RafaLint: October 9th
AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye
Articles:
- Rafa likes noodles
- Murray stuns Nadal then wins doubles in Tokyo via yahoo sports
- In-form Murray Triumphs Over Nadal via the ATP
- Andy Murray defeats Rafael Nadal in Japan Open final via BBC
- Shanghai Masters: Draw Preview and Analysis by Nima Nadri (tennisconnected.com)
- Can Rafa rebound from Japan loss? – a Shanghai preview by Ravi Ubha (espn.com)
Photos:
- Photos from the Tokyo final in globalite’s flickr stream and in alex12ga’s
- Rafa’s in Shanghai (thanks diannada and mydumbodumbo)
Rafa and footie:
Rafa has signed on to play footie with his pals in Manacor. This is an amateur type league and I think it’s going to be some great stress relief for Rafa. Well, as much as any kind of competition can be a stress relief for someone who hates to lose. Yeah, I know there’s a fear or injury, but apparently he’s willing to take that risk. To me, the idea that he is willing to take on that risk means he really just needs to have some darn fun right now.
- iB3 report – tot Rafa in a locker room after a football match! A bit of the page mangled: “The player will wear number 9 Manacor, and will play football with his friends, after a decade without being able to do so.” Awww!
- Rafa Nadal, fichaje estrella del Inter Manacor (mangle)
Rafa does social media:
- Looks like Rafa and Marc! played some PlayStation while in Tokyo. Rafa told is about it in English and Spanish – and included a different picture with each post. How kind.
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thanks, Miri. always awesome to see adorable baby Rafa. he was all cute and humble even then
oh, and i’m with you that Rafa sorely wants some more F U N in his life
Awwwww, tot Rafa was so cute! Look at those cheeks!
That’s so cool that he’s going to play in a local league. Great stress relief and a good way to train and have fun at the same time. This gets a thumbs up from me!
When will rafa play in this league? this fall?
I think Rafa needs a diversion; playing futbol with friends should be great for him. Let go of tennis from time to time. Sounds like a great idea.
Great football vid, Miri, thanks. It’s so nice to see all that old footage for the 1st time. He certainly loved football back then, didn’t he?
Also, it’s nice to see that some of the experts picked Rafa to win in Shanghai which I think it’s very likely if Rafa has the motivation to do it. Most people had said beforehand anyway that if Murray won Tokyo, then Rafa would win Shanghai, so let’s keep our fingers crossed.
Well that would be a consolation Maria! I don’t know, infact they would both have to get to the final first no? it all depends on Rafa and how he is feeling!
thank u, Miri!
Regarding noodles, I’ve got the same information @ pre & post match event on his SF day. (yes, I was able to be there, finally!)
According to the MC, Rafa ate 5 of them(only “see food noodles”) on the other day.
Then he also took 9 of them (only “see food noodles”, of course) when he was leaving the stadium after his SF victory!
Last year, he was interested in the BIG CUP NOODLES and tapped it several times with big smile when he found it on ATP sunday.
This year, seemingly he liked its taste!
JFYI, the taste of cup needles in Japan differs from in the US and the other countries. Miri, you don’t need to try it for experimenting his taste :-)
Japanese noodles — cup or freshly cooked–YUMYUM!!!
Was Rafa just trying to get to the airport on time? Is that why he lost the third set so badly? Lol His team had already left as per the ” Trophy ceremony of awkwardness” and were “losing the plane”.
Good luck in Shanghai “Noodle fiend”
Amateur league footie? Rafa’s playing? Where can I find out about his team’s schedule?
I was searchng for updates on Rafa and came across this article about Rafa joining an amateur football league. I couldn’t resist!
This is great news for Rafa! I”m excited for him to give tennis some breathing room. I think he will enjoy spending time playing football. Needless to say, he’s winner in whatever he sets his mind to do. I, too, want to find out about his team’s schedule. Wherever he goes, my family, friends, and I will go too. He’s a special person and player and we will always love and support him in whatever decision he makes. Vamos Rafa!
The schedule is here: http://bit.ly/qnpIId and the team’s Facebook page is here: http://on.fb.me/nZRkhr.
I do not expect to see much of Rafa on the pitch due to contractual arrangements with his sponsors and insurance carrier.
As the article in today’s lint says, it’s more of a symbolic thing. Shame. He’d have so much fun.
Great set from globalite!
And in case anyone doubts whether or not Rafa still wants it, check this out:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/globalite/6227152586/in/photostream/
Wow, f*****g fab photo JC! The thing is with Rafa is that he loves the competition in general, thats what drives him,(or used to), more than the tennis itself!
God his hot as hell in these pics, thanks again JC!
Not reading any of the articles about the match, as they’re likely to be depressing.
I agree that if he’s willing to risk the injuries, he’s gotten to the point where he’s no longer willing to miss out on life after so many years of blinkered focus. I doopt he’ll get to actually play very often though, with his schedule. Wish it would be televised when he does, I could do with some low-stress Rafa footie as well!
Thanks Miri…and here is a mini-blog from Jezebel on spanish thighs :-)
http://jezebel.com/5848082/look-deep-into-these-spanish-thighs
Amateur league footie?! Yes! Great idea and I think a necessary one for Rafa – he’ll be able to get away from the stress of tennis non-stop. Wonder when he’ll be able to play.
For him it’ll be a great way to relax :) Can I just say I didn’t care whether he won or lost as I just wanted him to rest for that week – ah well.