Rafa admits he may not play

[Obsi]

Nadal says he may not play in AO

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/rafael-nadal-admits-he-may-not-play-in-australian-open-20150107-12j58v.html

 

[the AntiPusher]

I dont like the tone of this

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/rafael-nadal-admits-he-may-not-play-in-australian-open-20150107-12j58v.html

 

[Kieran]

Let's wait and see. All the indicators so far, are that he's going to play Oz...

 

[the AntiPusher]

I am not so certain.. I think that he may do as he did two years ago. Begin the season on the clay, work on his timing and confidence.. :nono

 

[tented]

I am not so certain.. I think that he may do as he did two years ago. Begin the season on the clay, work on his timing and confidence.. :nono

Things worked out well that year, so it wouldn't be the worst thing if he used it as a template for another comeback.

 

[the AntiPusher]

I am not so certain.. I think that he may do as he did two years ago. Begin the season on the clay, work on his timing and confidence.. :nono

Things worked out well that year, so it wouldn't be the worst thing if he used it as a template for another comeback.

Tented it would be another 5 months before another GS.. Its pure torture for some of us

 

[tented]

I am not so certain.. I think that he may do as he did two years ago. Begin the season on the clay, work on his timing and confidence.. :nono

Things worked out well that year, so it wouldn't be the worst thing if he used it as a template for another comeback.

Tented it would be another 5 months before another GS.. Its pure torture for some of us

I hear you. I'm just trying to find a silver lining, but it's not easy.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Craig Tiley said on Twitter yesterday that he has been in talks with team Nadal,they are looking forward to playing the Australia Open.

Rafa will play a charity exhibition event called 'Rafa's Summer Set' in Melbourne at the Margaret Court Arena on January 14th.Rafa will play against Verdasco.Rafa will also play with Aussie Mark Philippoussis and junior singles champion Omar Jasika.Tickets went on sale through Ticketek on December 19th.The event will also support the Rafa Nadal Foundation which assists and provides opportunities for socially disadvantaged young people,and the Australia Tennis Foundation.

 

[Riotbeard]

I hope rafa plays and gets some more confidence knocked out of him. Mostly kidding. On a selfish level, it would be nice for him to face Novak early in the season and novak whip 'em good.

I honestly think waiting till clay might be smarter. Getting embarrassed in Doha is one thing, getting trounced in a slam could really hurt the confidence.

 

[shawnbm]

He will play--this is just a little talking off the cuff. He knows that he can play his way into shape; he has done just that numerous times in his career as have other greats of the game.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

If he is hurt , it might be wise to skip AO. But if he is perfectly healthy and he is worried his game is not there yet, that is not a reason to skip a slam. How are you going to improve? By NOT playing?
Confidence comes and goes. He has lost to nobodies before.

 

[Kieran]

Well, it's only at Wimbledon that he's fallen early to nobodies. It's getting tougher for him to defend Paris and be ready for Wimbledon, but in Oz he's been fairly consistent in getting to the second week. But I agree, if he's fit, he should play. The alternative is to - what? Sit at home and watch TV? He's a pro player, so I imagine he'll play.

It's different to 2013 because back then his training was interrupted fatally by a virus, so he was in no condition to play. Unless he's carrying an injury that could hinder his whole season, then his only trouble now is lack of match practice, and as you say, he only gets that by playing matches...

 

[Fiero425]

Well, it's only at Wimbledon that he's fallen early to nobodies. It's getting tougher for him to defend Paris and be ready for Wimbledon, but in Oz he's been fairly consistent in getting to the second week. But I agree, if he's fit, he should play. The alternative is to - what? Sit at home and watch TV? He's a pro player, so I imagine he'll play.

It's different to 2013 because back then his training was interrupted fatally by a virus, so he was in no condition to play. Unless he's carrying an injury that could hinder his whole season, then his only trouble now is lack of match practice, and as you say, he only gets that by playing matches...

Is this the beginning of the end? :nono :angel: :dodgy: :cover

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Is this the beginning of the end? :nono :angel: :dodgy: :cover

If this "beginning of the end" is anything like Roger's, we will wait at least 6-7 years.

 

[Fiero425]

Is this the beginning of the end? :nono :angel: :dodgy: :cover

If this "beginning of the end" is anything like Roger's, we will wait at least 6-7 years.

Sorry, but Rafa's whole act offends me so much! His periodic vacations are just unbecoming of a top flight player! I'm sure he doesn't want to be in the company of Azarenka and Sharapova that have been breaking down from the beginning due to abuse so early in their pro careers! In '90 they were supposed to protect players from themselves, but we still have walking wounded pros all over the place! They are doing it to themselves; balls, rackets, and surfaces change and the pros just strengthen and create more muscle to power the ball around the court! There's just nothing entertaining about that kind of tennis so I won't miss Rafa in the least! :dodgy: :nono :angel:

 

[Kieran]

How are injuries "unbecoming?" :cover

 

[tented]

How are injuries "unbecoming?" :cover

Or "vacations"?

 

[Fiero425]

When has Rafa played 2 consecutive years; often taking time off the tour for 5-7 months? That's unheard of from players in the day; Laver Borg, Connors, Lendl, Edberg, and so many other greats! I think he's working the system like slots! I'm just glad I don't have to depend on him making every major like most top flight pros! He may use an injury as an excuse, but I'm not buying it; SORRY! Never cared for the guy or the way he plays the game; or games the play!

Update: I just remember The ATP allowed a legend to walk when he tried to take a little bit of time off; literally ran Bjorn Borg off! Now they're allowing PT play by Rafa so routinely! I know they've changed the rules, but look at the abuse!

 

[Kieran]

Borg, Laver etc, were never so injured as Rafa. Are you struggling with simple logic here? He wouldn't miss so many majors if he was healthy.

Anyway, you're a Fedfan, you should be happy Rafa has missed so much tennis. Your bloke has done quite well out it...

 

[Fiero425]

Borg, Laver etc, were never so injured as Rafa. Are you struggling with simple logic here? He wouldn't miss so many majors if he was healthy.

Anyway, you're a Fedfan, you should be happy Rafa has missed so much tennis. Your bloke has done quite well out it...

He's just been a rotten representative of #1 IMO! His whole act is repugnant; his play, the stalling, coaching, running game with constant challenges that are wrong, and more! Nole and Roger have been a class act from the beginning while Rafa has his routine and even for a coin toss will make a little girl in a wheelchair cool her heels while he towels off and arranges his water bottles just so! He's a jerk in so many ways! :nono uzzled :cover