cannot count doubles and singles titles toward the same "record". Ask yourself if a Wimbledon doubles crown counts the same as a singles. The answer is no.

Thanks Cheryl! That's what I thought. So when Rafa returns and kicks butt at the USO then he will "officially" have the Golden Slam!

I have to hand it to the ESPN2 announcers in the respect and admiration they are showing towards Rafa. Chris Fowler, Mary Carillo and Brad Gilbert made no secret how down they were about Rafa's withdrawal and said the tournament would not be the same now. Even JMac said he felt "sick to his stomach" when he heard that Rafa withdrew. Darren Cahill said that if anyone can come back stronger than before, it will be Rafa! Also was a very nice, moving montage they did for Rafa.

What I heard from the following link that Rafa's parents are separated...which adds more to the Rafa's woes

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon09/columns/st ory?columnist=garber_greg&id=4280346

^^^ That is a personal issue and i really don't think that it has anything to do with Tennis Talk(IMO)
In everyones personal life they has some issues.

I am so saddened to hear this. Rafa must be in turmoil, I just hope he gets over all of this and rebuilds his life as they were such a close nit family. I found this article in the Daily Mail.

Rafael Nadal's heartache as parents split

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 12:52 AM on 24th June 2009

Sadness: Rafael Nadal leaves London after withdrawing from Wimbledon

He withdrew from defending his Wimbledon title because of his bad knees. But Rafael Nadal has also been nursing a more personal hurt.

For many weeks there have been whispers that all was not well in the Nadal household, and yesterday it was confirmed that the world number-one's parents Sebastian and Ana Maria have separated.

Nadal's family is hugely important to him. The 23-year-old still lives in the family home in Majorca and is coached by his uncle Toni.

A source close to the Nadal camp said: 'Rafa is devastated. All through the past couple of months he has been trying to get his tennis back on track, but his heart has been elsewhere.

'In public he has put on a brave face, but in private he has been hoping for a reconciliation and fervently wishing this wasn't happening. Now he has returned home and is catching up with his family.

'He talked about resetting his body after withdrawing from the championships and yet he has a more difficult task - resetting his entire life.'

alik , i agree with you . The divorce has absolutely NOTHIN to to with Tennis Talk . Everyone has challenges like this in life and the have to deal with it . People feel sad and dissapointed but they dont completely crumble ...you dont stop going to work ..life goes on ....and you adapt .
the situation sucks ...but has nothin to do with anyone .

C'MON !

Hey deuce! Nice to hear from you. I saw some of Muzzah's match but not all of it. How do you think he's looking? Sad news about Rafa's personal life. Hey can I come to the back of the sofa too? Sounds like a safe place to be! :P

For those who haven't seen this, here is an excerpt from an article in the Telegraph, after Rafa announced his withdrawal fro Wimbledon.

Federer was practising on the Aorangi courts when news of Nadal's withdrawal came through, and said: "I was slightly prepared that he wouldn't play, so then it didn't come as such a big surprise. But it's obviously disappointing for the tournament and for myself. I'd love to play him. He's my main rival. We've had some wonderful matches over the years, the one last year clearly being the one that stands out.

"It shows me how lucky I have been, that I haven't been injured for all those years. It's unfortunate. I'm sad for him, because it must have been a very difficult decision to make."

The elegant diplomacy between Nadal and Federer belies the fact that they have nothing approaching a friendship. Asked if they had chatted about Nadal's problems, the Swiss replied: "Chat? A 10-second chat, maybe. He congratulated me for winning in Paris. I asked him how his knee was. He was like, 'It's OK'. So I knew it wasn't great, that something could be coming up."

Andy Murray had no such advance notice; the first he learnt of the champion's decision to pull out was just before 8pm on Friday, the same time as the rest of the world. The Scot is even further removed from Nadal's inner circle than Federer, but his admiration for the world No 1's game is more heartfelt.

"Everyone would have liked to see him here," Murray said. "I enjoy watching him play. He's my favourite player, so I'm sure all the fans who wanted to come to see him will all be disappointed. But he has to do what is best for him."

