I don't get the brouhaha. Or at least the negativity over this. As rightly pointed out, the publicity the tour as a whole has gained from 30 seconds of video is amazing. One Youtube, one of the many, many clips of this video teaser has over 900,000 hits. People are lapping this up. And honestly, it would come as no surprise to find out that the very people moaning and whinging about how Rafa has "sold out" or other such nonsense are the ones viewing it on repeat. Either that or they are teenage fangirls who have no appreciation for anything other than a perceived fantasy and how dare he go out and shatter their illusions?

I say good on him. He's entitled to use his free time as he wishes and if he gets to roll around with Shakira for a day, why the hell not?

I didn't understand it either AT. I thought Rafa took a page out of Novak's book, and tried to get the word out to people. Tennis isn't on the same level as other sports- yet- but it could be. To criticize/chastise him for his effort? Very wrong.

thank you for your comment. :)

nice peice of writing kelli, so differnt and colorful are your blog :) . anyway , for me it does not matter what rafa is doing in his off-days ,i just want him to return to full throttle come indian wells

Thank you vr- I appreciate that. :)

Seemed like there were two groups of people split down the middle of this debate- those who agree with you, and those who felt he had shattered his image. Nadal is going to be 24 now, and I don't see the harm in partaking in something more mature in nature.

I also don't see how people came to view the video, and future on-court success as being two mutually exclusive worlds. Lots of very successful athletes engage in off-court activities without a problem.

I don't understand why people can no longer separate public and private lives. Because someone is playing a role (steamy lover in a video) it doesn't mean there is any impact on private life (they are in love!). It's always been a bit of a problem with actor/role, but I blame the prominence of so-called reality TV for blurring the line even more.

I think a lot of the same people screaming, "that's not Rafa" are the ones who still think he's a virgin, makes no decision on his own and that Nike/Uncle Toni/Carlos Costa/Mum&Dad run his life. All of which, imho, is an insult to Rafa.

There we go- that's what I was waiting for, and the main reason I did this piece. Never mind what was said of Shakira- I'm sure she's heard the insults a million times before, and worse. But what people have said @ Rafa was a shock. Certainly doesn't appear as though they thought much of him in the first place.

I tried to publish more of what was said about him, but it didn't pass the Tennis Talk censors here. Sorry about that. ;)

Heh. Sadly, a lot of those people call themselves fans which is something that's always confused me. I don't think they realize how insulting their opinion is. I see him as a very strong-willed and stubborn person who most definitely has a mind (and body) of his own and who isn't afraid to use it.

Thanks for putting this up Kelli, I think I can say with absolutely no hesitation that I now have even more 'respect' for Rafa ... and Shakira is no dummy either.

i like the guy but this is stupid. expected you'd put down a defence for nakeditis tho. do you give ugly people credit or they gotta be like rafa going commando?

I never understood why people won't allow both sides to coexist. None of these means he is a cheater. None of this means he isn't focused on tennis. Wouldn't life for him become completely boring if ALL he did, all day long, 24/7, was just tennis? Seems to me that an athlete who lives a balanced life can succeed just fine.

Thank you for the comments. I talked to my editor in chief not too long ago...I told her that for some reason, I needed to know I wasn't alone in being shocked by the reaction of some who proposed to be his fans.

You are most welcome smr, and I thank you for taking the time to read it. :)

The ATP Tour needs help to grow, and that means publicity, $$$$, whatever. People want to keep it with clean edges and no ruffled feathers...that's just not how the universe works.

First of all, welcome back, Kelli! This is your first blog post since August last year (stalker much?) and I'm glad that you chose to come back with a really insightful and informative post.

Secondly, I agree whole-heartedly with what you've voiced. I personally do not understand the backlash - labelling Shakira as shameless and Rafa as a cheater. I mean, HELLO? Seriously? I really like when you compared them as actors in a role in a Hollywood movie, that is such a clear illustration of what THIS EXACTLY IS. Roleplay. Filming. It's no different from, I don't know, advertising a product, maybe?

What Rafa has done is purely a business contract, and if he can look so good while doing it, hey, it's a bonus. ;) Taboloid reporters and haters are quick to jump on his back with Tiger Woods-esque distinctions and rumours that are just ridiculously off the handle.

Rafa's injured, he has some time out, why not have some fun while recuperating and make some money and gain some recognition out of it? This might bring more attention to the sport that is tennis. Once "un-tennis" people run a research on "hot guy in Shakira's video", they will find out he is one of the most talented and accomplished players on tour, and hey, might just bring in new tennis fans. ;)

And I believe what Rafa and Xisca share a relationship that is mature enough to see this for what it really is - a filmed music video, nothing more.

Hello again spadea, nice to see you. Are you following me? I can't tell if you are calling the video stupid, or Rafa's choice to partake stupid.

I did not write this piece to defend nakedness, per se. I felt the need to defend Rafa's decision to participate in something more adult-themed. In case you have not seen the books, the ATP was in dire need of financial help. Yes, they now have Grupo Modelo, but they will continue to need more $$$$$$ for this season and many to come.

Nadal borrowed a page from Djokovic's book, and took a measured step to helping out the company. It's promotion for it. Promotion/pr/publicity- all good for putting a company in position to make more money.

I want more, don't you? Nothing wrong with that. Rafa is proud of it also- the screen caps are posted to his official Facebook.

Thank you jyannis, I was very proud to be asked to address this issue in a blog. This is a one-time only special request though, I have to tell you. You'll have to be satisfied with Ricky and Cheryl's offerings. I am glad you enjoyed the piece. :)

It made no sense to me WHY some people needed to absorb the video in a strict, literal fashion. As if whatever was happening on screen, would somehow translate into real life. I said before- if everyone involved in film, music, dance or anything else, subscribed to this.....not one person in a committed relationship would ever get a good's night's rest!

Someone on a board- I will not mention which- said that Rafa was probably going to turn into another Feliciano Lopez or Fernando Verdasco. That was unfathomable to me, but apparently, many shared that feeling. I still don't get it.

yes i am following you bc i think you are predjudice against ugly people. i meant both. rafa shouldn't do girly crap that makes fangirls squeel, hes a world champ & not a porn star poof like cron!!!

Rafa doesn't owe anyone an explanation. He's been continually portrayed as an imature small town boy who can't do anything unless his uncle tells him, now he's shown that he is a grown man, and capable to deal with any fall out with those close to him because of this music video.

If people are so fickle to turn away from him then perhaps they were not fans of the real Rafa but the one that the media had put in their minds. He is acting, this is 2010 not 1950, there are hundreds of this sort of videos going on in music, in fact female singers have to promote their sexuality to sell any records at all.

My only wish is that his tennis goes back to the level we have come to expect.

That is one of the dumbest things I've ever heard. How does one decide not to be a fan of him just because he is in a music video? He can do whatever he wants in his personal life. Shakira asked him to do it, and he was just doing a friend a favor.

All that matters is that he comes back strong this year. Tennis needs him.
Vamos.

yea like old bird susan boyle. i said fangirls have zero brain cells turned on

"That is one of the dumbest things I've ever heard. How does one decide not to be a fan of him just because he is in a music video?" - some of his "fans" still haven't gotten over his decision to wear sleeves.

It was a definite surprise, that's for sure. Some felt it was a betrayal, of sorts. I suppose that is a risk you run when going against your established image. Here is another one too long for posting-

Tennis players should only play tennis for me, doing some advertisements is also ok (but not cheap one). Doing these video clips put his image down (with no clothes on, looks like they are having sex in bed). I can never imagine Pete doing this.

The phrase "soft porn" has come up so many times, I couldn't hazard a guess.

federer wins oz & djoker got #2. rafa is rolling around in the sand with this argie chick. life is retarded right now!!

umm columbian

Not so sure I'd want to watch Pete in a music video ... ha ha

"This is a one-time only special request though, I have to tell you." Why? We love your blogs.

umm douche?

Lol, I suspect Pete might have trouble mastering any sort of choreography. Brilliant tennis player, but an artistic bent? Hmm...not so much.

Aww, how thoughtful, thank you. :)

We'll be launching Tennis Talk Magazine very soon, and I'll be responsible for the lion's share of the content there. You'll see the same kind of thing from me here, over there, but in a modified quick-burst format. Ricky and Cheryl will lend their talent there as well, but will keep both their formal blogs per usual.

As long as I brought it up- for any of you reading, we'll be taking submissions for the Tennis Talk Magazine very soon. Are you a creative type/freelancer/stream of consciousness-er? Want to be published? Submit your best work!

If you wish to contact me specifically, please do so at kelli@tennistalk.com.

p.s. Coverage will not be limited to the ATP, as we are set to include the fabulous ladies of the WTA as well. :)

wta sucks pipe hahahaha

Very exciting news!! Can't wait.

wow ! superb. this magazine stuff sounds awesome

Kelli, in all due respect, this article is needless! enough has been made this! where rafa is and what he is doing and who he is doing it with on his own time, is his own business! funny how when he's playing tennis, negative stuff is written, when he is not playing, people are still trying to produce a negative concoction! are we suppose to make something sleezy and cheap out of this to create another hot topic for discussion or to just tarnish rafa's reputation! one thing is for certain, rafa is doing of good job of keeping the media in business! he is one popular fellow!

Oops, it appears that somebody is off their meds.

I don't think those that criticize Rafa are all haters. I think some of them are disillusioned Rafa fans - those that view him as a home town boy, unsophisticated, sweet and innocent - and hold on to that image even though now that Rafa has grown up. I think they can't accept the fact that Rafa acted in a so-called 'soft porn' musical video, where in the past he felt uncomfortable even appearing sexy in photographs. It seems too drastic a change, maybe this come too soon, if he is now 25-26, maybe the reaction from some fans will be more positive.

In general, I think this has all to do with one's image. I think in the past, the Nadal camp has carefully carve out a sweet and humble boy image for Rafa, this time round they may be promoting him as a more mature and sexy young man. Whether this change of image will be successful or not no one can know for sure - in my opinion, they'll win some fans and they'll lose some. I think going down that road, ie changing his image now, is quite a risky thing to do, in view of his tennis career now seems at a critical stage (when I say critical it means even he himself couldn't say for sure that his knees will be able to hold up long enough for him to win more significant titles).

The most important thing for him to do now is to concentrate on his tennis career, if he fails big time in tennis, he'll have a lot to answer for. The ATP may be happy with this guy making news and helps in a way to promote the sports. However, when things fail, Rafa himself will be the one answering for his failures, not the ATP.

I wish him all the best in his tennis career. All his other extra curriculum activities are after all his own business. Fans have to learn not to be too possessive and recognize that he is human after all and will grow up, and he may no longer fit the bill of an angelic sweet and innocent boy. Fans also have to grow up!

That's all I've to say and will be the last time I'll comment on this topic. Bye all of you.

worked for brittany spears didn't it? but rafa's done. couldn't be clearer if he gave a presser to tell the world he's done.

amen, amen, carrie! you can't lose fans you never had! any fan who drops a player because of rumors surrounding a musical video was never a fan in the first place! this is just a subtle way of putting ideas in the minds of readers!

dunno about that. i was a fan cause i thought he was a real guy. this ballerina **** is gay. he's just as much of a poofter as fedmug is now. what i don't get is how uncle tony let it happen. he's getting lazy living fat off the land!!!

kelli,

I like the perspective you brought to all the brouhaha about the Rafa/Shakira video. It's much needed. I am on Rafa forums and can tell you that there is a similar split there. Some fans really are upset and disillusioned, as though Rafa has somehow burst their bubble. The "soft porn" comment has been posted on Rafa forums.

I am really shocked that so many seem to be reading way too much into what appears to be a harmless, fun video between two good friends. I like Rafa owning his hotness, if you will. I like the idea of Rafa growing up and making his own decisions. It's interesting that so many have taken this video in a literal sense. They want to read more into it than there really is.

I never even thought about the whole idea of generating more publicity and money for the sport of tennis. I am glad that Rafa managed to find some time to have a little enjoyment. This last year has been quite difficult for him, both personally and professionally. I just want to celebrate Rafa's declaration of independence. He is his own man and will do what he will do. Good for him!

There's an old saying - if you've got it, flaunt it! Well, this video certainly flaunts all of Rafa's considerable assets. I am fine with it, but what I want most of all is to see Rafa back on court playing the kind of tennis that only he can play. I miss him, but this video will suffice for now.

Nice job, kelli!

Thanks NNY - I agree with your comments. The filming lasted all of 1-1/2 days in Barcelona. Big explosion. It appears to me two friends got together for an adventure, to tell a story, a short movie. This is a side adventure I would think for Rafa - back to tennis, healthy, in about 2 weeks I hope. They are both sexy individuals and came together on 'film' for a song. Good for them. So much analyzing a video that no one, except those involved, have even seen.

Thank you NNY, I appreciate the support. I have seen that "soft-core" label repeatedly, just as you have. I don't think it's fair, especially if the theme of the video is a love story. We won't know until Friday, but I'll replace the teaser with the full video then. People can view it for themselves and make a decision.

After what he went through, I'd think fans would be more supportive of his decision to let off a little steam. From a business perspective, I think he did a good thing. The ATP was in serious trouble- Helfant couldn't get his calls answered. He needs to keep bringing the sport to a wider audience. Well, Nadal did his part, no?

I agree with you- the supposed romance thing is much ado about nothing. Shakira came out and said she cast Nadal because she "identified" with him. Hardly anything sinister about that.

Thank you for reading. :)

"Seems like he should be training for the French instead of trying to be a rockstar. I guess Fed will have another French for the list."I think any a true tennis fan would agree with you, here. Please lay off stunts like this, Rafa. ONE Ivanovic is more than enough.I'm sorry, Malakas, that's what she said. No problem with Musiclover's words. If that's what she thinks, it's ok. But she definitely doesn't like the idea. I don't agree with it. I told it before: it has to be taken as a promotional activity that doesn't require more investment than a commercial.

January 01, 2016

Rafa Vamos-ed by Xisca

Mallojca- Retired tennis great, Rafael 'Vamos' Nadal was hospitalized after a brawl in his luxurious home with wife and mother of his 4 kids, Xisca, He was reportedly hit by a tennis racket in the head after Xisca accidentaly read some raunchy messages in Rafa's e-mail, shakirafa@yahoo.com

It was learnt that the 8-time French Open champion forgot to logged off his account and left his email open for the world to read as he rushed off to fish at his man-made lake just behind his mansion.

