Nadal changes his priorities
Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images Europe
lurkingna sent in this link and helped nurse the google translation along a bit. Here’s her translation:
“Everything has changed for Rafa Nadal after the injury. There has been no choice but to sit down and reconsider, because something wasn´t working. Something had to change or the body will be damaged. So, the way things are and the way Federer is playing, Rafa and his team have decided to change their priorities, not just this season but for the followings. The thought is: “I have already had the number one, well, that’s it. Now I’m more interested in the Grand Slams”. These are the tournaments that bring more glory (and points), so seasons will be planned thinking about them even if that means putting aside the fight for the number one, what makes you compete more smaller tournamentes and makes Rafa’s body to be tired in the big ones.
The number one is complicated. If Federer wins today it will be lost and it will be very difficult to recover, because we must remember that Rafa will soon lose 800 points for the Olympic Games in Beijing. So better to change.
And it starts now. So the player and his team have almost closed the tournament schedule that Rafa will play till the end of the year. While recovering at his summer’s home in Menorca, he and his team have developed the plan, which, as everyone knows, has set the U.S. Open as its primary goal. The spaniard would reappear in Montreal and then Cincinnati, U.S. Open, Bangkok, China, Shanghai, Paris and London Masters. The only question is whether he would be back competing even earlier in some european tournament on clay, not because they want, the doctors and his team, but because he has some crazy desire to play.
The player is resting at home, while continuing to rehabilitate his knee: VCR, strengthening exercises, short wave, ie what he was already doing in Mallorca and London before returning home. In the daily monitoring is Rafa Maymó, his physio, which follows step by step the player’s rehabilitation. Rafa is resting, but he has not gone fishing (he musts get up too early and he does it only in vacations), but he goes out with friends and plays golf occasionally, as all the day it split between the rest and five hours of rehabilitation.”
Loading ...
I don’t get this his going to play all 7 tiurneys as well as the Us? surely not, or does this mean that this was his original schedule? can someone explain, Miri? thanx
I think that was his original schedule. At least, that’s what I remember it being.
Rafa has dropped Shanghai from his schedule which I think was a 500/250 tournie.
This is an excellent piece of news, the most positive thing I have read in weeks.
Yes … poor old Rafa has half killed himself in the pursuit of being number 1. You can’t blame him, he’s a sportsman who wants the ultimate accolade. But with that then brings the added pressure of defending all your points from tournie to tournie whereby most times, nothing but a win will do. I really think this was another of the contributing factors to Rafa’s current fitness. He came from Miami nursing an injury, but the clay court season was upon him. Soooo many points to defend and to keep his status, he had to try and do it. Its a testament to his ability that he won 3 tournaments on the clay, but finding out about his endemas in Madrid and that monumental match with Novak just about saw him off into the state he is now.
Its been a very, very hard lesson for Rafa to learn and must have professionally hurt him so much. But, he’s re-focussing for the USO and boy, am I so pleased to hear that.
Lock up your trophies Federer!!! Rafa’s coming back to get them!!! VAMOS !!!!
Sorry … I am a prat. Ignore my first sentence, he is playing Shanghai !!! *doh*
Other than the confusing bit about this year’s tournaments, I think it’s very wise that he has been reconsidering his schedule in general and IMO it’s a good thing they came up with.
Changing goals can be refreshing, so let’s hope we’ll see a renewed Rafa soon!
Am I missing something here? Rafa is supposed to concentrate on the slams, but yet he’s playing 7 tourneys..including inane stuff like bangkok and china?
Although the part about not caring for the #1 and concentrating for the slams is just music to my ears. Imagine a #3 or lower ranked Rafa – he would be a nightmare opponent in the slams SF for Fed, Muzz et all.
Thanks lurkingna & Miri — I’m glad RAFA & his team/camp are busy planning on rescheduling his busy schedule like the Williams’ sisters have been doing for so long & have been critisized for it. I think that one has to do what one needs to for their own health sake is what really matters. Now you will get to go to Montreal & see RAFA play again Miri, you lucky girl you ;-)
It is so good to hear an update about Rafa after so long. I am so happy to hear his progress, felt like we’ve been in a vacuum for ages. I’m glad that Rafa is rethinking his priorities etc., but I feel a little sad too because if that happens, we won’t get to see Rafa playing as much as I’d like to. Not to just be selfish from my point of view, but it’s something that is so part of his personality and appeal, that he wants it all. That he’s hungry. And he’s dedicated to the game. Anyway, regardless, it will be good for him in the long run. Just kind of changes the whole aura of Rafa as tough as nails and almost invincible. Which indeed we have now realised he is not. Poor Rafa, I am a little conflicted with this, I know it’s for the best, but doesn’t stop me from being sad that things will be different.