Murray did not seize the chance to say that this could be his year; he is too astute for that. To have done so, moreover, would have been grossly premature. The shadow cast from Majorca is vast indeed, and Wimbledon needs the proper time to reflect on its absent friend.

Thanks for the articles carrie. I like what Murray had to say because it's so true. But Rafa will be back stronger than ever!

remi: welcome, welcome, it's a very cosy, friendly place and fan4tennis has been baking non-stop!

How can parents with a bright young son who is doing super-well in every aspect of his life could have misunderstanding. If I have a son like Rafa, I wouldnt be fighting with my wife, we would be so happy to have a famous son and also be very proud. Maybe everything is not always straightforward.

torres9 it is sad and I think has been going on for some time now (I believe his parents were living apart for over a year). I don't think it has anything to do with Rafa's predicament at the moment ... but I do remember him being asked about what he really wanted in life a while ago and basically he responded by saying he just wanted his loved ones to be happy. I know we shouldn't really talk about this on a tennis site (or really at all since it is private); but it had been suggested as a reason for Rafa withdrawal from Wimbly. I don't think so.
But torres9, no one likes to see a marriage end and it is true that even the grand success of a child doesn't exclude you. (Sometimes just the opposite).

So well and warmly said torres. Rafa fans now have another gut renching time to go through. Whoever came up with 'Life isn't a bed of roses' knew what he was talking about :(
deuce, what has f4t been baking and why hasn't he delivered some to me? :)

I agree with smr, especially the privacy part. Rafa has the support of many loved ones to help him thru this difficult time in his life.

remi: Come behind the sofa in the Murray thread and all the food is there for you--lol. I made chocolate toffee, cinnamon-caramel cake, breadsticks, cinnamon candies, cheesecakes, vegetable pizza, banana nut bread to name a few things.

Fedexfan,

why dont you grow up , what a stupid statement that tennis has nothing to do with personal problems. Tennis players are human beings like evryone else and of course they will be affected by what is going on in their lives and divorce of parents is devastating for young adult childeren in their 20s particularly if they have not married and started their own families.

My friend was 26 when his parents divorced and he was so upset he had to take a break from grad school and work and he is not the world's #1 tennis player who has to deal with media , publicity as well as fans expectations that he should win every match everyday!!

Lets have some compassion for young Rafa and his sister!

good morning Cheryl it's 6 in the morning in our country :)
the other half of the world

well , I totally agree with everything you've written , but I would like to say something about the schedualing , the problem isn't Madrid at all
the problem was in Barcelona , and rotterdam in the beggeining of the year !
that's the real problem .

Rafa simply nomber one now , and he should behave as number one , nothing more than grand slams and masters and 2 or 3 more touranments. Dubai , Doha , may be queens , I think that's totally enough ! why is he in such a hurry! life goes on and he have a brilliant future . he can do everything , so he must not be harsh to himself that way .

and something else , about poor NOVAK . I think he's broken inside , he couldn't carry the blame after everything had happend in that year .
Australian pull out !
madrid loss , full of agony !
rolan garros loss , terrible !
and halle loss , and to whom ! tommy hass :)
sure hass is in his best condition and level of performance , bt Novak didn't persuade any body with his performance .
comes now to the wimbeldon , he is terrfied and scared from the Idea that he might be knocked down in the early rounds , he have no trust in his game anymore , Novak is offensive like everybosy knows , Hiw come he's playing defensive , and on the GRASS !
for god sake ! that can not happen ! except from a man want's to play safely ! doesn't trust his offensive playstyle to take hime to the quarters maybe , he don't want to be broken anymore , he's Stuck in his despare !
I wish he end this up , get's back to the Novak we used to know , weither we liked it or not !

sorry , some spelling mistakes :)

How comes ...
everybody knows

despair

sorry again

well, i knw itz tough for rafa and um sure he'll b back...stronger than ever..