The result of this incident is intense paparazzi hunt for the real story behind this brawl and 5 women has came out claiming that they were involved with Mr.Rafa in the past 5 years.

The 5 women are:-
Shakira the gypsy
Pornstar Tori Black
Japanese pornstar Maria Ozawa
Heidi Montag
Beyonce Knowles

Best fren, Roger Federer is said to be supportive of his fren, Rafa as he was when Tiger had his scandal in 2010.

-Reuters AP

So you think he has the right to do whatever he wants, am sorry I disagree!
He has fans because he is an athlete he landed on huge contracts of endorsements because he is a tennis player, and people like to see him in a certain way, the photo above doesn?t have anything to do with that image.
He has a private life , when his photos appear with his girlfriend smooshing at the beach, that is a private life, he can do that with anybody else and no body will notice or care ,but this video with him laying over a naked women, that is the kind of private life you are asking for? Well sir: he has a broad base of fans around the globe and that include children ,teenage, and respectable people and I don?t think that is the role model or respectable public figure that earned him the "market value" and made him even richer than his prizes money would make him!
You think this will do tennis some good and sponsorship for tennis, you should be ashamed of saying that, because tennis is not a sport that needs the best players of it to appear naked on screens to earn sponsorships, that is the silliest part of your piece here, with number 1 comes responsibilities and duties and luckily he is not number anymore or else the ambassador will be a naked dancer.
Am disappointed for me Rafa was the guy who is professional fighter and never surrender athlete . this is totally ruin the image, now he is just another Kornikova her excuse was lame boyfriend and lack of major prizes what could be possibly his?

making up for the early exit at AO? i hope not!

Don't :bigcry: girls :hug: Yes I know it stinks - but at least it will stop idiots hater insinuating that the draw was fixed in anyway to favour Novak or any of the Serb players...... and we all ...

But Raquel - didn't you know that having money, mixing with "C" list celebrities and sleeping around made you a "somebody", whilst being a Doctor, an academic or working with abused kids did not? I'm shocked that you should be so ignorant

Let's call a spade a spade. The video is steamy. Very steamy. The speculation, while mostly wild, is understandable. I don't think anybody can watch that video teaser and not see the chemistry between them. And I'm not entirely convinced this was simply a business venture or just a favor from a friend to a friend. That may be part of it but perhaps not the entire story. But here's the thing, Rafa is not some naive schoolboy who had no idea what he was getting into. He did this with his eyes wide open. And quite frankly he doesn't owe anybody an explanation forwhat he chooses to do with his time. If he wants to chuck it all in today and not bother about tennis, that's his perogative. But he's not doing that. He's back on the practice court and trying to get healthy enough for his next tournament. So what on earth is the problem?

The people who are feeling betrayed or let down or whatever need to get out more. It's easy to idolise someone from an armchair somewhere far away but when the fantasy comes crashing down, it's not the person's problem. People just need to grow up, deal with it and let the man live his life the way he sees fit.

"Lisa, she tries to pass herself off as a 'social commenator,' when we all are very well aware that she's nothing but a groupie **** who knows a few big words, and a lot of manipulative techniques. Incidentally, she ****** Monaco in Miami. She thinks nobody knows that, but I was there. 'I've never done one," my eye!"

tennislover, it depends on what you see when you are looking at the video! if you are looking for something hideous, i'm sure you will find it! are you worried about rafa's image or are you feeling disappointed that nadal is not sitting at home crying over the #1 ranking or roger's awards or are you unhappy because roger was not asked to be in a video! grow up, the guy doesn't eat, drink, and sleep tennis! get over it! rafa will never please people like you no matter what he does! you're always looking to create a mountain! if rafa is wearing mask, i'm sure it will reveal itself in time!

i know what you are refering to: that am Roger fan not allowed to comment on Nadal's acts.i was talking about the tennis sport and Nadal as one of the best now in that regards and specialy that he has the chance to back to number 1.
i wasnt looking for anything i just saw the photo up and i was chocked i donot expect him to be a saint as i said he had some stuff on the web but they all personal but this video isnt personal.
he did impress me when he won the titles and fought on the court but that video was designed to impress some category of people i dont fall under,people that like cheesy stuff and tabloid material, he was Brittney Spears of the tennis for the last two weeks wether you like it or not.and tennis is no arena for Britney Spears
remember Sport is bigger than one person that is why his acts will be forgetten with his status as well

i dont see the big deal ...he made a video ...he made some money ....he made a friend ....if this screws up his personal life then its of his own doing ...at the end of the day its all him and has nothing to do with tennis as a whole ....unless i missed a tennis ball in the video ?
anyways ...this video will not make him play any worse or any better ...i think its a non issue to the world and the ATP ...however , if his fans have an issue with it ..well...thats just too damn bad .

C'MON !!

Rafa only has a girfriend, they could split up as easily as Murray split up with his, even though they were living together. At the moment he is not tied to anyone in a legal sence so either of them could walk away from the relationship anytime, so I wish people would stop using this as another stick to bet him with.

I do feel that Shakira may have an ulterior motive and is out to get him. She is making a statement to the world about what she wants, and perhaps telling the gf she is on the prowl. He is a very attractive man, he is 23 years old, people talk about his relationship with Xisca as if they are a middle aged married couple.

On the fan forums I've been on, everyone cannot wait to see the whole thing on Friday, so not all his fans are disgusted with him. Many of them are pleased to see Rafa in a light they would never have imagined.

Kelli, I read your blog hastily last night before I went to bed and thought things were more dire, but I feel so much better now having read it again calmly, and seen that you've actually put a positive side to it which makes me feel much better about the whole thing. Thanks a lot.

The only thing that matters is that Rafa concentrates on his day job, and if he holds that end up, everything regarding this will pale into insignificance then.

As for you torres, words fail me.

As for Fedfans, they always thought that Rafa was a loser anyway, so in their minds he has nothing to lose by starring in this video.

i geninely do not get why there has been a big deal made out of this. if rafa was having an affair with shakira, he wouldn't be stupid enough to star in a video with her. as joey from "friends" said (ssshhh... he made a good point for once :P) when there's chemistry on stage, there's nothing to worry about. it's when it's gone that you have to worry

i don't get the hatred aimed towards shakira either on some sites. yeah, i may have said "i hate shakira :P" but that's only coz i'm jealous of her. who wouldn't be when she gets to roll around with rafa? haha. i was a fan before, but this has actually made me even more of a fan. unlike kelli, when i can't sleep, i don't go on the internet. i go and channel surf through the music channels. that will be even more fun knowing i could stumble across shirtless rafa at some stage

also, i think, in a way, it's kinda good for the sport. it gives rafa some exposure (pardon the pun) at the very least, and may encourage people to tune in when it's on the telly. even if it is just to look at rafa some more... :P :D

CONTROVERSIES like this is making RAFA an even BIGGER superstar! Those who're crticizing him are obviously FANS of other players or pretending to be Rafans but actually supporting other players.
The video is DONE, so what's the use of CRYING over something that can't be UNDONE. YOU can't make a puppet out of Rafa.... he's got a life (in & out of tennis)...... GET a life,too!

carrie, it's just a spoof.

Anyway, I thought the video was raunchy. But i see no problem with it.

Now we have a poster boy for tennis. There will be more more fans. Good. More people to debate with in the future.

More on Rafa & Shakira

.....................Shakira hopes to get her GED sometime in the summer and then go on and eventually get a teaching degree in advanced European botany.

When asked how her relationship with Rafael is going, she suddenly starts to stutter, her hands start trembling, and she says that she has to go to the restroom to 'make' number one.

She soon returns and says that Rafael is a man who can make her laugh at the drop of a hat, or in her case a sombrero.

She smiles and says that she has never known a man who knew more knock-knock jokes, mother-in-law jokes, or chi-chi jokes than "Nads" as she affectionately refers to Nadal.


http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s4i69556


torres, I knoe it's a spoof, nevertheless, I didn't think it's unfair to suggest that Rafa's situation is synomymous with Tiger's.

Sorry, the above is a spoof!

LOL.. am not suggesting anything... I hope Xisca is a strong gurl tho coz the video is HOT HOT HOT....

If i was a gurl, i'd be fuming watching my bf in that kind of vid

i loved the last line torres
Best fren, Roger Federer is said to be supportive of his fren, Rafa as he was when Tiger had his scandal in 2010.

dont get upset carrie i only comment at the part that includes Federer!that is so like him couldnt help it!
lets hope he made the raquet do the dance in couple weeks,peace!
(out of the record torres: dont you feel even more previlaged to by a federer fan now, i knew i didnt adore the top spin for a good reason!)

OK tennislover, I accept your point. Actually, I don't think many Fedfans have been beastly to Rafa over this, and I would hate to turn this thread into another battle ground for fans of the two players.

Thinking more about the whole saga, it's obvious that the whole thing was choreographed and produced. Even in the still, it is so perfectly symetrical and orderly that it is obvious it is not spontaneous. I am sure Shakira had a lot to do with the content, and Rafa having already contracted to do video, couldn't turn around mid filming and say, I'm sorry I don't think I can do this, let's just do it this way instead.

Shakira, I'm sure manipulated the whole thing, in fact the lyrics have preciously little to do with the video, it was just an excuse for her to trap Rafa in a relationship with her, and he is only human. She is an atractive woman, and maybe he won't be able to resist the temptation.

Watch this space.

I don't know about that, Carrie...Raf doesn't really look trapped to me. :)

I think what people are really uncomfortable with is the fact that he's shedding his naive, small-town boy image.

And whether people want to admit it or not, the publicity is GOOD for tennis. Rafa and Shakira made CNN for crying out loud.

The more naive they are, the easier they get tempted.

Lesson of life

LOL.. Shakira trapped Rafa.. That made my day...

There are hundreds of Music Videos that are not made according to the lyrics anyway.

If tennis benefits from it , and Rafa doesn't take his eye of the ball in his day job, then there is nothing to worry about.

The media made Rafa look like an angel along with his family situation. They never tired of telling us how the whole generation of Nadals live in one block of flats, how his Mum still makes him tidy his room and how he's been with his gf from high school etc. etc., but the split up of his parents began to chip away from the totally wholesome perfect life Rafa was supposed to have.

I've been thinking in the last few years that he needs to grow up move out, and find out about the ups and downs of life, it seems like it's happening now, and it can only be a good thing. I couldn't work out how a 23 millionaire would want to live in a room in his parent's house. A couple of years age, he was asked where he kept his trophies, and he said in his room, pleasssssse! It may also do him good to get a new coach, what more can Uncle Toni teach him.

Everyone will be anxious to see him for the first time after his famous video, I know I am. The still above is on his facebook, so as you say Cheryl, maybe he was happy to do it, and is not ashamed of it.

Hi Kelli, just wanted to watch the video again. :)

I'm personally glad Rafa listened to Nikolay's advice and enjoyed life outside tennis courts for a change! Just watch out for those knees, spanish girls could be quite demanding!!

DUH! Umpire- Rafa has been to so many DIFFERENT "things" outside of tennis BEFORE even Kolia lose his hair!

carrie, i dont think Rafa needs to 'grow up, move out'.

Nor does he need a new coach. Rafa is at his best playing under Toni and playing that body-destroying style.

I cant see him suddenly morph into an 'economical' player and be as deadly as he was.

Just cant see him playing like Roger. He tried that at the end of last year and turned into minced meat.

Maybe he can change, but I dunno how good he can be with a different style.

tennislover, i suggest you take your own advice and know that the sport is bigger than any one person, and i'm sure if nadal decides to start a career specializing in musical videos, there are enough players left on tour to entertain you and others! dont' get too uptight! it's only a video; he hasn't committed a crime yet!

"Shakira, I'm sure manipulated the whole thing, in fact the lyrics have preciously little to do with the video, it was just an excuse for her to trap Rafa in a relationship with her, and he is only human. She is an atractive woman, and maybe he won't be able to resist the temptation."


Are you serious? The LAST thing Rafa looks in that video is trapped. It's easy to blame it all on Shakira but HE'S the one on top of her! Dare I say it, he looks like he's having a great time if that bts clip is any indication. All that giggling and blushing, pfft, trapped my behind!

Let's cut the guy some slack shall we? He took a day off from practice and recuperation and filmed a music vid with a beautiful, desirable woman. That really is that. Although it wouldn't surprise me if the palpable attraction between them spills over into real life at some point, that's for them and them alone to figure out. It 's hardly going to affect his tennis, if anything it might invigorate him. Everyone should just chill out and watch the beautiful people be beautiful!

Although it wouldn't surprise me if the palpable attraction between them spills over into real life

Zooni , 2/25/10 6:40 PM

That's exactly what I meant, that asking him to do the video was a way to trap him into getting close to her in that way, hoping it would spill into real life.

But as you say it's their business, no one here is minding their business, and as I've pointed out before, it's not as if Rafa is married, it's up to him who he wants to be with.

I'm here in sunny California, and I'm late to the discussion, lol. Thank you all for weighing in, wherever you stand on this. :)

You are most welcome, carrie. I wanted to give an opinion, without putting too much bias in from my own experience. I didn't think this was dire at all. All I saw was a guy in a music video- and by the looks of it, a fairly tame one- just playing a character. Make believe. Dress up, even. When most people conduct illicit affairs, they hide and sneak and lie...they don't give people a breadcrumb trail to their hotel room, so to speak. It made no sense.

smr- lol, I understand. The full-length video will replace the teaser as soon as we have it.

I have to agree with Cheryl, who said it's a balk at the notion of shedding an image. Nadal made his name as a teenager, selling the wholesome boy from a good family/small island thing....which may have been true at the time- could still very well be true now. Thing is, he's closing in on 24. Were/are you the same person at 17/18 that you were/are at almost 24?

I'd like to think that both people involved have strong enough relationships, where they wouldn't be threatened by something like this. If you have to keep your partner on a short leash, and live in constant fear of them straying, you're already in trouble.

When most people conduct illicit affairs, they hide and sneak and lie...they don't give people a breadcrumb trail to their hotel room, so to speak. It made no sense.