As for him coming back to play those tournaments, and even wanting to get back earlier in Europe on clay, we have to understand, Rafa LOVES to play tennis. LOVES. And he is missing it like hell right now. And it hurts that he can’t just go out and play with the best. He left RG early and missed his favourite slam – it’s been so tough on him the poor dear. So we should totally understand that he can’t wait to get back out there. He’d already have had lots of rest, and he is now much more aware of the importance of keeping well, so I don’t think he’d be reckless and do something that wasn’t ok for his progress. I just can’t wait to see him back out there. And kind of give the finger to all the doubters. I know Rafa will be back stronger. Really hope he doesn’t lose too much confidence from the downtime. Vamos Rafa!
I’m with you Nic, pleased he’s going to take more care but sad that he’s having to drop tourneys when we know he wants to play tennis all the time – and we want to watch him all the time! But whatever he needs to do to get back on the circuit… tennis isn’t the same without him.
This is exactly what I wanted to hear, learn from the Williams sisters and save yourself for the Grandslams! Go Rafa!
I agree.
Phew! Good to hear some news on Rafa. And I think this is the rit time to reconsider the schedule and reorganize it a little bit so that Rafa can be at his 300% for the slams. I guess he is going to play all these tourneys but is probably not going to fight till he wins. That is what is taking a toll. Anywayz getting back the number 1 ranking if Fed wins is tof. Unless Fed looses early at US open and Rafa wins it. He will have chances to get back his number one ranking next year. Its all about winning slams and having a decent run at the masters 1000.
I think the odd ones out are Bangkok and Beijing which I wish he could miss, especially if Rafa is going to play Davis Cup after the US Open (But I am going to buy my tickets for the Bangkok tournament next Sat and hope for the best). Maybe he is already committed to them and can’t back out. But encourging messages coming fm the Rafa camp. Stop being Mr Nice guy. Think of yourself first for a change. Starting Jan 2010.
And go A-Rod! U look good this yr. Take both the singles titles USA.
I’m SOOOO EXCITED he has decided to focus on the Slams and schedule himself properly! I’ve been saying this since 2007. He’ll win many more slams and masters…and he’ll be around a lot longer. Bravo Rafa :)
Rafa is taking a note from Roger. Schedule yourself to peak for the slams :)
Lets face it, Rafa at his BEST is better than EVERYBODY ELSE (including Roger) at their best. I think he’ll win the US Open this year. :)
I don’t get it. What’s so different about his schedule?
Finally, some feed back about the knee and how the injury is going. As far as ranking goes, it’s not important. More important is staying fit and having the longest possible carrer. Anyway, if u count the 4 slams and all ten masters seriers plus atp masters cup plus davis cup plus barcelona [IMO which Rafa woun't give up], plus a warm up event before Australian open, that is enough tennis!!! Around 17 tournies 4 d year!!! I don’t think u can trim much more than that!!!
Also, I’m starting to really hate the madrid tourney [Thats where all d trouble began] before roland garros and he should skip that, do Barcelona [In my honest opinion]
“”The spaniard would reappear in Montreal and then Cincinnati, U.S. Open, Bangkok, China, Shanghai, Paris and London Masters. “”
Ok.. To me this looks like the normal schedule. Is something lost in translation? Only Cinci, Montreal, Paris and London are mandatory events AFAIK. If Rafa’s been meaning to cut down on his tournaments, I don’t see it in this article.
Yeah I don’t understand what’s so different either. Of all those tourneys mentioned, only 1 is a slam, so how this is him “focusing on the slams”, I don’t see. Confusing.
Btw, what’s AFAIK??
Sorry about that. AFAIK = As far as I know.
Yeah I didn’t even mention the UsOpen bcoz it’s a slam. In fact this is the toughest schedule possible for Rafa. I don’t think he’s ever (in the past 4 years) managed to play all of these events at the end of the season. Well, if he wants to do so this time, then he risks NOT being fresh at the start of the next season thereby risking the defense of the AO title. I would love to know who is managing his schedule.