2 ALL FEDERER FANS.....there'z nothing 2 cheer abt???fedex cud only win french open wen nadal wasnt there..he cud win in madrid only becoz rafa wasnt feeling well....bt rafa isnt going 2 b ever so MERCIFUL on him...
remember d victory at wimbledon,roland garros and australian open....thtz wht u call making history in style..

u cant make out for health and family problems...u r alwayz d favourite when u r running alone in d race

Rakshan.. Roger is 27 years old and with 14 GS as the greatest in the history. During the prime of his career, only few players can beat him, winning 2-3 GS in a year, that's what i called making a history. He's already turning 28, but still winning.. yes, nadal can beat him, so what..that's part of tennis, as he said, sooner or later every player will face defeats or injuries. I do not hate nadal, he's a very good player, 22 yrs. old, he's now on his prime of his career.. and beating fed, is just like fed beating sampras and agassi before.. so don't compare.. nobody has ever done 20 semifinals in a row and 15 out of 16GS.. That's what you called making a good history. And do you really think it's not possible for Fed to have defeated nadal in madrid? have you seen the game? nadal was also at his best, but fed was better than him that day. in tennis you cannot always win.. even if you're a great champion.. you will always have your bad day..

I just don't understand ...why talk about federer in a thread that is titled "shedding Tears For Rafa"
why.. on this site does every,single thread have to have federer in the discussion ....when it is not even about him at all....
It is really depressing,Constantly coming to a comment about federer when it is not even about him.It makes me want to shed tears sometimes(lol)

And in defence of Fedexfan..Nami..i believe that fedexfan was saying that out of respect for Rafa that his personal life should not be discussed,dissected and analyzed on a site where the topic of discussion is suppose to be Tennis.That is Rafa's private business.
And i think that that is very nice of fedexfan to say.

Hey f4t, great to hear from you too. I'm getting my coffee than coming behind the Murray sofa for my share of cakes and breadsticks! Leave some for me you guys!!!

I just don't understand ...why talk about federer in a thread that is titled "shedding Tears For Rafa"
why.. on this site does every,single thread have to have federer in the discussion ....when it is not even about him at all....
It is really depressing,Constantly coming to a comment about federer when it is not even about him.It makes me want to shed tears sometimes(lol)


alik, I couldn't agree with u more. It's in such bad taste, but we know the man himself is good at spoiling others people's moments. Maybe his fans think he is the only one the word 'tears' should relate to, he has shed may a tear in his time.

I agree totally alik and carrie!!! I even posted as such on the "injured nadal" thread which they seem determined to make another fed thread. They seem to forget that this site is NOT a fedfan site BUT a TENNIS site, about ALL players. That's why I have tried to show respect for Murray and Nole on their respective threads.

Ever since the day Rafa withdrew and some horrible comments were made by certain posters, I have vowed to ignore those posters and never to reply to them again. I do not post on any fed threads because I do not want to be seen now as trying to start a fight. For those that want to talk about fed, there are more than enough threads to write a message in, instead of one devoted entirely to Nadal.

I would love a presser with Rafa now, just to see for myself how he is with all that's going on in his life at the moment. Keep your chin up, Rafa!!!

VAMOS RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So what do you all think? Is he coming back for the US Open or you think he'll come back sooner -or even later than that?

couldn't agree with you more fan4tennis. it's pathetic to say the least.

i would just like to see rafa return when he's ready, however long he needs to take. meanwhile, i'd like to see murray and nole dominate the game more. it's time they stepped up to their potential!

I keep looking on his official website to see if there is any news but nothing so far. I would just love to either hear from Rafa or his uncle, preferably to see Rafa himself in a preser so that I can see how he is. Time will pass, I hope that in a few months time, all his fans will have a smile on their face when our hero returns in glory.

Today The Times has confirmed the divorce of Nadal parents. I deserve him the best. It's quite obvious this is affecting his game, apart from his knee problems... Let's hope he can recover soon and deal with it the best he can. He's so attached to his family that this time off courts looks quite important for his full recovery.

I don't count on seeing him do a presser anytime soon. He may make a statement on his site as an update but he needs to take this time and stay away from all the media and concentrate on himself. Let's face it.....how often does Rafa have time during the year where microphones and cameras aren't always been shoved in his face? Tho this time was injury enforced, he can still use it his best ability.