True Kelli. Except of course if things get started AFTERWARDS. Like they say, the pathway to hell is paved with good intentions. I think we all knew the status quo pre-video. Post-video is a little more cloudy methinks.

Anyway not to belabor the point. Looking forward to the full video tomorrow.

I just feel that Shakira has her plans, just my opinion.

You might be onto something afterall Carrie :) Apparently the full video has aired in Italy and there's hot kissing going on. Wowsers!

Can't wait.

Zooni, if you have a link to that story, please post it. I did a cursory search for it and came up empty. Thank you. :)

Shakira talks about the video:

http://www.news-et-actualite.com/video-interview-shakira-raf ael-nadal-nouveau-single-gipsy/

Sorry Kelli, just saw some screencaps on a Shakira fansite. :( Not sure if I can poach them and bring them here. I'm sure it's only a matter of hours before the video itself spreads like wildfire.

I have to say, just from the additional screencaptures I've seen, when Rafa goes all out, he goes all out! Damn! There's no way someone can tell me he didn't know exactly what he was/is doing.

screenshot: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=993168&id=1087777243

i don't like it. haha

not sure if that link works. here you go: http://de.tinypic.com/view.php?pic=502wcw&s=6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dPUcWjCMYY - there's the whole video

ooh... it's been removed :(

There are still pictures of the kissing on VB.

I don't know what all the fuss is about, Nadal is a global tennis sensation, he oozes both sex appeal and good looks and probably the best proportioned physique out there, coupled with a great smile, its normal that he would get this kind of attention! and I am glad that he is maturing and taking his own decisions, its just a video.. Nadal has always been a firey passionate man, he shows this on the court and even if he is shy off it he still has that swagger and cheekiness that isn't all innoccent, just bring home some trophies Rafa and shut them all up Pleeeeeeeeaase, Vamos no matter what! from a true Rafa fan.

"I see I have YET to see a post complimenting any womans figure/physical qualities coming from you... Perhaps you should enlighten all of us by posting a picture of yourself if you find yourself so much more attractive then all the previous women mentioned?

"I am loving how the Plastic Princess has been scurrying around doing damage control all evening long. There is nothing she can do about it, I was there and I saw her and her blonde friend. PP disappeared with Monaco at the Marriott or the Mayfair? ...and did the dreaded walk of shame the next morning. Let her deny all she wants, but we in those in the know, know the truth."

demario do you think rick is sexy like rafa? i will wait all night for you to answer!!

Ha ha ... Kelli thanks, the video is really quite sweet. They both seemed to be having lots of fun shooting this bit. I thought the build up to the release was brilliant and hope it only has more sucess.

wow what a terrible video it made no sense at all!

i agree with you all of a sudden, carrie. she clearly has the hots for him!

spadea, you are taking up valuable space!

torres, you are now posting 100% rubbish instead of 98% rubbish. a new year's resolution..??

who cares about the bloody video. when can we see him back on court?? sorry kelli, nothing personal

No homos, i wont challenge ur record of 100% rubbish posts. Dont worry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4r6RWYzyuE&annotation_id=annotatio n_244927&feature=iv

Here's the vid... Need to watch it fast b4 it gets removed...

homos,

What's wrong? You seem upset. Don't tell me you are letting torres get to you. It's like having a thorn in your side or a splinter in your foot. It's painful, but you it goes away once you get it out.

It's true that we have a lunatic that is littering up this thread with gibberish. But since this person is making no sense whatsoever, much better to ignore it.

Don't worry! Rafa will be back before we know it. This video is a nice diversion to keep us occupied, but nothing will be as good as seeing him back on court once more. Hang in there! :)

Thanks torres for the link. Just watched it, It's very very good, Rafa is a good actor, he put all his heart into it. Now I feel that the song was written for him, she wants him to come on a ride with her, but not for anything permanent, because she is a gypsy.

I stick to my theory that there is more to it than meets the eye, I'll wait to see how things develop.

I am more a fan of Rafa's now than ever before, if that's possible, after seeing that performance.

Vamos

"Good for tennis" is that in the sense that there's no such thing as "bad publicity"?

deuce,
there is nothing bad about the video, when you see the whole thing it's not at all bad, it's what most music videos are like, and Rafa played his part very very well, it shows that he is a rounded person, not just a tennis machine. I have to admit that I thought the full video would be an embarassment, and thought it would damage his reputation, but now I am pleased that he did it.

I think he'll gain more fans through it, and when his game kicks of again, it will elevate his profile no end.

The video is on his facebook, so he has nothing to hide.

I'm new to this blog, but I just had to comment. I love Rafa, I've only really been watching him play since the US open and I must admit that it's always a bit of a let down when he's not playing. I hope I haven't caught him at the tail end of his career because I haven't seen him win a trophy yet. I hope he does soon.

My thoughts on this video are that it's not porn or anything like that but I think it's cheesy. I just cringe when I watch it. But that's just me. Don't get me wrong I love seeing him shirtless and all but preferably on the tennis court.

Anyway I hope he comes back OK at Indian Wells and I'm counting down the days till I can watch him play again.

Corr
when his game kicks OFF again, it will elevate his profile no end.

I've filmed the video with my camera so that I can watch it on the big screen on the television.

This video is funny. Nadal is cracking up a bunch of times . Nadal is just too goofy to do this sort of thing. He couldn't do a serious role if his life depended on it. LOL!

Anyway Much ado about nothing. I doubt Nadal sacrificed any of his practice time to shoot this video. Plus he's obviously compensated very well (to say the least) for this activity.

All that, and the fact that Shakira is one hot woman. Who could resist? Good for Nadal - I say! He's getting some more fans and $$ when his tennis hasn't exactly helped him do so in the past few months.

Before I forget, thanks for the piece Kelley. Well written, I must say..

carrie: fans of Raf are never gonna agree on this one. Those, like me, think it's tacky and are sorry for his long term girlfriend and those, like you, think it's perfectly OK. I just really, really hope he comes back strong for the clay court season.

Wow, Rafa is beautiful and so hot! Great acting, he seemed to be having a lot of fun...we have to give him credit for being able to perform outstandingly and, hey, just think of the publicity over this video! Even his win over Fed at Wimby did not get this much attention! Anyway, I do not think he deserves to be judged and accused of anything over this. He did great job, showed the world that he has more talents than anyone would think of and if that creates different reactions and emotions of his so-called fans: well, it is all part of the game! I think Shakira has never had this much success in launching a video and they both should consider this exercise as lucrative business indeed...now, if those characterized as Rafa?s ?selfish& possessive fans? can not live with this let them suffer a bit...they will get over it once he wins his next trophy...Vamos!!!!

deuce,
basically he is acting in a video, OK it's of the nature it is, but the way I see it, it's not up to me to worry about his gf, because he is the only person who can make those decisions, I cannot condemn anyone about their personal relationships, not even my own children. He may be devoted to her or he may not, none of us knows, she is an intelligent girl, and she will work it out for herself where she stands. Whatever I think will not make any difference to how they feel about each other.

They are both young, and there is an awful lot of difference between their relationship and being married, so (1) it's probably just a harmless video, (2) if there is more to it, then who am I to tell Rafa how to feel emotionally about any one, or how not to upset his gf, he knows her better than anyone, he decided to do the video, he knows what he wants, and I'm sure he has thought of the fall-out. Aside from the video, it's up to both of them how they conduct their relationship, it's not up to anyone else.

I think the video will only enhance Rafa's popularity, it can't do any harm.

Great article, I love the fact that Rafa is getting into more off-court publicity work. He is one awesome tennis player and attractive young man. People who read "romance" into a music video leave me scratching my head - don't they know that these are tiny movies and nothing more? Something to create an atmosphere for the song.
It brings more people to tennis I bet and that is a good thing. The tennis players work very hard to earn their money - they don't get juicy annual contracts just to appear on a court (football, basketball, hockey, soccer....) they earn money when they play tournaments and big bucks only when they win. Endorsements come when their talent and ability to draw people.
I say Vamos Rafa and if there is a movie in your future I'm buying a ticket! You are the best!

If nothing else, this shows that tennis players are not one dimensional; I don't think the small town boy image did Rafa any favours, it's not what made me like him, and if I should find out now that Rafa was definitely cheating on his girlfriend, it wouldn't make one iota of difference to how I feel about him as a tennis player. After all, when we look at Hollywood stars, people don't stop going to see their films because they cheated on their partners, and one notable footballer who definitely cheated on his equally famous wife, is still the most popular footballer on the planet.

I am not suggesting that Rafa is cheating all I'm saying is that what he does in his relatonships is between him and those close to him, nothing to do with the wider world, certainly nothing to do with me.

I think more younger people will probably start taking more interest in tennis, because it will move away from the fuddy duddy image.

hey native, thanks. not to worry, i threw the piece of torn in the garbage long ago :) was only bemused by a dumb statement but what's new! i'm just restless waiting for rafa to return to court. not intereted in the video but others are free to enjoy. it's no different to other music videos me thinks. i'm a fan of his tennis so i'll just wait to see that.

ok now i have some objections , rafa locking lips with shakira in the full video didnt seem right to me, poor xisca , but once again it was all business and nothing personal . all i want is rafa getting back to FULL THROTTLE come indian wells !

IMO the best response to all those I-dont-like-shakira-rafa-interaction ramblings was provided MAC from vamosbrigade:
"St Rafael of Manacor would like to apologise to his many fans who are shocked and offended by his appearance in a music video. He understands that his recent lack of success on the tennis court can be squarely attributed to this deviant behaviour. To ward off any more vengeance from God he is currently practising hard in a hair shirt."

This will only bring more Nadal fangirls here ;-(

ha, ha...thanks hen..this is just the best so far..."St Rafael"...hilarious...

This will only bring more Nadal fangirls here ;-(

chr18 , 2/26/10 2:30 PM


That can't be a bad thing, can it???

Vamos

All this talk about the video affecting his tennis is just bizarre. How on earth do people figure that? Once he's properly healed up (and not rushed back) he'll be back to his game and he'll be absolutely fine. Rafa was approaching burn-out and his body just refused to give any more, hence the injuries. He's had some time out, refreshed, new perspective and his knees will hopefully be all healed up.

And for all those saying his career is over because he's been out so long, are people forgetting a certain Andre Agassi coming from world number God knows what back to world number one? And Nadal is STILL number three after being out for so long. That should say something about what this guy can achieve when he's fully recuperated.

And another thing, why are people feeling sorry for the girlfriend? This moral policing of other people's relationships is quite strange. None of really truly know what is going on in that arena.

how the hell all of u supporting nadal ..

shame on rafa..

if xisca did the same thing.. ..will u agree??

i thought he is just like federer .... who is very much in love with his sweetheart.

if nadal isn't able to control his emotions..and go on doing these cheap videos..

how the hell ,he will be a role model.

how the hell, he can again talk to xisca by doing this cheap video....

does federer done anything like that ????

Kelli

I respect your opinion, but disagree. Although I believe Nadal can do whatever he wants and I realy don´t think it´s nothing wrong with it, I don´t believe this attitude may be pointed as something that will help TENNIS, the SPORT. Showbizz, movie stars and tennis players and different things. Having been following tennis since I was a girl in the 80´s, I love TENNIS LEGENDS such as Edberg, Sampras and Federer. I respect Nadal as a great player that he is but the fact he is in a video can´t be seen as a something that adds to his image as a sportsman. Legends of the sport and tennis icons are the ones who make me thrill when they hit an inside out forehand or the ones who make people choose this great sport as their job or hobby. I am not saying Nadal is not capable of this, but certainly being in a video is not part of a tennis player image. But he can do whatever he wants, for sure.

Homos is clearly affected by my jokes.

Owhh well, some people are ultra-sensitive. What to do?

By the way, the video sucks.

You can see the video on MTV (for your own country).

Yeah, the video sucks.

Oh, I am missing Roger Federer! This AO was a treat for real tennis fans. Tennis is desert island when Roger misses a tournament.

Zooni: hello...it's called empathy, look it up...

*Sigh* We had the video, but due to Sony Music being in a snit over a copyright issue, they will not allow us to keep it here. My apologies.

I wish I could say I was a fan of the video, but it didn't work for me. To carry off a story like the one portrayed in Gyspy, it requires an emotional commitment. Nadal and Shakira both looked lovely, but I didn't believe the chemistry, nor the story. He tends to break the 4th wall a lot- that's an acting term- and the tendency to do so is always a flow killer. Oh well, an "A" for effort anyway.

Thank you all for giving your critique of it, I appreciate the time you've taken to give an opinion. :)

Copyright issues are always annoying.

Yes, i agree Kelli - I couldn't put my finger on what it was about the video that didn't seem right and you put it perfectly. Rafa switches from a bemused expression to a blase expression throughout the video. Poor Shakira tried her best to make it sexy but IMO its hilarious!

Someone sugested on another site that if Rafa could pair up with Shakira, then Murray should pair up with Sue Bo over an Irn Bru.

Kelli, I'm not a film critic, but I would certainly give Rafa an oscar for his performance, and Shakira as best supporting actor, or should it be the other way round. How much more chemistry do you want, to show any more chemistry would be well..................too much for a music video.

Yeah they do have chemistry allright, and that take when he wipes the sweat off his chin while she is dancing infront of him is a dead giveaway, ooh Rafa!!! love this vid, he shows how much sex appeal (as if we didn't know) he can bring to anything. *fans self* He is very hot, now Rafa bring your hottness and passion back to your tennis? please....!

Somehow I don't think the song and the video goes. The song's melody and tune is bordering on being a little folksy and lighthearted and the video, despite some truly cute grins by Rafa, is not. Also I don't like the song. >.< So because of that, the whole video does not sit well with me. Am a little disappointed.

BUT. Rafa looked AMAZING. Positively smoldering.

There's no hard and fast rule to say what a sports person SHOULD do or SHOULD NOT do, with the exclusion of doping and cheating (not Tiger Woods like cheating). If Rafa had fun filming this, good for him. Certainly this will bring more attention to tennis. Try as I might, I fail to see the negatives (according to some) outweighing the positives.

There's not too much positives from this, either.

