Comments on: Tennis Magazine: US Open Special

By: Annie

Annie — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 01:01:35 +0000

I remember the shot JohnF is referring to! And there was a fantastic picture of Rafa leaping into the air that was staggering!

By: sia

sia — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:13:15 +0000

Like!

By: Leslie

Leslie — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 03:43:11 +0000

I’ve been going back in the Archives here to see what you all were saying when Rafa was going through his hard times in 2009 and beginning 2010. I only started rewatching tennis during Rafa’s 1st match Monte Carlo 2010 so don’t have the same frame of reference for Rafa needeing to rebound as long time Rafa fans.
The posts for the most part are incredibly supportive to Rafa and show a lot of faith in his ability to come back after his injuries/troubles/almost year long time without a win. I find the old posts encouraging as they remind me that Rafa has had the passion and mental toughness to rebound when things have looked tough previously.
I actually copied something that John F wrote in a post April 9, 2010. It was just after Rafa lost the Miami final to Roddick -same match where he was pounding his knee ans swearing- and there were many articles questioning Rafa’s health and abilities. The words of John F speak eloquently to the “Can Rafa get back on top?” questions.

” Of course you feel for this guy, our hero. It hurts to see such potential not quite back to form, but this year he is really clawing it back. And with the competition he faces he’ll have to work VERY hard. ……. Go rafa! Hey, like I am an old guy who used to watch Roscoe Tanner and Jimmy Connors play in the Pac 8 conference. I’ve never seen anything like Rafa, nor been so “emotionally” intense about wanting to see a player win. But you know, what I remember from Miami. His final match winning passing shot against Tsonga and his reaction to that. That’s what I live for. May there be many more!!
He is absolutely amazing and the most exciting tennis player in our era. So love him, feel for him when he hurts and isn’t doing well, celebrate when he plays superb tennis, but never lose your belief in this guy.” John F Apr 9, 2010
Thanks John F for reminding me to never count Rafa out! Vamos!

By: June

June — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 21:40:35 +0000

“Can Rafa get back on top?” Yes, I believe he can and will be #1 again very soon :) I kind of figured CC/Ann or Natch would comment “Sure, he can as long as it’s w/me!” (lol)

By: Gene

Gene — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 21:12:42 +0000

Nadal will be back soon. Djoko is an opportunist.

By: wendya

wendya — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:40:11 +0000

I think you’re right there!

By: wendya

wendya — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:38:23 +0000

I keep hoping the pressure will get to Nole too but, if we’re honest, we know he loves the limelight and all the attention he’s getting…he seems to thrive on it. He also seems to know when to say “no” and to be sensible with his scheduling etc. The thing that might eventually get to him, imo, is maintaining what seems to be quite a strict mental and physical regime. He’s enjoying all the work and dedication at the moment because of the great results he’s getting, but whether he can remain that committed is another matter.

By: Kris K

Kris K — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:02:01 +0000

I’m with you – love the chest fur siting!

By: Maria

Maria — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:11:40 +0000

Rafa look like he just woke up in the US Open cover photo.

Frankly, I don’t care for any Chris Evert comments on Rafa. She doesn’t even like him. She’s all about Roger Federer.

By: Karen

Karen — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 15:33:12 +0000

If Djoko was delivering pizzas in 1991 at the age of 4 isn’t that child labour & worse than Rafa playing tennis at the age of 5? I know what you mean, but it sounded so funny!
Let’s not forget Djoko’s been around quite a while too, and having played 3rd fiddle to Rog & Rafa for the last 4-5 years he may feel the pressure of winning, always being there @ the end of tournies, having to defend titles & ranking points just to stay at No.1 sooner than Rog & Rafa did.
Their mental strength and desire to win year in year out was/is 2nd to none. Lets see what happens in respect of Djoko in a year or so.