With all the news about his parents finally coming out, I think he prefers to be away from the media. The NYT reported it and now the Mallorca papers are announcing it too. People that I am friends with that live in Manacor, say that the people there are mad as hell that the papers are talking about it. Seems that the people of Manacor are very protective of the neighbors privacy, especially Rafa's and his family.

Like Rafa said "Defeats give value to your victories", then we can say this time off from him helps us appreciate the time we do get to watch him! He needs this time off for his knees and his mind, so we will just have to enjoy past pictures or videos we have saved until he returns. Yes alba, I do believe he will be back before the USO and he will come back stronger than ever!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have at last found some up to date news on Rafa, he's OK. See link below.

http://www.celebrity-gossip.net/celebrities/hollywood/rafael -nadal-enjoys-time-off-from-tennis-204717/

Actually, the pictures are from last year, but worht looking at. Great pictures of Rafa and Xicsa at his new house.

Rafa Nadal's News
JUNE 27 | 2009
ESPYS AWARDS: VOTE FOR RAFA!

June 27, 2009

The Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards (ESPYS) will once again recognize and celebrate the best sporting moments, and most successful athletes during the past year, when they take place on Sunday, July 15th at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

This year, the famous awards have honored Rafa with 3 nominations as the ?Best Male International Athlete?, ?Best Tennis Player? and ?Best Game? for last year?s Wimbledon final against Roger Federer.

The Arthur Ashe Courage Award is another ESPY highlight, honoring an invidual for their personal courage or charitable works outside the sports arena, with past winners including such trailblazers as Muhammad Ali and tennis star Billie Jean King.

Unlike most awards shows, the ESPYs are probably most noted for its contribution to charity.

Just an update: There was a piece in Spanish sports paper of Nadal telling Costa (the davis cup Captain) that he will NOT recover in time for the Davis Cup tie against Germany.

So Rafa won't be playing Davis Cup on July 10th. Wise decision I must say.

Rafa shouldn't rush into playing DC seeing he's sacrificed Wimbledon to give his knees time to heel, he should rest them a little bit longer.

VAMOS RAFA!!!!!

I hope he can watch them play. DC Cup means so much to him. I am glad he is healing up and can't wait to see him play tennis and be happy about it!!

RAFA will come back B*I*G* and S*T*R*O*N*G*!!!!
Let the "others" have their share of GOOD TIMES... and they MUST make the most of it while NADAL is "RESTING".
I hope he comes back with those SLEEVELESS shirts...but for sure not 'till next year!!!

VAMOS RAFA!!!!

This is the first Wimbledon I have not enjoyed at all, it lacks the Rafa factor. It doesn't seem like a year has passed since Rafa was strutting his stuff as SW19, so in no time at all, God willing, Rafans will have a smile on their faces again - in 2010. After all, Andy Murray had to pull out of Wimby in 2007 due to injury on his wrist, look at him now, who would have thought that 2 years later he'd be doing so well.

Vamos Rafa!
I don't mind waiting even up to the end of this year. I'm sure you will come back strong to defend your Aussie title.

"Everyone would have liked to see him here," Murray said. "I enjoy watching him play. He's my favourite player, so I'm sure all the fans who wanted to come to see him will all be disappointed. But he has to do what is best for him."

I knew that there must be a reason why Andy is my 3rd favorite tennis player, next only to Rafa and Nole.

Vamos Andy! Bring home the bacon!

I've been watching last year's final to console myself that Rafa, the fizz in tennis is not able to show what he can do. But time will pass, and before we know it he'll be back to normal again.

When Andy Murray pulled out of Wimbledon in 2007, he thought it was the end of the world, his ranking went down at a time when he was making great strides to be up there with the big 3 then, and there was frustration all round, because he thought his stable mate Djokovic had left him standing, two years later the table has completely turned, so it's not the end of the world for Rafa, we'll be lapping up his incredible talent on court again soon.

Good stuff Carrie. I like your optimism.

http://www.abc.es/20090704/deportes-tenis/nadal-cambia-prioridades-200 90704.html
update on rafa

So ... it looks as though Rafa will be playing Montreal and that he and his team have reassessed their priorities. Sounds like they (he) will focus a little more on Majors and not so much on ranking ... a la Williams sisters. (So says the Spanish press).Let's see what happens; and I, for one can't wait to see him back on the courts.