I think the Video is sweet and funny and steamy ...can't wait for it to be played courtside. The spies in Spain say that all's well in the Rafa / Xisca camp for those of you who seem to be skeptical. I find it past hilarity that some of you are.

aahh smr but they all will say that...clintons, etc. until we hear otherwise. you don't really know what goes on in a camp. but it doesn't bother me what he does in his time, video or whatever as long as be brings his best tennis back. i just wouldn't want to see another headlines on his personal life (like his parents) about him and xisca and that distracting him - that's all i care about. call me tennis selfish.

carrie,

Oh my goodness! You and I are "Rafa fangirls", I guess. So chr18 is worried that there will be more of us here. Well, all I can say is, the more the merrier! :)

I see that torres doesn't like it. Gosh darn, that just wrecked my day! I bet Rafa will lose sleep over it! LOL!

Any fool with a milliliter of art sense in his blood can see that the video sucks. Not because Rafa's in it but it's just so awful.

Just lovers caressing each other in a desert,
No storyline.

Not Oscar but Razzies is what they'll get.

At first I thought that the video and the song didn't actually gel, but I think the point is that the singer is trying to seduce the man to come on a ride with her, but not for a permanent relationship, because never made agreements, because she's a gypsy.

People who watch music videos say they never really have anything to do with the song, so nothing new here. I don't watch them, so can't comment on that, but I think the message in Gypsy is a subtle one.

I would say that of all the message boards I've read, only a handful have condemned Rafa to taking part in it. I can't wait to hear the new line of drivel from the commentators next time Rafa steps on court, because they'll have to change their tune now, and stop presentating him as an immature one dimentional innocent small town boy. And about time too.

If anyone doesn't like me being an ardent Rafan, and not a Fedfan, too bad.

NNY, I find being called a fangirl very endearing, don't you?

Vamos

Why are female fans of Roger's not fangirls, but they 'just love good tennis', is it because they don't particularly like Roger as a person, but simply like what he's achieved?

I can fully understand this.


Vamos Rafa!

I loved the video. I'm not an art or film critic, but I thought Rafa did his part and looked pretty spectacular doing it. I guess I'm a fan girl because my jaw slackens and my tongue lolls every time I see him on or off the court. One of the things I like most about Rafa is his willingness to take risks. I think putting it all out there on the court went a long way toward making him a champion. So why should he stop now?
He needs to trust his gut and go for what he feels is right. Naysayers look only for the safe scenarios, but the reality is nothing ventured, nothing gained. Rafa WILL conduct his own train and whether or not we go along for the ride will totally be up to our level of commitment as a fan.

Thank you, Maya.

I am a fanboy of Ana ivanovic

I'm an unapologetic Rafa "fangirl". So what? Doesn't mean I don't appreciate his tennis or anyone else's for that matter. I've been following tennis since the days of Michael Chang, Tomas Muster and Kafelnikov. Oh dear, did I just age myself?

Anyway Rafa is amongst the best there is right now. And has the potential to be even greater. A starring (and hot!) role in a steamy video is not going to change that. At the very least, he had what looked like a helluva lot of fun. :wink:

Zooni, you are in danger of being called a middle aged nutter!! I've already been called that.

http://www.wptv.com/content/wptvsportsheadlines/story/lindsay-davenpor t-tennis-french-open-wptv-paige/ohdiQ8rKNkW-d9FwFHRa2Q.cspx some nice words for rafa from davenport :)

http://www.ohlalamag.com/en/2010/02/rafael-nadal-in-shakiras-new-music -video-gypsy-.html

Rafa on his new video w/ Shakira: "It has been a great experience and I had a lot of fun doing it. I had some time in between tournaments and preparation and could not miss this opportunity,? commented Rafael Nadal of his role in the video. ?Shakira, as always, was spectacular. Working with a woman as charming as her, well, it makes it a lot easier to tell the truth. It was great, very easy, she?s really sweet and that always makes the hours go by faster." ;))

And torres if you are a fanboy of Ana Ivanovic, take a look at her latest initiative for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue! She looks absolutely stunning and you are gona love it...should she be ashamed of taking part in this? Should her fans, including you, be concerned? :))

Err.... i am not the type of fanboy that really cares what Ana is doing on court or support her to win...

I just like her as a beautiful girl...

As a Rafangirl, I dont think u should be ashamed of what Rafa has done. It's Hollywood. But his image has change from a naive teenager to a full-blooded grown-up man so I think u should just accept it.

torres, i'm confused! some of you fedfans need to explain to me what exactly are you whining about now? isn't this what you fedfans wanted for nadal to turn his attention away from tennis, so that the mighty roger can just show up at tournaments and pick up the trophies! you can't have it both ways! you're whining when nadal is playing and you are whining when he's doing something else. roger is the man of the tour now, so why waste your time on rafa nadal! although i do enjoy your input! i would love to see some articles on roger federer and what's it like to be perfect, have the perfect family, and live the perfect life. i think that topic would generate some great discussion! good for you rafa, way to go; fedfans are tripping on how you have thrown them off balance!

btw, special thanks to torres and other fedfans for helping to make rafa the most popular player in tennis. i read recently that he is the most and popular and his popularity is skyrocketing! great job guys! i love it!

I dont think i whined anything.

Rafa in a POP video is a big thing dont u think.

So we are buzzing about it as you would in Fed's blog.

torres, i bet you stayed up all night watching that video and pictures of the gorgeous rafa nadal! you haven't slept since it came out! anytime, a fan has to spend so much time trying to convince others that something is sleezy, it tells me that that fan really like what he see! come on you can tell me, the photo has you hypnotized, doesn't it! get some sleep, the picture will there tomorrow! i know you miss rafa, i do too! he'll be back soon or maybe he won't since he loving his time off!

no answer. demario monaco quit in mehico yesterday and i wanna know how you are mixed up innit. what did you do to him? don't answer and YOU CAN CALL ME DAFFY! CALL ME YFFAD THEN. no call me daffy!

Zooni, you are in danger of being called a middle aged nutter!! I've already been called that

LOL Carrie, you and me it is then! :)

Good interview with Lindsay Davenport and some common sense at last. All the naysayers are going to have to eat their words once Rafa returns fully recovered. I can't believe there are those out there that think his career is next to over! So ridiculous.

Btw, the video is on heavy rotation on music channels. I've seen it three times already this afternoon, which to quote Rafa himself 'makes the hours go by faster'.

Zzzz... I'm not gay.. Just a POP music fan...

Torres - No kidding, Fed has a blog? As a Rafa fan I have neither the time or the interest to search out other tennis players blogs, and I definitely don't care to harass Federer's fans with gossip and inuendo like your compatriat Spadea. Gay is not an issue. The issue is your full of cheap tricks and smoke screens. Fortunately, for most of us your also pretty transparent. Why don't you head on over to Roger's blog and say something meaningful. And take Spadea with you for God sakes.

torres, i know you're not particularly bright, but must you always stoop to defamation of character to prove a point! it speaks volumes about your own character! debating in a decent fashion is certainly not one of your qualities! you may proceed with watching the video! enjoy!

Maya and memi,

You are discovering what so many of us Rafa fan girls know already - torres has two faces and he is clever at displaying either of them at any given time. One never knows what he will say or how he will say it. He can pretend to be nice, fair and rational at times, but then the real torres will come out and it's not a pretty site!

Don't worry, he's just a little jealous at all the attention Rafa is getting. Much better to just enjoy this great video and be proud of our Rafa for doing such a great job. Then, before we know it, Rafa will be back on the court and we will be treated to his splendid tennis.

carrie,

I guess I have been called worse than a Rafa fangirl! I hope I never get too old to enjoy watching a gorgeous hunk of a man like our Rafa. If you stop looking and enjoying, then you will know that you are too old.

Also, if you noticed, I had your back on that other blog where you were called, as you say, a "middle-aged nutter"! We do have to stick together, after all! It's nice to have new Fed fans come here and sink to new lows with their insults. Now it's getting really personal. We are either silly teens or foolish middle-aged women who are too old to know what we like.

Keep fighting the good fight! At least you inject some much needed humor into the argument! :)

Owhh.. Yeah yeah... Conspiracy theories are Rafangirls' specialty..

I just treat this as a light issue.. U guys can say what u want, the administrators dont think i'm violating anything. In the end, I am discussing about Rafa and all of you are just hurling insults to me.

So who's doing wrong here.

And NNY, dont be a hypocrite. The 'real' you aint so pretty either.

torres,

Aww, did I hurt your feelings? Sorry, but I am not in the same class as you. I have one face. As you well know, I don't go after Fed and attack him personally. So you don't get to call me a hypocrite! When you can control your hostility towards Rafa and stop attacking everything about him, then you get to call me a hypocrite. For now, we are not one and the same. I limit my attacks to Fed fans who spread hatred for Rafa. That's quite different from the things you write here.

You don't get to have it both ways.

NNY, I think fangirls are exclusive to Rafa and rightly so. The mere fact that we are called fangirls, is because they recognise that Rafa has sex appeal, something Fed is seriously lacking.

I'm sure all these FedWhingers have been feasting on the gypsy video, who can resist it.

what i said? rick works his voodoo and erno got iced in florida. there's your conspiracy old sports. dunno this maya chick but shut your piehole before you point boney fingers at me.

NNY, i get a kick out of torres! he's so predictable! i actually don't mind his comments, he's harmless; more bark than bite!

he still has to grow up and learn "don't dish it out, if you can't take it."

truth is, he doesn't want want the fedfans to know that behind his disguise he is actually a rafafan! why else would he use rafa's name more than anyone on this blog.

Memi - Your comment about Rafa being the most popular tennis player caught my eye. Did this come from a recent poll?

maya, no, not a poll actually! about a month ago, i came across an article which stated that rafa was the most popular player in tennis! i assumed it was the results of a poll! actually, i wasn't surprised when i read it! i kind of figured rafa was/is the most popular! you could probably do a search and come up with information regarding his popularity!

Memi, I don't think that article was based on poll results. I'm pretty sure that was the author's opinion. According to recent poll results, Federer is still the most popular tennis player by far.

Carrie, fangirls aren't exclusive to Rafa - Roger's got them as well. If you were to visit the off-court section on his forum, there are a few threads there that are inhabited solely by fangirls. As such, it seems that there are plenty of people who don't share your opinion that Roger doesn't have any sex appeal.

I'm not sure about the video. It didn't seem to have any story line, and Rafa couldn't realy hold an expression, not to mention that Rafa didn't seem to be wearing any underpants! So much for the sweet, innocent, humble, down-to-earth image! But I think too much was made out of it, and I don't think it will have any effect on his tennis.

torres, I am not ashamed of what Rafa did, it is just the opposite-I love watching him in this video. It proves he has confidence and trusts his talents to do whatever he wants...and we all should appreciate his acting skills, don?t you think? And for all, don?t you sense your attitude does not work this time and you are being totally outvoted on this issue...you do need some time off to relax...life will look much less complicated for you once you do so...just don?t listen too much of Shakira?s music as the side effects may be fatal..

So Fangirls are all the rage now are they? I thought it was a stick to beat Rafa's female fans with and belittle them, so it's alright now that Roger has got them as well. I'll take your word for it Champion7, I couldn't spare the time to go on Roger's website, I'm too busy trawling sites to do with Rafa, not with the video to watch as well. Too much excitement with Rafa, and so little time! Lol

champion7, whether it was based on an author's opinion or poll results, all the same to me. i'm sure the author has some evidence to back up his statements. truth is, rafa is the most popular player in tennis, not that it matters to me! it's not hard to figure out; check out tennis blogs, tennis websites, who is the male tennis player written about and discussed more than any other. the topic of "rafa nadal" seems to consistently fascinate writers, even when he's not playing, how can he not be popular, when he loses a match it becomes major headlines, compare that to the other top 3 players! i don't need a poll to tell me that! it's a no brainer!

it's like anything else, i don't mind if roger is the most popular! it's not important if it doesn't help rafa win matches and tournaments! i just accidently came across the article, it wasn't something was deliberately searching far. i read it and that was it!

A friend of mine came to see me today whilst I was watching tennis, and she declared that Federer was her favourite player because he is such a gentleman who never makes any fuss, and he is so assuming even when he wins, and he never uses bad language. I said - what, let me show you evidence of Federer swearing, so I put on the recording of the USO event, and she was aghast, then said, she doesn't really watch tennis, and she's never sat down and watched a complete match, it's just a general impression she gets.

That is exactly the point, a lot of people go with the flow. During the Asian swing, SKY said time and time again, that Rafa is the most loved tennis player in the world at the moment, and wasn't he asked about Rafa-mania that has swept the world since he came on the scene at an on court interview after one of his matches at the AO 2010?

carrie, exactly, i read something similar! it goes without saying that rafa is the most popular, but i also know if we say it too loudly we will be inviting another hot debate, which we don't need! most people who claim to be fans do not follow tennis regularly and have no earthly idea of what's really going on! they probably hardly ever watch a whole match! i've said time and time again, most of them go by what they hear, especially from commentators and other experts! great points!

I don't think its possible to say who is realy the most popular. Roger, I think, has more fans on his website and on Facebook, but that is not realy a clear indicater, since many don't actually join internet sites. I personally believe that Roger would appeal to more people who are in the catagory of only watching tennis occasionally, simply for the fact that they like his tennis, how he acts on court, and how well known he is. However it is impossible to know for sure. I think it is safe to say, however, that they are the most liked players today.

I personally like Roger because he strikes me as an inherently decent person (as does Rafa). I love his style of play, and what he does for tennis and disadvantaged people around the world. He obviously has some flaws, as do we all, but I feel that the pluses far outweigh the minuses. Most people don't see past what is on display on the court. To those who say he isn't a nice guy at heart, read the stories about what Roger did in the cases of James Blake and Sam Querrey, and how he congratulates other players on a variety of accomplishments, and how he makes everyone at ease in the lockeroom. You can see numerous quotes from numerous people on how nice Roger has been to them. This is only my opinion, however, and I won't attempt to force people to like him, and I won't damn those who don't.