OH OK, totally did NOT pick up on that abbreviation, thank you!
And I guess the only way we’ll know for sure what Rafa means by “changing his priorities” is to wait it out and see what he actually plays and doesn’t play. But one thing is for sure — I can’t wait to see him happy & healthy and back on-court!! :)
Bangkok, China, Shanghai, Paris and London Masters!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After US OPEN he has to play all this , WHY THE HELL………
Shanghai, Paris and London Masters IS MORE THAN HANDFUL…..
after USOPEN which he shd aim to win, go back and rest and get ready for defending Australia…
Thanks for that info…can anyone please explain why he will lose 800points for the Olympics? It’s not something he could have defended but didn’t…it seems a bit unfair.
That’s just part of the rankings gig. The Olympics give the players points as earned in that particular year, but they fall off as though it was an event that the players didn’t defend the next year. It’s the same for everyone, so it is fair, but just a bummer. It was set up that way so that the players would have incentive to play in the Olympics as it really crowds the already packed schedule. The gold our guy won is something he’ll have forever and he was able to bring to his beloved country, so I’m sure losing the points doesn’t bother him in the least. Let’s cheer for the US hardcourt season success and the final major title of the year to our Rafa!!!
Thanks a lot!!! I didn’t know the Olympics gave points. I thought it was just the gold. Of course it’s the same for everyone, not just Rafa, that goes without saying. I see why it happens now, I’m just saying it’s a pity. And I agree that losing the points doesn’t bother him since the important thing is for him to try and recover, which according to what I’ve been reading is exactly what he has been doing :-)
I’m joining you guys in the confusion over what possible change this represents to his schedule. I’m just hoping the article got the big picture right, if not the facts.
To my mind, it reflects no change to what his schedule was anyway. I think the point to consider is the statement about “for the following (season) …”. That’s the difference. I know Rafa has previously run out of steam at the end of the year, but this time he’s had all this time off mid-year so it will probably be different for year end. Plus, there is some time off post-USO.
I still prefer to see this as positive. Poor old Rafa must have really been through the mill over this last 5 weeks, ALL things considered. Lets cheer him and see this as a positive move …
I’m just guessing here, but could it be that because Bangkok, China, Shanghai, Paris and London Masters are AFTER the US Open and BEFORE the off season, he thinks there is no need to cut them down as he’s having plenty of rest now? Maybe the real difference will be in how many tournaments he plays next year between the AO and the FO and on.
To be honest, I don’t have a clue either, but it didn’t sound confusing to me because I don’t have any idea about the tennis calendar :)
Anyway, I also hope he really play less because I’m watching him play only since last year and I want to be able to do so for a few years more… I enjoy so much! and I’m that selfish too!
Great news. He can defend Australian Open for sure, but US Open is a little unrealistic given that it is the fastest surface on tour, and his game is not suited for it. As long as Australian Open continues to be a slow surface like it is, and French Open slow down the clay like 2008, Nadal can dominate for years. Federer can have his Wimbledon and the US open, but Nadal should focus on his strengths and not over exert himself and shorten his career. Go Rafa!!!
Um, actually the Olympics was on a surface exactly similar to USO’s and was played with the same type of balls as well.
Also, last year the AO changed its surface from Rebound Ace to Plexicushion Prestige. Plexicushion is almost exactly similar to DecoTurf which is used in USO. Rebound ACe was much slower than Plexicushion where the ball travels fast. Rafa won there what more proof do we need? I really hate this ‘he can’t win on Hard Courts’ argument.
He’s coming off from a tough few months and he’s going to be hungry. He’s definitely going to be a factor in USO and I won’t be surprised if he takes it.
The only worry for Rafa are injuries and over-playing. If he stays away from the two there is every chance he will get both FO and W back.
Actually, ava, plexicushion at the AO is def. much slower than the deco turf at the USOpen. And there’s not much in terms of the speed difference b/w rebound ace and plexicushion of the AO – what changed with the installation of plexicushion was the consistency. The new surface is less affected by the heat and all the courts play uniformly (unlike the rebound ace). If anything the bounce and the speed is lower (with plexicushion), not higher than before. All in all, the UsOpen is (and has always been) faster than the AO.
That said, as you rightly mentioned, Nadal has won at the Olympic games, reached the final at Rotterdam and done well at several indoor carpet tournaments which are as fast (or faster in the case of Rotterdam) than the UsOpen. Hence Nadal not being effective on fast courts is purely a myth.
