Rafa’s arrived in Halle
The ATP kindly let us know Rafa’s arrived in Halle:
The tournament proudly talked about his arrival too: Superstar Rafael Nadal in Halle gelandet (or in English).
And here’s some photos:
(Photos by CARMEN JASPERSEN/AFP/GettyImages)
So, in short: new country, new tournament, new surface, and new cakes to explore.
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Poor Rafa. Yet another cake.
Or … lucky Rafa. Yum. He looks happy and relaxed. Has he ever played at Halle before?
Yep, in 2005, when he won for the very first time Roland Garros, and in Halle lost in first round, a quick trip indeed
Gracias Ines. I guess he was saying … “I don’t remember a lot because …” I went out in the first round. ;)
There are many positives, among which:
a. German (duh)
b. Roof and
c. Roof (they’re saying Queens might not be finished due to weather this year).
Some things stay the same doesn’t matter the tournament or the country he is in!He has to be careful with so much sugar!Vamos campeon!
not sure about other countries – but in the US our tennis channel typically showed Queens tourney and I do not recall them showing Halle. This year they are showing Halle instead.
Rafa power??
How right you are JK, bet the British tax moguls are spitting feathers (or rather the fans here and the tournie director are) because he’s playing Halle. The weather is dire here anyway, he’s better off where he is.
Hi JK! I’m from California and my Tennis Channel has been showing the early rounds of Halle last night. I checked their programs for the upcoming days and did not see Queens on it, only Halle.
Lucky you, being in London I never get to watch Halle and this year the caliber of players is great, *sighs* looks like I might have to search on Eurosport, prehaps they’ll have it… on e can live in hope right… nice to hear that they are broadcasting in the Us poor Roddick went out today at Queens, looks like his on his way out poor guy.
He’s making the right decision not playing at Queens. The weather here in the UK is terrible. Cold and wet and that is the forcast for the weekend. Much better to go where there is a roof to get some grass practise! Crazy life for tennis players ……
Yes weather is awful in the UK, rain delays on the Agenda for sure and I think Rafa’s had enough of those so good he is in Halle, tho I’m gonna miss seeing him play at Queen’s and hope he decides to return at some point.
No coverage of Halle in the UK as far as I know so any video’s of rafa’s matches, singles and doubles would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Well, Rafa signed a 3 years contract with Halle, so UK fans have to wait at least for 2 more years.
When Rafa’s contract with Queens was up, he explained that he was changing to Halle because Britain’s tax laws, which taxed him on sponsorship income as well as prize money and his substantial appearance fees, were causing him to lose money by appearing there. Hence the move to Halle, which has welcomed him with open arms, given him a generous schedule, and no doubt provided him with significant guaranteed money.
Britain is considering changing its tax laws, as Rafa isn’t the only star avoiding the country because of the punitive tax laws. However, F S rightly reports that Rafa’s signed a three-year deal with Halle, so Queens will have to wait until Rafa is approaching age 30 to try to lure him back.
Bolt from Jamaica (sprinter – athletics) as well.
The Halle director was really upset with Roger last year because he pulled out. I’m sure they were delighted to get Rafa, who has made it clear that he regards a grass warm up tournament as vital to his Wimbly prep. Plus he always plays doubles there as well.
I thought it was a 2 yr contract. Oh well , wait we will but he would be wise to stay at Halle,British summer weather is so unpredictable these days. The final at queens’ last year had to be finished on the Monday because of rain.
Lovely cake, it reminds me of the court at the battle of the surfaces’ tournament in Mallorca in 2007.
@Sharon, I’m in the UK and I’m going to watch a couple of the live matches on sportlemon tv
If you watch it on there, make sure your anti-virus is up to date as there are a few pop ups.
(sorry if this comment appears more than once, i tried posting it 4 times)
Micamica
Thank you for letting me know. Is it free or do you have to subscribe ?
@Sharon,
Yes it is free. I tried posting the URL but it would not work.
It is sportlemon tv, try a few of the tennis links for the ATP Gerry weber open, then you have to wait for the ads to count down and you can expand the page. I hide the side chat box because there are some very childish conversations going on in there.
Just make sure your anti-virus is up to date, I’ve been watching the tennis on there for a couple of weeks now and I haven’t had any viruses but someone on Yahoo Eurosport said they did.
http://www.fromsport.com.
click on it..and it will automatically take you to Sportlemon..:o)
What a warm reception from the tournament director. The cake (with claycourt bearing the 7th trophy while the other half is grass court for Gerry Weber Open)was very thoughtful. I hope Rafa enjoys it here. I like when they make Rafa feel special coz he really is. :)
That is a LOT of cake. I always wonder if Rafa actually eats a slice or if he simply cuts and smiles for the cameras. Same at Roland Garros when they celebrate his birthday in front of the press–does he ever take a bite?
Can’t believe Rafa’s already in Halle. Tennis is a beast, indeed; the boy must be absolutely exhausted. I like that new light blue jacket on him. He looks very effortlessly handsome.
He was asked in an interview last week if he ate a piece of every cake and he joked and said “Almost.” I think he might have a bite or two.
I dont mind having a taste of 5 of those Rafa cakes (3 bday, 1 post FO finals cake, 1 Halle cake)..looks yummy!
Hmm..3 bday cakes..1post FO win cake(that we know of)
and now Welcome to Halle cake!Wow!what a Sugar HIGH!;-)
He looks so happy and relaxed. I’m so happy.
He’s cut the slice so neatly..but what a silly thing for me to say, of course he did..can we expect anything but perfection from Rafa?Anyway Rafa..enjoy your win and quickly adapt to grass.Vamos!
Rafa loves to party ;)
He seemed to have a lot of fun last night in Bielefeld :)
Really, I am about to freak out!!!
He is here!!! He is finally here :)
I bet the cake was delicious – I love German cake :) It was so nice to see how they welcomed our Rafa and the cake celebrating his win at RG was a very thoughtful gesture I think.
I had my ticket for the tourney in Halle confirmed earlier today! Super excited at the possibility to see Rafa playing on Friday. Fingers crossed he doesn’t get kicked out before then!
Great!
His opponent tomorrow is Lacko. I’m sure that you get to see Rafa on Friday! :)
Which seat did you get?
I only have to wait one more match now and then . . . Rafa & Marcel playing doubles :)
Best wishes from Centercourt ;)
Got the 4th grade ones. They were the only ones available on after Thursday, since I discovered Rafa’s coming to Halle just yesterday! :/
I’m going by myself so if you’re going on Friday we could maybe meet up at the site?
Yes of course!
Would it be possible before the first or after the last match? I don’t want to miss a single point ;)
I’m gonna arrive on-site around 10.30 in the morning. My email-adres is manahil.saeed93@gmail.com, so we can exchange phone numbers and make coordination easier :)
Somehow I can’t help feeling worried when I see Rafa holding a piece of cake ..In the videos, He doesnt eat it but only tastes it … Smart boy.
He lookes so happy ..Hope he enjoys Halle.. Love him !
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Awh he looks so chilled here and relaxed, what a welcome’