Anyway, this post has gone off topic, so I'll stop there.

carrie: i said before on this site i had the same experience. was with a few friends and the tennis was on. fed's name came up and i cringed (instinctively) and said, can't stand the guy and his foul mouth. one of the girls straightened up and said "don't talk about my favourite player like that!". i said really? are you aware he said all these things and of his on and off court behaviour?? and i listed everything that came to mind. the whole group looked at me in disbelieve?? she said, are you sure, he did and said that? i asked "do you follow him closely, listen to his interviews, watch his matches, read about him?". the others said "no, we might turn on the telly if a slam is going on but don't really watch it". the girl said "well, no i don't really watch tennis".

that pretty much told me what i already knew!!

champion7, i'm sure a lot players contribute to those who are in need; some do it quietly, others prefer the spotlight! i understand where you are coming from because i absolutely love nadal's style and his presence on the court! more importantly, i believe that he is genuine person! we don't all like the same styles in cars, clothes, shoes, houses, etc. ! the same holds true for the game of tennis! it's the way it's suppose to be! we are all unique, therefore, we don't all like the same things! that's what's so exciting and entertaining about tennis! i'm sure every fan think their favorite player is nice! it's normal!

Very true, memi!

I prefer to concentrate on someone's good side, which is why I do not hold Roger's flaws against him.

Homos, I don't understand why you keep describing Roger as foul mouthed. Sure, he has sworn, as have I, and the majority of people on here. I am not proud of swearing, but it happens sometimes. I have heard Rafa swear in spanish, and Djokovic in serbian, and Murray and Roddick most of all.

You don't like him, that is perfectly fine with me. However, please try to keep an open mind. That said, the rest of your post is perfectly apt, as what you describe most certainly does happen.

Carrie

Champion is right. Roger has a lot of fangirls! And they are organized, as some friends of mine have already seen on tournaments, they are like cheerleaders, shout his name and love him!

Well, IMO Roger´s tanned legs are so, so hot! Sorry to disappoint you.

Oh ! Just realized

I am Roger´s fangirl ! LOL

champion7, i actually wasn't thinking of fed's swearing when i wrote that and i don't think of the swearing generally when fed comes to mind. funnily enough, i understand his frustration in that moment and other players have done it. in that kind of example, i would consider roddick more of a foul mouth than fed or anyone else. my reference to fed as a foul mouth is based on evidence from the last 5-6 years - his underhanded digs at players, lack of crediting his victors, demeaning players' wins over him, giving excuses, big talking himself - all of these to me constitutes my opinion of him, not actually the swearing. yes i don't like him purely for these reasons. as a talented player with extraordinary acheivements who will no doubt continue to acheive great things, that cannot be denied but that is not the issue here.

Champion 7 - I really don't care what Roger says on the court. I agree it's probably no worse than most others, and I admire Roger for what he's accomplished, I just happen to admire Rafa more. In regard to your comments about the video, I don't think Rafa was shooting for an award winning performance, after all it was his first time out. I don't know why everyone wants to set the bar so high for Rafa. This wasn't a movie, it was a music video. If you don't know the lyrics it's hard to find a theme. I say that because the story is obvious if you know the words.
Basically Rafa's job was to look gorgeous and he definitely did that. Yes, his image is changed forever and none to soon. You can only hang on to "sweet and innocent" for so long and then it begins to just look silly. I think the opportunities that present themselves to Rafa in the future will be unprecedented for a tennis champion, and like it or lump it he will create his own path. I'm pretty sure I'm going to like it.

My first post here and I would just like to say something about foul mouths and swearing. I think all athletes swear at one time or another and so do most of us. Federer does swear but so does the others including Nadal, only he does that in Spanish so most people wouldn't know what he is muttering about. Look at his AO 2010 match with Ivo Karlovic, during the set when he was down. Or at this YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak8GRRFBN54 regarding a hawkeye dispute. Watch his lips closely when he was saying pu** (spanish word) near the end and tried to smash his racquet. All I'm saying is that they are all human and can, at circumstances, lose their temper like everyone does and swear. Though some are fortunate that they don't get caught by the mic.

Re his video with Shakira, there is nothing wrong with it other that it was rather cheesy. Watching it once was enough as I hate cheesy videos. But, it is just a video after all.

Champion 7 - I really don't care what Roger says on the court. I agree it's probably no worse than most others, and I admire Roger for what he's accomplished, I just happen to admire Rafa more. In regard to your comments about the video, I don't think Rafa was shooting for an award winning performance, after all it was his first time out. I don't know why everyone wants to set the bar so high for Rafa. This wasn't a movie, it was a music video. If you don't know the lyrics it's hard to find a theme. I say that because the story is obvious if you know the words.
Basically Rafa's job was to look gorgeous and he definitely did that. Yes, his image is changed forever and none to soon. You can only hang on to "sweet and innocent" for so long and then it begins to just look silly. I think the opportunities that present themselves to Rafa in the future will be unprecedented for a tennis champion, and like it or lump it he will create his own path. I'm pretty sure I'm going to like it.

Maya, if awards were being handed out, rafa's performance would definitely be noteworthy! no wonder his video debut has attracted so much attention; it is exceptional especially considering his first time. in fact, the discussion has been overwhelming largely because he is so convincing! in fact, i think the rumors stem from him being able to pull it off so persuasively! he's a natural!

Maya, i say, who cares if fed supporters set the bar high for rafa; we all know that if roger was in rafa's video shoes, they would all be praising him for having won everything in tennis and then expanding his horizons to include musical videos! you have to understand how it works with fedfans; anything that doesnt include roger is immoral! i understand that and that's why what they say go in one of my ears and come out the other!

mandyhk: who are you addressing please? i'm confused who you are conversing with since i already said my calling fed foul mouth has absolutely NOTHING to do with him swearing. just curious...

Homos, your post actually, but since it took a bit for me to press send, my post appeared after your response to Champion 7 which I missed. Since I haven't refreshed the page, I haven't read you next post. These things happen. Federer has been criticized for his swearing at the US Open like it is such a big thing when almost everyone swears and I would just like to point this out. Your first post on that was not exactly clear, maybe because your definition of foul mouth seems to be different from mine. And I probably look at Federer's response to most questions being asked of him as candid and honest most of the time and not foul mouthy. Maybe because he often does it in a non aggressive way and often states them plainly and simply. No chest thumping, no screaming "I am the greatest" in front of the camera, etc... Just someone who feels comfortable with what he has achieved, his success and has accepted that. Being coy and too overly humble is not something that would suit Roger Federer. It would just come out as fake IMO. Sorry for the OT post.

mandyhk; you are missing the point! the point is not that roger is the only one who uses foul language on court; the point is he is the only one who can use foul language and receive the "sportmanship award" too! you can say it doesn't matter until you are purple, but the fact is he displayed inappropriate behavior more than once and that does not represent good sportmanship! same rules should apply to every player, but we all know that's not the way it works! it's over and done with!

Homos, thank you for your explanation. And thank you for a decent post, although I obviously don't agree with parts of it.

Maya - now that you put it like that, Rafa certainly did a wonderful job! I do feel too much was made out of it - he's probably just trying something new, although I'm inclined to believe that he will not be venturing into such territory soon.

Lulu, not so long ago, you were putting me down as a nutter because I was a Rafa fangirl, now you have come out as a Roger fangirl, and all of a sudden fangirl is nothing to be ashamed of anymore.

I know Roger has loads of fans, that is evident, but it's the idea that those who are not his fans are ignorant about tennis, and can't like tennis because they don't like Roger's personality or game. I hope that we have now settled this argument, that as memi pointed out, everyone has different tastes, and enjoy tennis for different reasons.

I try to inject some humour into these debates because I don't know why some people take it so seriously. We can all agree and disagree but when personal insults come into it, it goes beyond the boundaries, because we don't really know each other to be able to form opinions about each other's character, age and education, or knowledge about tennis.


Vamos Rafa!

Fangirl

LOL memi, chill out! You sound so rabid. I din't realize that Homos was talking about the sportsmanship award. Was he/she? I don't want to go down to the level of tone in your post so I will leave with this thought. Leave the judging to those involve and knows what they are doing. They are the living legends of sports and they know what life is like for an athlete and all the pressures that comes with it. They vote for the sum total of the man and what he has done and achieved and not one single thing like being caught swearing, especially when they too have probably loose a couple of profanities in their careers. As they say, he who does not have any sin can cast the first stone. I doubt that any of them can.

Adios and keep your cool.

Maybe everyone swears, as I only speak English I will have to take the word of those who speak other languages. The difference with the incident at the USO, is that Roger swore audibly, whilst talking to the umpire, that's the big difference.
Profanity at US Open Costs Roger Federer $1,500
Submitted by Julie on September 17, 2009 - 3:44pm.

Roger Federer is being fined $1,500 for audible profanity during CBS's live broadcast of the US Open final. Microphones picked up Federer's exchange with the chair umpire.

Roger's outburst is really probably worse than Serena's, because no one heard what she said, and she was not addressing the umpire, she was freaking out at a line judge.

i was actually referring to carrie's post about her experience with bandwagon jumpers but i think this discussion is meant to be on the neighbouring blog. thanks for your explanation maddyhk but obviously i disagree with some of your comments. i list below only 2 more reasons why i don't think much of fed as a "sportsman". i don't want to list anymore or dwell on this further as it's been discussed to death in this website in the last few years.
-------------------

Federer's offhand tone imbued the most conceited comments?from the frequent "I was always so talented" to this reading of the crowd at his 2007 U.S. Open matches: "I have the feeling they're watching greatness".

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine /MAG1155392/index.htm

------------------------
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, look, there?s no secret behind it. You know, I mean, definitely a very talented player (laughter). I always knew I had something special, but I didn?t know it was like, you know, that crazy.

http://www.gototennisblog.com/2010/01/31/roger-federer-austr alian-open-championship-press-conference/


i've no doubt his fans will argue that it's only true. the only thing is that i believe that 'self praise is no praise' and if you must public adore yourself like this (amongst other things), it can only mean thing.

My apologies for starting this discussion on the wrong thread. It was well past my bedtime when I did it last night.

Being a fan of a celebrity is only fantacy, it doesn't matter about how people are, recently a lady sent an email to SKY when everyone was anxious to see Rafa play after his injury break saying she couldn't wait to see Rafa again, she said - I'm 67 but one glimpse of Rafa and I'm in heaven.


Vamos Rafa

Fangirl

Carrie

I disagree with all your opinions, mainly the way you refer to Federer. But There is no problem about being a fangirl.

I love Roger´s game but I am Roger´s Fangirl.

Some comedy posts by memi, NNY, and homos.. here...

Cracks me up..

of course you'd laugh torres, what else are you capable of doing when you don't understand what's going??

mandykh, is "rabid" a better word than "dense." i know truth hurts! if you ever take your head out of the sand, look up what the word, "sportmanship" really means! it's my understanding that roger doesn't commit sin!

Of course i'll laugh at such idiotic comments... LOL... Just cracks me up...

homos, that's hilarious, but true!

EVERONE HERE has already watched the video, right?! So, the INTEREST on RAFA is there, ADMIT it or not!................ that's GOOD for St. Rafael! ........ and do you know HOW HARD it HIT the Spanish community (a big market)... more impact than hurricane Katrina!......... TENNIS should thank him for this, cos @ least some people would put some attention on this sport that's NOT so appealing to them before,,, EVEN ONLY for the SHOWBIZ side of it!

Nadal is so yesterday in tennis!

He is retired from tennis and is going into soft-porn industry now. Since all his fans are after only his oomph and not concerned about tennis this is widely considered now to be a very clever move by industry experts. Federer might be the greatest ever and getting all awards but Murray is the future, just wait till this wimby!!

Murray so owns the future! So owns it! Untill now nadal used to get all worked up and injured by trying to beat the best (federer), but now nadal is sent packing to a hospital by MUzza! He wept the floor with him and packed him off to rehab!

And now nadal has set his Greatest Record - He has become the youngest tennis player to retire from professional tennis after having won atleast one slam!!!

So all my dear fans of nadal, you can now start watching your favorite pass time (soft-porn) and not worry yourself watching tennis because tennis is a sport for men like murray not gigolos like nadal!

By the way, he cant even find young girls anymore! With a 35+ aunty he is doing all this! Sheesh! Xisca is a former beauty queen she is not going to stick around with a has-been!

GO Muzza!

EVERYONE here has already seen the video, right?! So, like it or not, you've had that INTEREST on St Rafael...and that's positive news for him.... and TENNIS!. In Showbiz, controversy is a catalyst for success. Tennis is NOT anymore just a SPORT,,, it's one of those fishing grounds for INTRIGUES and NEWS ITEMS that will sell tabloids. It has become PARTLY so "commercial".....a showbiz stage.
Can you imagine how this video will sell in the Spanish community all round the world? (plus the Arab factor of Shakira)... at the same time, draw their attention to this NOT so popular sport (@ least not in the league of soccer).... it will have a huge POSITIVE effect! So, TENNIS thank RAFA! VAMOS!!!!!

@ GoMuzza- PLEASE, REMIND us first, HOW many SLAMS did Murray lift already?..... We can call him Mr. Almost..... TWICE!

Hey, you GoMuzza seem so bitter, jealous, envious and pathetic and I do not recall ever reading so much rubbish as you have just served here. What is your problem? Is it because Murray never won GS? Why blame it on Nadal? Rafa has 6 already at the age of 23 and you may judge him and be sarcastic as much as you want, but he will be remembered in history of tennis for his extraordinary accomplishments at this early age...DO you really believe Murray will win Wimby this year? That is so funny...I have nothing against Murray, in fact I like the guy. He will win it one day, but not this year...and don?t you worry about Rafa?s love life...you are so jealous of him that is eating you inside, isn?t it. Poor you! Get some medications! Anti-depressives will serve you well...

GoMuzza, how long have you been a tennis fan; what you are saying was said in 2004. since you are a prophet, please, tell us something original!

i'm sorry if it hurts you that rafa is focusing on more than just tennis! don't worry, roger, murray, djokovic, etc will take care of tennis until rafa returns! tennis is in good hands! everything will be ok! enjoy the video!

@GoMuzza,

get a life dude. Murray is a player in the making and has a long and hard way to go before winning a slam. especially since he will find the one who owns all of them (fed) at the final every time!

As for the video that you call p**n, i haven't watched it yet and considering all the comments, am not sure i can watch it when my young sister is at home. So, will be watching it soon. As for the video being such a hit and tennis being indebted and all, i dont know... it seems to be languishing to me. Will post the chart positions in my next post.