Can you just imagine the roar of the crowd when he finally steps back on the court??? I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!! No one breathes life into a tourney like he does!! He is excitement personified!

f4t I can't wait either. I hope he is in devasting form when he comes back, fully recovered.

Me too carrie!! Rafa worked hard and won his Number One rank. Fed will only be Number One cuz Rafa was injured at the worst time of the year (2 GS in such a short span). When Rafa comes back, he will show who is best!!

It's so OBVIOUS who's better between the two---"the freak from Mallorca!"
IT"S TRUE that FEDERER is BETTER than everybody else....but when it comes to NADAL, he's ONLY second best!!!
THAT IS THE FACT!!!

PERFECT timing for FEDERER... WITHOUT NADAL he is really DOMINATING the game!!! THAT's just reminiscent of the last 3 years he's #1. Like a THIEF in the night, he quietly sneaked inside when the "owner" is "out"....and STOLE what was HIS!

Hey, they claimed they were "righting the wrongs" if fed won. That in itself shows the total disprespect for Rafa even tho they constantly tell themselves they never say anything bad about him. Rafa WILL RIGHT THE WRONGS and return to Number One!!!! Can't wait to see fed return to the anxious, blubbering guy he usually is when facing Nadal!!!!

I hope that Rafa comes back strong and send the arrogant one packing where he belongs: not forgotten but remembered as an arrogant winner and a bitter loser.

f4t, Rafa only get no.1 becoz Fed got mono so what are you talking about?

Last time I checked Fed last 3 years as no.1, Rafa was participating actively in all events just that Rafa is not even close to Fed. Fed was winning GS in all over the place except RG so who is stealing who?

The Chicken one couldnt even make it to USO final to get thrashed by Fed in those glorious years.

Vamos Chicken!

Torres...... M loving ur comments these dayzzzz.............
truly said !!!!

hE iS bAcKy To No.1 (m lovin it)

Go Roger Go............

torres: "f4t, Rafa only get no.1 becoz Fed got mono"

And Roger is only Number One because Rafa is hurt

Nope he took no.1 from Andy Roddick and start a 237-weeks consecutive weeks of no.1 without Andy being hurt. No Rafa, no problem

And Rafa ended that 237 week stretch! fed only got it back cuz Rafa is hurt!

"No Rafa, no problem".....so right torres! But Rafa WILL be back and then all of fed's problems begin again!

Fed is no. 1 again, because he won the Wimbledon Open.. w/ or w/out rafa is out of the question..

yuckkkyyy....... Rafa was there in Madrid ..... Rafa was there in FO(looser lost in 4thround being 4 time champ)....... Rafa could have been there in Wimby...... If he had not lost all his exhos !!!!

He found himself incompetent (yup) .....he was aware that he won't cross even first round...then..Roger would have been too good for him...... so he kept himself away from Wimby ......yuccckkkyyy........

Well....... Roger .... Mr.Consistent ...... without injury ....... (with mono) continued his dream run at GS n other imp tourneys .. !!!!! 21 str8 semis.... 7th str8 finale .... wt more can I ask for.....this guy is a genius...his records r ..ridiculously insane .......

Finally....... I really don't care wt a fewwwwwwwwwww......... users at TT think..... I will go with Tennis gr8s ..... n masses around the world !!!!!

ooopppzzzeeeee........ human wants r unlimited...... m eying on 6th USO !!!!!

hE iS bAcKy HoMe........To No.1 (m lovin it)

Go Roger Go.........

And Roger is only Number One because Rafa is hurt

The TRUE No.1 will be back to watch the fake no.1 crumble as he's already done 13 times!

funny to consider to him as fake no. 1, having consistently done so for 237 weeks. injury is part of tennis.. it is not fed's fault if rafa is injured. being healthy and injured free is part of the game... that's how you see how good the player is. being able to manage to play consistently.. and it doesn't really matter anymore if fed can retain or not his no. 1 ranking anymore... the pressure is not with him anymore, he'd done so much already, established incredible records, and most importantly has gotten the greatest no. of GS.. so he's got nothing to prove... he's still playing tennis just for the love of it. whether he wins another slam or not doesnt affect his contributions to tennis anymore. the challenge is with nadal..if he can achieve more???

and like what i said, most of their encounters were on clay surface.. w/c rafa has more advantage.