Being number 1 isn’t everything and there are a lot of great players in top 20, 50, 100 and upcoming that aren’t even in the rankings, so I think it is wise to not so much think about that and concentrate on the things that matter most.
US Open would be a great place to start and hopefully with these small changes some great things will happen.
I think one of the main tournaments he really wanted to enter this year which may have caused a few issues was Madrid because he really wanted to play being that it was in Spain and he hasn’t won that yet and it is tough because it is inbetween some important clay court tournaments and it is a very tight shedule, so maybe think about not doing one of thoose earlier ones or something, don’t know.
I’m so glad to read the news, he should save energy for the big ones i think we ( and he and his tem ) knew this all along but none of us could admit it ti ourselfs… And it still will be a lot of tennis he’s going to play, a lot off chances to watch him play for us!
Sad thing for us dutchies is that he probably will be skipping Rotterdam from his schedule but i’m behind that 100% if thats what it takes for Rafa to stay fit! Thats worth more than for me not being able to see him play live in my country.
There is a revised schedule listed underneath the original one. Looks like nadal is dropping Bangkok, Shanghai, and China. Didn’t anybody see that or am i reading it wrong?
I think you are right Caroline (except Shanghai). If you check his website Rafa is not playing the Thailand Open in Bangkok, he is not playing the China Open in Beijing and there is no mention of future Davis Cup ties for this year.
I’m not 100% sure that those tournaments were ever listed on Rafa’s site.
Ah …could be. Makes sense though that he would just play US Open and 1000 tournaments like Montreal, Cincinnati and Shanghai.
I hope RAFA goes to both Cincinnati for my daughter’s sake & to Montreal for Miri’s sake (but I don’t want to be selfish here — I do want our champ to take care of himself & put his health first by all means & to be fresh for the US Open & win it).
“Rafa and his team have decided to change their priorities, not just this season but for the followings. The thought is: “I have already had the number one, well, that’s it. Now I’m more interested in the Grand Slams”.”
Maybe I have sun stroke after being on the beach most of the day, but I don’t understand any of this.
This doesn’t sound like anything Rafa and his team would say. They might think it, but I don’t feel they would come out and say it like this. I might be wrong, but it sounds…weird.
And since when did Rafa move to Menorca?!
I thought his summer home was in Porto Cristo on Mallorca, but the family has houses all over the darn place, so who knows. It doesn’t seem right, though.
I don’t think those are his words either. In the article, the writer don’t say that Rafa has said that, maybe he has talked to someone from his team but not to Rafa and that’s the way he sums it up. That’s my guess… uhm, kind of feel responsible for the translation, lol!
Sorry, it wasn’t at all a criticism of your translation, thanks for doing it!
Cutting back and yet playing all these tournaments? Why bother going to Asia? The travel is not good for inflammation. Just sitting on the plane that long is bad for your legs, whether you’re an athlete or not. Rafa should write off 2009 and start fresh next year. He’s going nowhere at the US Open and won’t win it. He tried that a few years ago, playing in New York with hurt knees and lost to David Ferrer early early early. Career will be over if he doesn’t do something more major than this plan.
Let’s leave this up to Rafa. He has proven himself many times on very fast courts. Toronto is very fast as is Indian Wells. The courts in Beijing for the Olympics were very fast. It is not the court, but the man with the racket. He has pumped up his serve, added the backhand slice, worked on his net game and made it one of the best on the planet, has one of the best overheads in the game (forehand and backhand), and his groundies on BOTH SIDES are astounding, especially while on the run. He also has marvelous problem solving capabilities. I am going to love watching Rafa prove all the naysayers wrong, once again, and go on to win many more titles on all surfraces…NO DOOBTS!!! Let’s all have big illusions and celebrate as he achieves his “special goals”! We love you so much, Rafi!!!
Rafa has been having tendinitis for years and has managed to play with the pain, except during the second half of the season when he practically just runs out of gas and energy. I personally believe that his parents’ splitting up has affected him mentally in a way that might not be conceivable to some of us who are more independent and not as close to their family. Also,Nadal seems to be very structured in his day to day routine and consequently would not deal well with changes. When he was happy(meaning everything was well at home)and thus mentally stable, he could just ignore his pain and still perform at his highest level. Let’s just hope that he accepts this new change in his life and moves on with his tennis. That’s what he does best, playing tennis and competing!