GoMuzza- If you can't take watching Rafa's video.... then watch the Dubai Tipsarevic- Murray match to remind you how Murray will do @ the Wimby!.....You might consider rooting for Janko next time!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_H_SnTn8_E

As on February 26, 2010

Gypsy featuring nadal and Shakira does NOT make the top twenty of the following charts INCLUDING the SPANISH TOP TWENTY

World Top 20 - not present

Spanish Top musicals - Not Present
http://allcharts.org/music/spain/albums.htm

USA - no
Europe -no
etc etc

It does not even make the top twenty for the most popular Pop Songs alone.

then why all the talk about its popularity??

I searched the top 100 songs list till about 50-60 but couldnt find 'Gypsy' anywhere. Sigh.

sorry it was from the week starting on feb 28th that i found the earlier posted results

FEDistheGOAT- you're so passionate!...even using your precious time searcing the Billboard just to rub it on our faces that the video is not in the top.
I think you misunderstood me (my 1st post was a mistake, I didn't put "how hard it WILL hit..." which I corrected in the next one!)
COMMON SENSE will tell you that you won't find the result YET since it just came out a couple of days ago,,, not even there for a week!

CHILL!.... it will NOT HARM their HEAD to HEAD if Rafa's video gets to the #1 spot!

Mcq,fedi is a goat etc what are you talking about?? Why even talk about a 70 year old player with arthritis who cant even walk without knee crutches??
So yesterday right?
Federer will be here only 2-3 more years, djoko cant breathe after the second set, delpo cant hold a racket without injuring his wrists!!

So who is the future? it is Murray! nadal's knees start knocking together against murray. he cant even last three sets without taking a 'hospital break' against murray then how will he play 5 set matches? ha! est job is this only be the boy for old women! they wont mind bad knees, they must be used to it!

GO Muzza!!

is GoMuzza atr under a different name? atr hasn't been around the last few weeks...

GoMuzza- this will be my LAST post for YOU my dear!

You DON'T KNOW anything about TENNIS.
You WORSHIP Murray ,so be it, but I advice you to TRY considering TIPSAREVIC first!
You are JUST a FAN, nothing ELSE!

GoMuzza, if he's so yesterday, what's your reason for talking about him? do i detect some fear? it's too soon to be worried sweetie! the year is still young! hopefully, we will get the chance to see how a 70 year old plays against a 22 year old! i can hardly wait! i havent seen anything like that before! do you also know what rounds they will meet in and what the scores are going to be? i just want to be prepared for the disappointment!

Sib69, anything is possible! could be attacker! it's about time for him to reappear under one name of the other, especially since it's getting close to nadal returning to indian wells!

torres,

I am so happy that I have given you something to laugh about. I think we can all use a good laugh or two right about now. But "idiotic"? Come on, that's not worthy of you. I know that you can do much better than that. :)

Go Muzza - So what is it with Murray, Why can't he win the big one? Does he just lose his nerve, because that's really what being a champion is all about you know. Having the right stuff at the right moment. Rafa's been cheering him on for quite a long time now. Even went out at the AO so Andy could have a go at Roger, but once again Andy flaked. You know, Andy is just a year younger than Rafa, and as Torres said, Rafa will eventually have four more FOs under his belt, so that'll be at least 10 slams that Murray will have to catch up on. If he's gonna make his move I think it should be pretty soon. Don't you?

Dear fetishgoat....err....fed is goat - The video isn't out yet and won't be released until late March or sometime in April. Whatever will you do with all your time.

McQ- this will be my LAST post for YOU my dear!

You DON'T KNOW anything about TENNIS.
You WORSHIP Nadal ,so be it, but I advice you to TRY considering SODERLING first!
You are JUST a FAN, nothing ELSE!

Rafa's new Official Website is up and running.

Spoke too soon, they are still working on it, but the old site is gone.

CONFIRMED!!!! the GoMuzza character is a CLONE of the BLOCKED poster(s)!...... That last "style" of post exposed him!

CONFIRMED!!!! the GoMuzza character is a CLONE of the BLOCKED poster(s)!...... That last "style" of post exposed him!

mcQ, what is your problem? answer my post ok, if you cant then shut up. i am not any clone of any blocked poster ok. I havent been following this forum for too long and dont know what styles to avoid. i replied like that since that was the best reply for YOUR stupid post ok. I am telling you, you can mark my words, that NADAL is RETIRED! He will never win anything! This Wimby it will be MUZZA!!! then next yer onwards it will be a close competition between federer and muzza for atleast 3-4 years. This AO we saw the beginning of the Federer-Murray ERA!!

Why you having crushes on a guy with arthritis all rafa 'fan girls'? are you all that pathetic? Even davydenko has better legs than nadals creaky joints!! Muray is definitely the fittest and toughest handsome hunk ok. Rafael 'Osteoarthritis' Nadal is yesterday and unfortunately not even history! forgotten in another few months! an i am not saying because i am 'scared' memi! nobody is scared of nadal now ok, he is a laughing stock. Mr Soft-porn. next what? he is starting a new site eh? any hot videos and photos there also for you fan girls to get hot on??

@Maya 3/1/10 5:34 AM

The video was released publicly on February 22, 2010 and premiered on February 26, 2010. Billboards and charts are updated on a daily data stream basis.

@McQ,

It doesn't take a lot of free time to google something. Thanks for the concern anyway. I brought up the charts because it is stupid to say some steamy video is going to be the saving grace for tennis. Tennis is a global sport and does not need cheap gimmicks to survive.

@GoMuzza,

if you have nothing new to say, please stop. We all accept that Murray is definitely a player to watch out for but cant you save the gloating for after he has won anything of consequence.

@carrie,

So now onwards GS accomplishments are to be overlooked right? You win, i really don't know what to say to that. maybe you should change that and say that only french open GS accomplishments should be counted. and while you are at it, start a new discussion on how hard courts has to be further slowed down and how wimbledon grass should be made slower than clay. Anything and everything for the great rafa right?

"Muray is definitely the fittest and toughest handsome hunk ok." - GoMuzza
"This AO we saw the beginning of the Federer-Murray ERA!!" - GoMuzza

Who can say such stupid JOKES.......... but a CLOWN!!!

"I brought up the charts because it is stupid to say some steamy video is going to be the saving grace for tennis. Tennis is a global sport and does not need cheap gimmicks to survive." - FEDistheGOAT

Am I missing something here or what? WHO SAID that??? Are we ,too SERIOUS here? Next up, you'll say that somebody said RAFA is going to SAVE the world!
CHILL CHILL CHILLL!!!! You're just showing us how THREATENED you are of Nadal! We(Rafans) admit, he's NOT the Rafa of yesteryears, so that's SOMETHING of a CONSOLATION for you. The point is, IF HE WINS another BIG ONE in this condition.... that's WHEN you have to PRAY to all the gods to have MERCY on your idols!

"Why you having crushes on a guy with arthritis all rafa 'fan girls'? are you all that pathetic? Even davydenko has better legs than nadals creaky joints!"

dunno about you, but i don't have "crushes" on people based on how good their legs are

So Rafa now has arthritis has he, since when has tendinitis become arthritis. It just goes to show how baseless some of the comments made here are.

Fed goat - The video was released to the internet on those dates, but then it was quickly pulled by SONY because it won't actually go on sale until late March or sometime in April. What you might want to check out is the number of hits it got the first few days it hit the internet. I've heard it's mentionable. If it's for sale anytime sooner I'd like to hear about it cause I really wanted it yesterday!!!

Fed goat - The video was released to the internet on those dates, but then it was quickly pulled by SONY because it won't actually go on sale until late March or sometime in April. What you might want to check out is the number of hits it got the first few days it hit the internet. I've heard it's mentionable. If it's for sale anytime sooner I'd like to hear about it cause I really wanted it yesterday!!!

Fed goat - The video was released to the internet on those dates, but then it was quickly pulled by SONY because it won't actually go on sale until late March or sometime in April. I think you have to have sales before you get listed on a top SELLING billboard. What you might want to check out is the number of hits it got the first few days it ran on the internet. I've heard it's mentionable. If it's for sale anytime sooner I'd like to hear about it cause I really wanted it yesterday!!!

I'm stll waiting for the Murray / Boyle production.

It will be hard to judge by the number of hits, because there are so many outlets, even the ATP has got the Teaser on their website.

GoMuzza, i can tell the video is driving you insane! calm down, don't watch it so much! i must warn you, although it might be too late, the gorgeous rafa nadal will do that to you!


you didn't answer the questions or do you even know what you're talking about! you keep rambling on and on and on about the same thing! why don't you back it up with some concrete evidence! you're the prophet, tell us when nadal will be beaten again, where, by whom, and what the scores will be! could you also tell us how long rafa's career will last in years; we all want to know! you seems to be able to foretell the future! you got my attention!

Carrie - Your right!! I heard that you-tube was inundated the first two days of the teaser. Isn't it true that the video has to go on sale before it can start to climb the charts? Sorry about the double posts. I'm still trying to get the hang of it.

When will people ever get facts straight?

If you are so eager to buy it, you can do so here legally. if you are such big fans, how come you are talking bout having watched the video and then wondering whether it is available on sale? Do nadal a favour and prove your loyalty by buying it and then raving about it. apparently figures suggest that the fans' loyalty doesnt go that far.

Links-

for the original album She-wolf now shipping with gypsy included -
http://www.amazon.com/She-Wolf-Shakira/dp/B002T45VX6

If you want to buy only this track ie Gypsy-
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WLXB8I/ref=dm_dp_trk7

And for really hard core fans like carrie, hre is the deluxe edition with special behind the scenes coverage -
http://www.amazon.com/She-Wolf-Deluxe-CD-DVD/dp/B002YE452Y/ref=sr_1 _1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1267488659&sr=1-1

@Maya,

Are you still going to go on about it not being available? Proper business sense would tell shakira to hit the market when it is hot and not wait till another month till whatever little excitement is there drops. My point is just that it is an ordinary video and some good moves by shakira, nadal hardly gets any role beyond any routine male actors gets in her videos. definitely not a big boost to tennis or anything.

in my opinion what would be better for tennis is for nadal to return to some kind of form and fitness and manage to hold on in a slam tourney til he has a chance to meet the fed. that would perk up tennis more than any snazzy video.

FEDistheGOAT, you are so freaked over this! why? let it go! federer can perk up tennis; are you bored already? why worry about nadal! he will back when he is back! right now, he is doing just fine from what i can see!

Fed goat - Thanks, your not all bad. I thought i read that it wouldn't be available to sell till....well, you know, and I agree that wouldn't have been a smart marketing move. Still, I think you need to give it a couple of weeks to see how it goes in terms of billboards. I don't know what it will do for tennis directly, but indirectly I think there's been alot of buzz and interest generated among people who wouldn't normally follow tennis. Typically, I think tennis appeals to an older crowd and everyone knows there's a ton of money in the 15 -25 range. Just ask the music business. Certainly it can't hurt anyway. So, your not all bad, just misguided, and I agree there's nothing finer than Rafa and Roger in a final. Hope Roger's lung infection is gone by Indian Wells.

Fed goat - Thanks, your not all bad. I thought i read that it wouldn't be available to sell till....well, you know, and I agree that wouldn't have been a smart marketing move. Still, I think you need to give it a couple of weeks to see how it goes in terms of billboards. I don't know what it will do for tennis directly, but indirectly I think there's been alot of buzz and interest generated among people who wouldn't normally follow tennis. Typically, I think tennis appeals to an older crowd and everyone knows there's a ton of money in the 15 -25 range. Just ask the music business. Certainly it can't hurt anyway. So, your not all bad, just misguided, and I agree there's nothing finer than Rafa and Roger in a final. Hope Roger's lung infection is gone by Indian Wells.

Maya and Fed is a G it would be great to see both Rafa and Fed healthy and playing well for IW. As far as the MV goes ... I don't think it is available yet. You can download the Song ( it has been available for a while ).

Maya, Roger need not meet Rafa in the final. They can meet in the semi.

Just on the subject of 'hits' or views the video got, there are several clips availalble on Youtube, most of them with over a hundred thousand views, a few with half a million or so views and one with over A MILLION. In one week. There are also a few full length clips of the video on Youtube, (those that have survived the Sony cull!) and views for those are in the hundreds of thousands and steadily climbing.

Just goes to show that despite the naysayers, there are a whole lot of people interested in seeing this. Let's admit it, even the Rafa-haters have contributed to those views!

I'm so pleased that Fedfans see me as a hard core Rafan, this leads me to believe that Fedfans are not hard core Fedfans, they can take it or leave it. It's funny how I was derided for being a Rafa fangirl, and when I suggested that only Rafa seems to have fangirls because Roger has no sex appeal, fangirls started coming out of the wood work for Federer.

fedisthegoat, evidently you appreciate that without Rafa tennis is dull, because you can't wait for him to regain his form and start beating your idol again, I admire you for that. Even you recognise Rafa's magnetic personality, no one can fail to see it.
Like you, I look forward to Rafa adoning the courts again in great form and delighting the crowds with his amazing shots.

Tennis will go into overdrive when Rafa bites his next trophy. Can't wait.

Vamos!

The video Teaser is on the ATP website, so obviously, even the ATP thinks it is relevant to improving the prefile of tennis.

Maya, I made the very same point earlier, that the video will attract younger fans to the sport; this is badly needed especially as people keep going on about the greats like Laver.

Vamos!

Corr:
The video Teaser is on the ATP website, so obviously, even the ATP thinks it is relevant to improving the PROFILE of tennis.

According to this chart, the Gypsy video is No1.


ViIDEOS OF THE WEEK: Shakira Seduces Rafael Nadal, Ke$ha Covers Radiohead, Sade Whips a Horse
by Monica Herrera and Melanie Bertoldi, N.Y. | February 26, 2010 2:59 EST
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Here is an item from Billboard.com you should enjoy. Click on the link below to check it out.

Shakira and Rafael Nadal get close.


In this week's top 10 videos that had everyone buzzing: Shakira gets steamy with tennis star Rafael Nadal, a 13-year-old Ke$ha covers Radiohead, Sade gets feisty with a horse, Carrie Underwood smooches a pig, and more.


