Toni updates us on Rafa’s progress
Photo by Beth Wilson
Genny_SS (aka SpanishRNFan) has posted a summation of an interview Toni gave on Monday on Facebook. For those who don’t do Facebook, here you go:
Last Monday, Toni was in a TV program “Fora de Joc”, where he was asked about Rafa. Here you have a summary of the main things he said (via @tomeuterrasa and @PauFerragut and the articles listed below):
- Rafa’s recovery is going well, but slowly. The problem is that the fat in the knee has hardened and now they have to wait till it softens up. In addition, after he had his four wisdom teeth taken out, Rafa suffered an infection that has prevented the treatment from being as effective as it had been in previous occasions.
- Toni discarded that this injury could mean Rafa’s retirement and hopes that being forced to be out will help Rafa to recover completely. Toni considers that this time off is not a mental issue and will be good for Rafa to recover and regenerate his whole body, as he’s been playing with a lot of pain since 2005.
- Toni’s convinced that Rafa will be a candidate to win titles in 2013, and he doesn’t care whether Rafa is #1, #4 or #24. Without the knee injury, Rafa would have been in the battle for year end #1, but he thinks it is more important to compete to win titles than the ranking. In Rome 2010, Toni saw that Rafa had a lot of pain and he told Rafa that they could either go home or endure a bit more…. Winning the title made difference.
- Despite not being able to compete, Toni says that Rafa is very fortunate as he plays tennis, things are going well for him financially and in his sport. Toni hopes Rafa will be at the top level again, as he’s motivated to go on and is not sad at all.
- Every day, Rafa does physical workout and physiotherapy in order not to be out of shape. They’re trying to be as fit as possible not to have to start from scratch when Rafa’s fully recovered.
- Toni considers the 2012 season has been good with the victory in one GS and two M1000 in Monte-Carlo and Rome. It’s not likely that Rafa plays at the WTF in London (it’s not on a favorable surface and Rafa’d have to face the best players without having competed previously) and thus the idea would be to arrive in Australia after having trained for 2 months. However, he didn’t completely discard to try to be ready for the DC Final provided Rafa has fully recovered, the surface is favorable, and the DC captain counts on Rafa.
- Toni’s children were fans of Barça (as Toni is), but Rafa has converted the youngest one in a Real Madrid fan. Toni hopes he’ll change his mind again….. [LOL :D]
Source Articles:
- Toni Nadal: “Una infeción, tras extraerle las cuatro muelas del juicio, le ha perjudicado en la recuperación de la rodilla” (mangle)
- Toni Nadal: “Rafel realiza un trabafo físico y fisioterapeuta diario para no perder la forma” (mangle)
- Toni Nadal: “Es muy difícil que acudamos a la Copa Masters de Londres” (mangle)
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yep i totally think Rafa’s 2012 season is over, he probably will finish 4th in the rankings, i still can’t believe it but that’s just how it is, still sad but hopeful as always that things will be better next year.
I miss seeing Rafa on court! Oh please let the days go by quickly until we see Rafa again. Get well Rafa, we miss you!
This all sounds so good, a candid and realistic perspective.
U almost wonder if Rafa handles the waiting better than all of us. Miss watching him terribly! He’s blessed w a pretty good life off the court, one he’s earned, one he’s so grateful for, and it appears that that too will aid so much in his recovery. Not only physically ready, for the first time in, well, forever, but mentally recharged.
A fit, injury free, re-charged, revitalized Rafa.
Cannot wait
Pain since 2005, does not sound good. This seems from my point of view as a cleansing of sorts, to let his body recover and heal. The different problems, teeth, knee, etc., have conspired together to force him to relax, as much as possible. Assuming that all will be well for next year, this is a blessing for him. Playing in pain all the time cannot be fun or good for his body, with all the drugs & infiltrations necessary just to compete. Imagine what he has gone through.
This is good – all ways, leading to greater prosperity. He will return when the timing is right.
Love to hear that things go well with Rafa. He needs time to heal his perfect body !
Vamos Rafa
Great of Tony to keep us updated. I assumed Rafa’s season is over for 2012 as he has missed the most important tournaments and I ave said before to get some match practice he may come back for DC final if it’s on clay should Spain get through as that will be in December which gives Rafa 2 more months to recover.
For me, I’ll be supporting Spain this weekend in DC, follow the rest of the ATP events , thereafter will be watching Rafa tennis I’ve recorded. Roll on 2013 hopefully the return of a fit and healthy Rafa.
If anyone knows when the final of the Davis Cup,and when the play???
If anyone knows when the final of the Davis Cup,and when the game?
Pavle,
Davis Cup Final is 16th-18th November.
Karen thanks,
where they will play finals??and what you think,whether it has a chance to play Rafa in the finals?
That depends on whether Spain beats USA in the semis or not :)
All this sounds optimistic but it is so hard on both Rafa and us fans! I’m sure Rafa handles it well but it doesn’t mean it isn’t hard on him.
Was hoping Rafa would play a tournament this year. I’m guessing he’ll start the year at the usual exhibition in Abu Dhabi before Doha and then the AO. Given how far out it is and the fact his knee isn’t healing quickly, it is hard to tell. Hopefully we see him healthy enough to be considered for Davis Cup finals.
And of course he had to have an infection,, on top of everything else. It never rains but it pours.
If Spain win???
Rafa should wait to come back until he’s 100% pain free and 100% confident that his body is healed. It would make no sense for him to take any chances. Given how long he’s already been out, if he comes back too soon, all that time lost will have been for nothing. Take your time, Rafa – we’ll wait. On another note, watching that fan video Rafa posted on Facebook made me realize that I had kind of forgotten how incredibly good he is!:)
Wonderful video…gives me chills to watch him play at his best. Hope it reminds Rafa of just how incredibly good he is!! Very inspiring…We’ll wait as long as it takes for your return, Rafa!!
Yes great video. Just sums up how awesome he really is and what is lacking from the tournaments when he isn’t there. Always so thrilling to watch.
As I do not do facebook is there anyway that I can see this fan video?
Glad to hear that Rafa is OK – miss him.
Ruthie, if you go onto Rafa’s Facebook account (go via the Links tab at the top of this page ) & you should see the video as a fairly recent posting. I read his Facebook Account all the time & I don’t have my own Account. I think most sportspeople/ celebrities Facebook Accounts are viewable to those who dont have their own account as they have chosen not to have just approved friends etc. Hope you are successful & it’s a really great video.