Benito's latest on Rafa:

. ?He is not playing tennis. He only touched his racket the week before Wimbledon, for training and exhibition games,? Nadal?s spokesman Benito Perez-Barbadillo told the German Press Agency dpa.

Nadal is working hard and with great dedication to return to the tour, but he is also trying to relax an exhausted mind. That is why he plays golf whenever he can, that is why he recently spent two days aboard a yacht in the Mediterranean.

But his priority is to return to tennis - as soon as possible, but also avoiding a relapse in his knee injury.

?Rafa is in Manacor alongside his physiotherapist and his physical trainer, working intensely on his recovery. That recovery was pushed to try to make it to Wimbledon, but Rafa was not ready for it either physically or mentally, especially mentally,? Perez Barbadillo admitted.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2009/jul/06/roger-federer-greates t-rafael-nadal
great article about rafa!

Follow this link for great pictures of Rafa on board a yacht on the Med. He looks very relaxed, not al all bothered about losing the No 1 ranking, because he knows it's due to cirumstances beyond his control.

http://photo.wenn.com/index.php?action=quicksearch&ppid=90 488&version=int

Remove the space in 90488 for the link to work.

Rafa always said he loved to go fishing or be in a boat just relaxing on the water. So glad to see him doing something he enjoys so much! Shows he is recovering well mentally and physically! Also nice to see that smile back! Thanks alot carrie for that!!

Thanks carrie for the link, nice to know that Rafa is recovering well. Just a bit worried though, he might enjoy life outside tennis too much and will lose some of his determination to win.

I think (and this is just my personal opinion) is that Rafa enjoys life period. He has said so many times he knows he is very lucky to be able to make a living at what he loves to do and his passion is tennis. He makes the most of what little time off he has to do the other things he enjoys, fishing, golfing and hanging with friends and family. I think those things help him mentally refresh himself too and, as he puts it, "be with calm."

Go ahead then, "be with calm" Rafa. But when you are ready to come back, be like a raging bull that demolishes everything in its path.

phoenix, no need to worry, much as Rafa loves the good life, he must be aware that his success in tennis enables him to have a good life so I don't think he'll take his eye off the ball at all.

Nadal is the character best known and most appreciated by the Spaniard.

Spaniards Rafael Nadal come to like the character better known and more appreciated, according to a study by Media Personality, followed by actor Antonio Banderas. Third place is held by Pau Gasol, who has seen his image upload after completion of the ring of the NBA champion.

Also the successes of the Spanish football and Barcelona are reflected in the survey with the incursion of Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and his coach, Pep Guardiola, in fifth place. The list also highlights the Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, a regular of it, which stands at number 6.

In their replies the men and women agreed to elect Nadal at number 1, but in the second Gasol was the favorite of male and female of the Flags. The ranking of the men is composed mainly of athletes and appear for the first time players of Barcelona Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez. The list of women are mostly actors and actresses and improves the position of Pep Guardiola, at the fourth position.

From the Rafael Nadal official site: ( Q/A with Rafa)
_____________________________

Q) hola Rafa! Some say you'll never play tennis... i hope that's not true. please get well soon! i'm looking forward to see you at Montreal you're the best!!!! NO # 1.

RN) Many thanks. I will play again so thanks again for your note and support. Sometimes people simply talk too much.
_________________________________________

Heh! Someone is angry with people writing obituaries :)

Rafans, I hope we will have something to smile about at the end of 2009, let's keep our fingers crossed. I know it's looks bleak at the moment, but until we see Rafa play again, I feel a bit unsure about what's ahead.

carrie: why does future look "bleak"? Thought Rafaas definately returning to tour in August.

deuce, she said it was "bleak at the moment", not that the future was bleak. It is just hard to go so long without seeing him play. We all pray his recovery is going well, as all the reports from his team and his doc have been saying it is. I am excited to think that in less than a month, he will be playing again. I expect the first of those matches he plays for him to be rusty considering, but that's okay. His goal is winning the USO and he will be raring to go by then, and as we all hope, will show us the Rafa we all know!

deuce, I'm just a little frustrated at the moment, no I don't think the future is bleak, but until we see Rafa in action again, it's hard the gauge the situation.