1) Shakira Seduces Shirtless Rafael Nadal


Shakira might "steal your clothes and wear them," but all is forgiven with her new music video for "Gypsy," in which the Colombian firebird looks hotter than ever. Shakira braves the desert with (shirtless) tennis heartthrob Rafael Nadal and plays the harmonica, but we're pretty sure that's not what catches his eye.


http://www.billboard.com/column/viralvideos/videos-of-the-we ek-shakira-seduces-rafael-1004071464.story#/column/viralvideos

Oh god rafafans, i am not threatened by rafa, never was. I was only saddened that that kind of a style of play might mutate a great sport. I like rafa a lot as a person and respect his achievements till date.

If meme can only respond to every post saying 'oh then why are you posting? you are so threatened of rafa?' then i have nothing more to say to you anymore. Why are you posting about roger then by the same twisted logic?

I am not saying that the video is not a success but just that rafa fan's loyalty doesnt see m to translate into actually buying the album. It is at #855 in Us and at #265 in Spain.

IF any single rafa fan here has actually purchased and watched the video legally, i wont mention this again. promise

I happen to be on a rigorous role against piracy as part of my company's campaign and i personally watched it from a legally bought video. yes so a fedfan has contributed. So what? is that supposed to be demeaning for us?

I am 100% sure that fed himself already saw the video and shared a few jokes about it to rafa. And told him how jealous he was :)

"IF any single rafa fan here has actually purchased and watched the video legally, i wont mention this again. promise"

But why mention it at all? What's the point being made here?

Smr & Carrie - Thanks!!! I'll be keeping an eye on that billboard and buying the VIDEO, not the album as soon as it's available.

Torres - As Shakira would put it. Whatever, whenever Rafa meets Roger it will be all good. You really are one for punishment aren't you.

Fed Goat - You can't have it both ways. In an earlier post regarding the video you were going on and on about it not even being on the charts, now in your latest post you say you never denied it's success. Was something lost in translation?

@Maya
"In an earlier post regarding the video you were going on and on about it not even being on the charts, now in your latest post you say you never denied it's success. Was something lost in translation?"

Not translation but transition :). no there is no transition, i meant success in terms of being noticed not a financial success. Video is available for sale and i bought it from Amazon.

@Zooni, my point is that if it is so good, why watch it from only free sources? or is it only that good? it cos only $1.85 for heavens sake (i had for that much). isn't your beloved rafa not worth that much also?

Fed Goat - You bet he is and I've been chomping at the bit to get my hands on it since the first day I viewed it. For that price I'll buy a dozen and pass them out to friends for their birthday. But you bought one! I think that's great. You are a closet Rafa fan.

Hey folks: GoMuzza is just a joke posting here to make you all hate Andy M even more. He's never posted b4 and he's just a wind up merchant! Please ignore him and just talk to genuine Andy fans like alex and me! Jeez, you'd think people had better things to do. Andy does not need so called "fans" like him.

Hello duece! finally another murray fan here! I am not a joke or anything buddy. I used to like Mr. arthritic before he tried taking credit from Murray ok?

I am not making anyone hate muzza!!! Andy is a wonderful player and he is being ignored here!

Why people talking only about retired player like nadal??

I was just asking them to talk about the new rivalry! The Roger-Murray era! 2 GS finals already.

Most important is that Murray has the better H2h record ok?? Even the rafa fans will agree that H2H is most important in tennis. and like carrie said, GS is not so difficult to win and murray is winning more of the difficult tournaments!

why is djoko higher than murray in ranking? so stupid this whole ranking thing is! Anyway by Roland garros, he wil be number 2 in the world! another final!!

Mark my words, Wimby is coming home this year!!

Go Muzza!!!!

deuce, you're absolutely spot on! no fan of andy's! GoMuzza is a joke, a fake not worth responding too!

Go Muzza is no Murray fan. If he were he would know that Murray is not looking to conquer the FO this year. He has stated that hard court is his favorite surface and that his breakout slam would come at either the USO or AO. That's why he was training so hard for the AO. Andy is looking really great and has added significant weight in the last few months, so he probably will be hitting the ball with more power this year. Like Rafa, he's also working on being more aggressive. While anything can happen in tennis, I wouldn't bet on Andy till the US rolls around. I missed his match in Dubai. How in the world did Tipsarevic get by Andy?

GoMuzza came on here first as Attacker slagging Rafa off and putting Roger up the skies, and by the end of his time here, he was slagging Roger off as well. He has now come back as a Muzza fan, his next re-incarnation will be as a Djoko fan.

Attacker = GoMuzza!!!............. next up ,,, AdjeNole!
... did he try AllezFederer yet?

Attacker = GoMuzza!!!............. next up ,,, AdjeNole!
... did he try AllezFederer yet?

so is GoMuzza actually atr?

no carrie, he will next return as a tomic fan.

Even if he's not, he sounds like a clone of atr......... always on the ATTACK mode!

Nadal / Shakira Top Ten Video
http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2010/03/9/Shakira-Nadal -Video-Gypsy.aspx

guys, i just read one of the top stories on atpworldtour.com, "Nadal Sends Shakira's Video To The Top"! I guess Shakira plans to come out on top in more than one way! so far, it's looking like she's has made a very, smart decision! vamos rafa!

Memi - I still watch that video daily and although I've checked a number of sights (including the one "Fed is goat" gave us) I haven't seen it for sale. Soon I hope. I think this has been good for just about everyone. Rafa, tennis, his fans, most especially ME! Have a good day memi.

Memi - I still watch that video daily and although I've checked a number of sights (including the one "Fed is goat" gave us) I haven't seen it for sale. Soon I hope. I think this has been good for just about everyone. Rafa, tennis, his fans, most especially ME! Have a good day memi.

Maya, thanks! i havent seen any information on the sale of it either! my sister called to tell me that she loves it, especially rafa, of course! it is the "talk of the town" in the tennis world and probably in the music video world also! i'm happy that rafa could take part in something of his choosing outside of tennis with some time to spare! considering that he is a novice at that sort of thing, i think he did an excellent performance! he is beautiful anyway! personally, i don't think he would have agreed to getting involve in anything that would jeopardize his tennis!

if i should come across anything regarding the sale, i'll let you know! continue watching the video, maybe sometimes soon we will be able to purchase one of our own for keepsake!

Enjoy your day!

GYPSY HAS SOARED TO $1

Well done Rafa for your excellent performance, as a novice in acting, you are truly amazing.

If Rafa could get his tennis back on track and start winning trophies again, that would be just brilliant. He is already very very popular for his tennis, moving into the music world will widen his appeal.

I think the ATP are very proud of this exposure, and I hope it broadens the appeal of tennis to audiences it's never reached before.

Vamos!

Gypsy has been so successful that the ATP might pair up the rest of the top 10 to make their own contribution:

Federer Lady Gaga
Djokovic Madona
Murray Sue Bo
Del Potro Rihanna
Davydenko Lily Alen
Soderling Britney
Roddick Amy Winehouse
Cilic Leona
Gonzo Duffy

i think you'd have to pair roddick with brit brit

beyonce? beyonce and verdasco. they may actually make a hotter couple than rafa and shakira

Sibb, you never know, maybe Beyonce's next single will star Verdasco.

I did the pairings at random, but I thought Federer should get Lady Gaga, being No 1 and she is the most flambouyant, although Madona may have something to say about that, and A.Murray was already paired up with Sue Bo in a blog I read elsewhere, probably because they are both Scots.

Thursday, March 4, 2010
RAFAEL NADAL PROVES BLONDES DO HAVE MORE FUN

Columbian born singer Shakira must be dancing in the streets after her genius decision to include Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal in her more recent video clip Gypsy. Not only has his (shirtless) presence caused the media to go crazy, and female fans all around the world to simultaneously drool/stroke out, it has also lead to the clip being extremely popular (probably because the drooling fans keep hitting replay). The video clip has come in at number one on this weeks Top 10 video clips on Billboard.com.... whether the song (without the clip) manages to do so well remains to be seen.

"It has been a great experience and I had a lot of fun doing it. I had some time in between tournaments and preparation and could not miss this opportunity. Shakira, as always, was spectacular. Working with a woman as charming as her, well, it makes it a lot easier to tell the truth. It was great, very easy, she?s really sweet and that always makes the hours go by faster." - Rafael Nadal

It probably also made Nadal's job easier given that all he had to do was run around without a shirt on, kiss Shakira and watch her dance for him - it's a hard life for Rafa ;)

carrie: I think Andy can do a wee bit better than Susan Boyle, after all he has appeared in an amazing double act .......with......LauraRobson....

Sorry deuce, I only paired them up because did so on another forum. I really wanted to pair him up with Madona, but Nole was having none of it.

"I really wanted to pair him up with Madona, but Nole was having none of it."

ROTFL!

MCQ you are a stupid attacker caling me names! and i cant find what atr means even when i search. if calling names, tell what you are calling ok?/

Are you jealous that muray wipes his flooor with Mr.Arthritic? are you jealous that nadal now is a gigolo who has to go naked to old aunties to earn a living?? Murray would never want any old girl like maddonna ok!

Muzza is the next james bond if he wants! People were asking him that he has a voice like Sean Connery ok! ha!

GO MUZZAAAA!!!

Muzza has a voice??? Nice, because the lines are very often completely retarded... maybe that is the reason why he has such beautiful teeth ...
C'mon man it's so dificult to find something positive on muzza... booooooring game... terrible body language...acting like spoiled child...
You are just kidding us, isn't it...tell us who do you support really??

Thank you zare, nice to see other murray supporters. will try to notice the teeth next time ok? Just love his game you know.. Keeps himself so fit.
I don't understan why people are saying bad just because he has no grand slam. Like carrie keeps explaining, grand slams are so easy than even 500 tournaments ok? murray likes to win the tough ones ok?
But he'll win wimby this year 100% and the queen wil come to watch him win!

You didn't notice them...I saw many horses with smaller one...
His legs...like beer barrels... his face when he's waiting service should have warning "not for under 16"... guy is pure horror... and above all... his game is boooooring... he simply kills everything what is nice in this sport...
Maybe in 2012 he will get over that finale with Fed, maybe not...we'll see in meantime he can always count on some Tipsa's advices. Janko is good guy, he'll do it for free...

zare: no need to be so insulting about Andy. I am a fellow Celt so obviously I support him but I also love his beautiful, complicated, skilful, crafy game. I like the way he moves too, like a cat! You think he's asleep and then he pounces! Not everyone likes boring ball bashers.
carrie: loved your comment but Madonna far too old for Andy, Novak is welcome. Cheryl Cole much more like.

deuce...I am not insulting...I am stating the obvious... gomuzza did insult hero of my childhood...007...Muzza can plays only "JAWS"...( guy with iron teeth...) in the James Bond movies...
OK, OK maybe I am little over.... but you have to admin...Gomuzza can provoke...

deuce: i'm with you, i don't find murray's game boring except when he goes walkabout and only returns, then yes, can be irritating. do you think he's changed a bit since 07? i did recall the boy could read the game so well and play the attack and change the pace of the ball when the opportunity arose and he could do it so effectively. doesn't seem to do it so well these days. has the game overwhelmed him? if he doesn't win a slam this year - and me thinks uso is the best chance - he could be in for deeper trouble. it won't be over redrover but stretching the drought can't be good. i saw snippets of his brilliant game against rafa at ao but appeared to cumple in the final. pressure is a curse if you haven't broken through yet.

deuce, how could I forget Cheryl, yes, let's fire Sue Bo and give Cheryl the job to star alongside Andy. Andy deserves better than Sue Bo.

The only time I go off Andy bigtime is when he beats my hero. He does sometimes play boring tennis let's admit, but as you say he can pounce like a cat when necessary.

Let's leave looks out of this, because it could cause a lot of mud slinging, which I wouldn't mind because no mud will land on ................Rafael Nadal, who is universally acknowledged as the heart throb of the tennis circuit.

the heart throb of the tennis circuit? matter of extreme opinion carrie. the trophy for that must surely go to roger federer who is just gorgeous.

carrie, for you: I am so surprised that you seem to follow roger federer more than you do rafael (i do love that name, don't you?), but i read his facebook page and

"Queria tambien aprovechar este medio para apoyar a todos los chilenos. Estamos todos con vosotros. En cada torneo siempre hay chilenos que se hacen sentir, asi que les mando un abrazo fuerte!!!

he is doing well, I presume you speak spanish?

maxi, not my words, read this excert fro Billboard. I have never heard Federer described as a heart throb. I know Roger wins every award, but I think he will struggle to win this one.


Videos of the Week: Shakira Seduces Rafael Nadal, Ke$ha Covers Radiohead, Sade Whips a Horse
by Monica Herrera and Melanie Bertoldi, N.Y. | February 26, 2010 2:59 EST

Here is an item from Billboard.com you should enjoy. Click on the link below to check it out.


Shakira and Rafael Nadal get close.

In this week's top 10 videos that had everyone buzzing: Shakira gets steamy with tennis star Rafael Nadal.................


1) Shakira Seduces Shirtless Rafael Nadal


Shakira might "steal your clothes and wear them," but all is forgiven with her new music video for "Gypsy," in which the Colombian firebird looks hotter than ever. Shakira braves the desert with (shirtless) tennis HEART THROB Rafael Nadal and plays the harmonica, but we're pretty sure that's not what catches his eye.


http://www.billboard.com/column/viralvideos/videos-of-the-we ek-shakira-seduces-rafael-1004071464.story#/column/viralvideos/videos- of-the-week-shakira-seduces-rafael-1004071464.story

Hey maxi, I have never Roger Federer and heart throb mentioned in the same sentence.

federer got his 16th title at ao, not 15th. just noticed that in the first line of the article

Gay Alert of the Day ? Rafael Nadal !!!!!

http://www.beersteak.com/sports/gay-alert-rafael-nadal-kissed -balls-male-fan-us-open/

ha ha haaha ha Sheesh! he is really going for this no?? All rounder ok!!

Zare hello, i dont know if you like andy or you hate horses? i think muzza would look great in a horse!! thank you so much for thinking muzza would be in a bond movie! i think so too!!!

Much better than raf monkey nadal no? Mr.arthritic looks like a gorilla no with overgrown arms like that and stooping when he walked?? Problem is he should not walk without his arms for support thats is whay all knee problems noww!! And his face with proper gorilla creases on the forehead!

Nadal is acting in KING KONG 3 as KING KONG!!!!


carrie hi! Murray is only slightly better than nadal now ok dont worry! murray swept the floor with him ok! Murray won more tournaments in 2009 ok.

And all murray fans! great news really wonderful Murray calendar released all my gf loves it!!


Andy Murray Calendar 2010.

Mr Murray has come of age, and at last Britain has a contender with more than a little tennis know how and the muscles to pull it off. If you fancy spending a year in the company of a serious pair of biceps then look no further. Not just for Scots.

Check out some awesome mUrray pics! he is definitely holywood star no? looks like a teen music star!!

http://cornedbeefhash.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/andy-murra y-calendar10a.jpg

[IMG]http://i45.tinypic.com/kdodv5.jpg[/IMG]

h ttp://i45.tinypic.com/kdodv5.jpg

Wow ok! WOW!!

Go MUZZZZAAAAA!!!!!

i love everything about him carrie. i think he is a very special, handsome, good looking man who, whilst may not look conventionally good looking/perfect, has that something that makes you look twice, dark, brooding good looks, and I absolutely love his strong, roman nose. just love it.

thank you maxi! see already people like murray more and more! i warn you if anybody sees these pics, they will fall in love! so be careful!

just search for andy murray calendar 2010 in gooogle.

The making of Gypsy:

http://www.popeater.com/2010/03/05/shakira-rafael-nadal-behi nd-the-scenes-gypsy/

homos: Hi! Nice 2 c u! Agree with every word u say about Andy. Yes, I think he played more aggressively earlier in his career. Doubts and expectations seem to have crept in unfortunately. But no, I won't give up on him if he doesn't win a slam 2010. He matures late, compared to Novak, and still plenty of time.
zare: beauty is in the eye of the beholder.....
GoMuzza: @ 7.08; are you for REAL??
BTW folks GoMuzza unlikely 2 be atr, he likes a completely different style of tennis, also style of writing is slightly different.
carrie: Rafa is glamourous rock star of tennis, no question.

Hello deuce! thank you it is all completely real! the part about king kong is just a very good joke! You thought that is also real? Actually they are making king kong again though, they didnt know what actual gorillas looked like till they saw nadal saying his Mooos!! He has such a primitive monkey face no? Should act in a neanderthal movie actually! Proper primitve face! he he. The murray pics are aweome no?? What is atr? Is it attracting total respect? Or the only Appeal To Reason?

ok ok some people like genetically modified monkeys! But real girls can only like Murray and maybe Novak (but he will be like Darth Varder ok all wheezing) and delboy (tall handsome!) a bit bit that is all ok! Federer is too old for me and is already father and all so no crush. But Muzzaaaa! Sigh!!!

Maxi - I'll give you the number "15" on the side of the jacket instead of the back. I still felt like he was pimping himself a bit. Being of Italian descent, I know what a Roman nose is and I can promise you, Federer does NOT have a Roman nose in shape or form. He has one hell of a cucumber nose and I can't imagine any ethnicity taking ownership. Other than that his features are quite nice.

Deuce - I think Muzza is on the verge of becoming your best friend. What did you say?

Spadea - Thanks for commenting in Spanish. It makes it so much easier just to skip over.

Maxi - I'll give you the number "15" on the side of the jacket instead of the back. I still felt like he was pimping himself a bit. Being of Italian descent, I know what a Roman nose is and I can promise you, Federer does NOT have a Roman nose in shape or form. He has one hell of a cucumber nose and I can't imagine any ethnicity taking ownership. Other than that his features are quite nice.

Deuce - I think Muzza is on the verge of becoming your best friend. What did you say?

Spadea - Thanks for commenting in Spanish. It makes it so much easier just to skip over.

Maxi - I'll give you the number "15" on the side of the jacket instead of the back. I still felt like he was pimping himself a bit. Being of Italian descent, I know what a Roman nose is and I can promise you, Federer does NOT have a Roman nose in shape or form. He has one hell of a cucumber nose and I can't imagine any ethnicity taking ownership. Other than that his features are quite nice.

Deuce - I think Muzza is on the verge of becoming your best friend.

Ha ha maya so funny!Hello! All of us muzza fans have to be together in places like this where they adore gorillas ok! Thanks! Some stupid people dont know what a roman nose is also!!

Roman nose is like you know a hook nose or a beak nose it has to be big ok and i has to stand out!! And it is NOT pretty also! federer anyway has a normal dumb nose like any swiss has, avergae! As maya said correctly only it is not Roman nose ok! So stop it! If you want to see an asweome nose here look at this pic right Maya??

http://i45.tinypic.com/kdodv5.jpg


ha - An Aquiline nose (also called Roman nose, hook nose or beak nose) is a human nose with a prominent bridge, giving it the appearance of being curved or slightly bent. The word aquiline comes from the Latin word aquilinus ("eagle-like"), a reference to the curved beak of an eagle. It is common in Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern men and women. he he! Thanks maya for stopping people like this!!


But maya after spaeaking of being easy to skip over other people, you are forcing all of us to skip over three posts ok! naughty ok.

MR. Tennis Wedgie also called Mr. arthritic has decided to fire uncle Tony since he refused to star in a music video with 3 gorillas ( actually only two were there, third was Mr. Arthritic nadal only (he he) but cant blame Uncle tony for being scared no??)


GO MUZZAA!!

GoMuzza, you need to get out more. you sound more like ATR to me, how many aliases do you have on this site?

Maya, you dont need to give me anything -thanks for the offer! - the 15 was tucked away on the right hand side of the jacket and what did you expect federer to do, after it had been presented to him by a nike rep? NOT put it on? and why shouldnt he put it on - stop putting the man down.? he wasnt pimping anything, so please.

I love federer's nose and it does have remnants of a roman nose maya, talking of the bridge, it is strong and I like it.

Muzza - Thanks for recognizing the classic Roman nose. Al Pacino is a good example I think, although his might be a bit subtle. Personally I think he's hugely handsome, not as handsome as Rafa, but definitely a winner. I apologize for all the double posts. I hit the send button once, a page pops up saying there's a problem with the website and then when I come back there's 2 or 3 postings. I'll keep trying.
I do want to clear this point up for you though, Rafa does NOT have arthritis. He's had bouts of tendenitis. Quite a different thing. When you keep going on about the arthritis you just sound uninformed. The last paragraph of your post is mostly just nonsense. It's like resorting to name calling, something you'd find on the local primary school yard. I'm pretty sure your older than 8. You have an opportunity to debate here so step up to the plate and say something that shows real thought.

Sorry Maxi, not even remnants. You've been applauding Roger for so long and so hard now that I don't expect you to see anything that's close to reality, or at least admit to anything that's close to reality. To you Roger is perfect and I think that hurts your arguements more than anything, your credibility just flies out the window. Cheryl Murray wrote an article about the appropriateness of Roger being chosen sportsman of the year. Holy smoke you'd think the sky was falling with all the Chicken Littles running around that blog trying to save face for Roger. "OH, he should have won because he's #1", "He should have won because who else is there?", "He should have won because he sends congratulatory notes to other players". "He should have won because he's won it the last four years in a row". None of those reasons were sound. The person who should have won was the person who best showed appreciation and respect on the court last year. That wasn't Roger but not one of his die hard fan on that blog would come close to saying so. I think giving Roger that award made the players look like they don't care. Just toss Roger another bone.

good point maya.

deuce: agree with you too. i wouln't give up on him. would like to see himn win uso this year. if not, i wouldn't mind djoker winning or delpo defending but it's murray's next best chance i'd say. too much pressure at wimb that i don't think it's the place yet for his first slam. if he does win a slam this year, it'll take some pressure off. not sure about late maturing, the guy is good enough to win one now. had a pretty good chance at ao. hence my disgust for the mind games played by the opponent. resorting to gamesmanship against davy then mind games against murray. nevertheless, murray needs a brilliant sports psyc. does he have one?

Well, the video is certainly garnering attention and publicity. I reiterate my earlier point that this is nothing but GOOD for tennis. People are interested and those who might otherwise not have tuned in might do so now. It's certainly good for Rafa, no doubt. It will have no effect on his tennis and to think otherwise is ridiculous.
But while all that is valid, I simply don't think that's the reason he did it. Or the reason he was asked to do it. I'm not going to speculate on what may or may not be going behind close doors, suffice to say that there is undeniable chemistry between the two and whatever this thing is between them has been brewing for a good while now. So this is not entirely surprising.

maya, you're funny. "Every" single reason you quoted in your post above, was "NOT" one of the reasons I gave, so read a little carefully okay? and dont misquote me. My argument (which you didnt print here, why?) was that: The players had voted for Roger! (this is the wrong thread to post it here, but am answering your post above). And also. I am aware of the "hook" and I didnt say roger had a "hook", there are many parts to a roman nose maya, go figure yourself, because clearly you are NOT the expert here despite what you think. cheers maya.

For the purposes of this post, I am assuming that GoMuzza is a man, she may well be a woman.

Maya, GoMuzza knows too well what Rafa's injuries are but he doesn't want the facts to get in the way of his childish venom against Rafa. He is just simply a rabble rowser, whose main purpose is to provoke others to get into a fight with him, so IMO the best way to shut him up is not to respond to anything he says. Responding is just giving grease to his mission which is to wind people up and get them into an argument.

We know the facts, nothing that GoMuzza says will make any difference, if no one responds, he will soon give up and move on.

Watching the making of Gypsy shows that it was only acting, that is not to say that there is no chemistry there. Shakira says she asked Rafa to do it because she can identify with him - we believe you Shakira, not. Just admit that you are attracted to him, no one will hold it against you, except maybe Xisca.

I think Rafa knows what he is doing, and it's entirely up to him, we know nothing about his relationship with his gf, so we really shouldn't worry ourselves about that.

Totally agree with your take, ATuesday.

homos: am trying to talk to you and dodge the grenades, v. difficult! Have replied on Fed/Sport/Year blog. But re: sport psych 4 Andy, doubt if it'll happen, Scottish men are even more "buttoned up" than English, when it comes to feelings.

Maxi - I think I made my point and I'm pretty sure that your "reason" is no more relevant than any of the other die hard fans. If it blemishes your idea of Rogers perfection, then by all means lets give him a Roman nose. I'm no expert Maxi, nor would I ever want to be. If anything I relish in my imperfections, it's what makes me human. I do try to be honest and fair with my opinions and if I'm wrong I'm not afraid to admit it, so that's what I look for in others as well. Obviously, I'm up against a wall with you and your rose colored glasses.

homos yes! it is only because of stupid mind games that murray lost! only ok! Otherwise he was so good just wept the floor with Mr.Arthritic! Federer is so bad that he only wins because of this kind of things only! Even in other sports people do this you know?? they keep on talking about he opponenets and builds pressure on him! i read that federer was just answering questions media asked him but like you homos i WILL NOT BUY anything about federer! That 15 jacket ok! felt like vomiting i did! I know federer said he didnt know but homos you know that he did no? We Dont BUY IT right?? ha! Why should we trust a player??

Like that only my friend carry, dont buy that rafa has no arthritis!! He has carry! soo people will have to CARRY him around! he he!

Do you know that rafa is going to compete in Wheelchair tennis from this years Wimby??

Rafa is the favorite to win the Wheel chair singles in Wimby this year!! Promise truth!

i am girl only ok carry! dont worry i will help you out of your problem with Mr. Tennis Wedgie rafa also called Mr. arthritic.

Duece you are not my best friend ok other wise tell me that i am atr only Attracting Total respect just like Muzzaaa!! stupid video no? they dont even show rafa murray has a better body! Should have used him then they can show the face also. who can show a monkey face on tv??

Muzza 2010 wimby champion and number 1!!

Go Muzzaaa!!

Sorry sorry gorilla face ok! sorry ok. pure gorilla face

Carrie - I see your point regarding you know who. Mums the word from now on.

ok people, we've drawn him out of his cave!!! it's out in the open now and deuce had a valid point!!

GoMuzza is NOT, i repeat NOT a murray fan. GoMuzza is a fed fan hence the obsession with attacking rafa in every single post and defending fed that even murray is lost in his comments. yup deuce, gomuzza is very likely torres9!! the words and attacking style are so similar.

I understand that Shakira is in Los Angeles for some magazine shoots. We believe you Shakira, of course it's nothing to do with the tournament at Indian Wells.

If she goes and watch Rafa play and Gypsy is played during the match, just to promote it of course, that would be quite something. I hope she doesn't put him off his game.

"I understand that Shakira is in Los Angeles for some magazine shoots. We believe you Shakira, of course it's nothing to do with the tournament at Indian Wells."

Oh really Carrie? Interesting. Funny how they seem to be in the same places frequently no? I don't know if she'd risk coming to the tournament though, that would REALLY set tongues wagging.

But even if she did, I think Rafa is professional enough to not let it distract him. All the great players are able to discern the professional from the private and Rafa is certainly a great player. Would be sweet to see her there though!

wasn't she there to watch him last year too, if i remember correctly??

carrie: stop distracting rafa. we're are nearly at IW...a title he has to defend.

Somehow they'll find it very hard to meet because the media are hungry for more sightings, so they'll be watching them like a hawk. Shakira will just have to be satisfied with watching him play.

That's right homos. Eyes on the prize.....and I don't mean Shakira Rafa.

Yup shakira was in miami to watch nadal play last year

RAFA AND SHAKIRA IN MIAMI: Colombian signer Shakira didn?t want to miss one bit of the action at the Sony Ericsson Open yesterday where she payed a visit to her favourite player as he qualified for the fourth round of the Miami Masters Series. Once Rafa was done with the match ? just as Rafa presented her with a signed T-shirt as a present ? Shakira asked him if he wanted her to ?teach him how to sing? and in exchange maybe he would teach her ?how to play?.
Shakira On Rafa: ?He?s An Animal??

Shakira on court playing :
http://www.shakiragallery.com/albums/1/outandabout/2000/may21_tenni s/normal_4111508.jpg


:)

Apparently, Shakira has left LA, so hopefully, Rafa will be able to concentrate on the job in hand.

Vamos!

Good lordy, don't tell me she's gone to Paris. These rumours surrounding the Sarkozy-Bruni marriage are getting me all of a lather. And if Rafa takes off with Carla, I'm down the toilet.

Yeah better all round that she's left town, Rafa needs all the concentration he can muster up for this first tournament back. Mabye she'll show in Miami instead, like she did last year. Hee!

Roger is the classic greatest. LOVE Roger