Hey Gals, don't be sad, am sure Rafa will be back, rested and rejuvenated! Am quite down myself, was v. disappointed my Andy M did not beat Andy R at Wimbles. I have worries for future too, hope he can improve his game and win a slam soon.

Spare a thought for rafa


Siddhartha Mishra
First Published : 12 Jul 2009 10:05:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 12 Jul 2009 08:10:31 AM IST

Life can be cruel, inexplicably cruel. And so it has been for Rafael Nadal, former French Open champion, former Wimbledon champion and former world No 1. Till that afternoon on May 31, when a certain unheralded Swede answering to the name of Robin Soderling knocked the southpaw out of Roland Garros, thus terminating his 31-match unbeaten streak on clay, there was little to indicate that fate would so scorn the Spaniard as to bring him down to his knees ? and not just because of the insertion tendinitis from which he is currently recuperating. Nadal?s mid-season inj­ury-inflicted agony was an expected consequence considering the physicality of his all-action metho­ds on court. As expected is the imminent return of a raging bull primed by the ultra-fitness he dem­ands of himself. What will require a longer time to heal is the mental torture he is undergoing on ac­count of the divorce of his parents.

While reports of problems between Rafa?s parents ? Sebastian and Ana Maria ? had been in existence for more than two months, the couple re­cently confirmed news of the separation. To state the obvious, over the past few months, Rafa?s troubled mind has not been in any condition to meet the draining exertions required of professional te­nnis. Insiders in the Nadal camp have revealed that he is devastated by the turmoil in his family ? and has been so for an appreciable period of time. Images of a man putting on a brave face in pu­blic even as he cries in the privacy of his heart, fervently hoping for a reconciliation between his parents, are not what we see on TV screens. And yet Nadal has, silently and stoically, been playing a match against the harsh realities of life.

In that Nadal overcame Roger Federer in the gr­eatest of all Wimbledon men?s singles finals at around the same time last year before seizing the No 1 ranking from the Swiss maestro and inflicting on his great rival a loss so shattering in this year?s Australian Open title round that it reduced him to tears, few would have predicted this dramatic ch­ange in fortunes. At a time when the emotionally up­lifting drama of Federer?s resurgence is the sto­ry in tennis, six-time Grand-Slam winner Nadal is leading a life more ordinary away from the limelight: oral anti-inflammatory medication, physioth­erapy and progressive muscular exercises compri­se the highlights of his life even as certain medical experts express the apprehension that his knees co­uld possibly have suffered irreversible damage. Though insertion tendinitis is not necessarily car­eer-threatening, the condition is chronic in Nadal?s case and, in the context of his young age ? 23 years ? uncommon.

It is now apparent that the condition of Nadal?s knees had put his game under strain throughout the clay-court season. Nadal having managed to win titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome, do­dgy knees can never be offered as an excuse for his loss to Federer in the Madrid Masters final and defeat at the hands of Soderling in the fourth round of the French Open. Nonetheless, Nadal?s withdra­wal from Wimbledon as only the fourth Open Era champion not to defend his crown and the first since Goran Ivanisevic in 2002 indicates that, as and when he returns to the ATP Tour, he will need to plan his playing schedule as carefully as he does his on-co­urt strategy.

Nadal might well have been asking too much of his body for too long but it cannot be denied that Toni Nadal, his uncle and coach, should have exe­rcised more caution with regard to his participat­ion in tournaments. Earlier this season, Toni was quoted as saying that he hoped Rafa?s knees would hold up till Wimbledon ? clearly betraying a sense of doubt in his own words. Where the focus should unquestionably be on Grand Slam titles, as in Fed­erer?s case, many would insist that the injury-pro­ne Nadal?s participation in a tiring series of Maste­rs events is an avoidable necessity.

Could Federer have scripted the fairytale he did at Wimbledon had Nadal graced the hallowed courts of SW19? Such debate would be never-ending and inconclusive as is evident from Federer?s answer to the question: ?I?d love to play him; he?s my main rival. You never know how Rafa would ha­ve played, but it?s sad he couldn?t even give it a fair chance.? Indeed. Nadal lost his Wimbledon ti­t­le, and with it the top spot in the rankings, without being able to lift his racquet in self-defence.

While the Mallorcan is not available for Spain?s forthcoming Davis Cup tie, he is expected to resume training within a few weeks and participate in the Montreal Masters beginning on August 10.

The tennis world holds its breath. There is noth­i­­ng in the sport that so captures the imagination as Federer and Nadal going eyeball to eyeball ag­a­inst each other.

NICE one carrie!.....I'm really "holding" my breath 'till he comes back!!!

http://www.elperiodico.com/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=46&idioma=CAS&i dnoticia_PK=628960&idseccio_PK=1011
Rafa is ready to come Back!

alik, it's all in spanish, any chance of a translation to english?

thanks to Postmac..he/she gave me the link to http://translate.google.com..and that is what i have been using to translate Articles.
Now ,if someone can tell me how to post and article i would deeply appreciate it.
Once again thanks to Postmac for the link!

Official Site: http://www.rafaelnadal.com/nadal/en/news/article/this-tuesday-progress -of-rafas-injury

JULY 13 | 2009
THIS TUESDAY: RAFA'S INJURY ASSESMENT

July 13th, 2009

Tomorrow, Tuesday 14th of June, we will release a statement that will explain how Rafa?s injury is doing.

Furthermore, you will hear from the champion and his doctor explain in more detail the problem and its evolution.

to imjimmy
statement? he is going to Roger's cup right?why he needs to make a statement?

^^^I don't know but all this drama is just to much! All of rafa sites are jammed packed and crashing waiting to hear what he has to say.
I mean...all rafa had to say was that he would announce his report between such&such time..not have all of his fans waiting around all day to hear what he has to say.Just seems a little inconsiderate to me but......he is still the man... right now he is making me very upset.(just needed to vent sorry)

http://www.rafaelnadal.com/nadal/en/news/article/rafa-underwent-furthe r-tests-today-will-resume-practice-on-monday-and-will-play-montreal

Manacor, Balearic Islands - Spain, July 14th, 2009

Rafa Nadal underwent further medical tests today in Barcelona. He is slowly recovering from his injury and will resume practice next Monday July 20th. He will back in action in Montreal where he is defending champion.

Rafa travelled to Barcelona yesterday and underwent medical exams to see the evolution of the insertion tendinitis of both Quadricipitals Tendons through an MRI and radiography under the supervision of his doctor Angel Ruiz-Cotorro.

"The evolution of his injury is positive and the player will continue with his physiotherapy and muscular work and will resume his tennis activity in a progressive way starting next Monday July 20th, estimating his return to competition on August 8th at the Montreal event" says Angel Ruiz-Cotorro, Rafa's doctor.

Rafa will travel back today to Manacor to continue with his recovery plan and will resume his tennis practice next Monday.

Rafa Nadal: "I am happy with the way the tests went and of the positive evolution of the injury as the doctors are saying. I am really looking forward to practice again and to do again what I most like: to play tennis. The event in Montreal is important and I expect to be there fit to play. Until then I need to continue to work on my recovery and practice well."

I am a very happy bunny!!!!!!!!


VAMOS RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally!..Great news!

http://www.tennisweek.com/news/fullstory.sps?inewsid=6636251
very interesting article!

NO MORE TEARS!!! (J&J)---- RAFA IS BACK!.... NOw we'll get some good 'entertainment' back on court!

I cannot wait to see Mr. Nadal back in competition. And as it happens, I will BE in Montreal for the week, so you all will have a first-hand account of the goings-on.

cheryl, I hope you'll be reporting some good news.