Rafa@2007 Indian Wells = masterclass

[MuseFan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evvx7jYmlSg

This is how I prefer to remember Rafa. Muscular, wearing his piratas and muscle shirt, and absolutely schooling the field on hardcourts. This video made me cry, considering what's happened to him.

[namelessone]

This is Rafa before injury:
http://www.insidesocal.com/outinholl...aaaarafaa6.jpg

This is Rafa after injury,sleveless in Montreal:
http://cowbell.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8...857c970b-400wi

While there may be a bit of muscle loss in the upper body,people exaggerate.

While I never liked the capris,I felt the sleeveless look was better for him.

[MuseFan]

I honestly don't understand why he doesn't go back to the sleeveless, and piratas during IW to Roland Garros.

[Blinkism]

His semifinal with Roddick in 2007 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H4dO...eature=related

Yeah, it's sad he's not like this anymore...

Hopefully he gets back on the right track...

Tennis isn't the same without Rafa in full-flight

[Blinkism]

Originally Posted by namelessone

This is Rafa before injury:
http://www.insidesocal.com/outinholl...aaaarafaa6.jpg

This is Rafa after injury,sleveless in Montreal:
http://cowbell.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8...857c970b-400wi

While there may be a bit of muscle loss in the upper body,people exaggerate.

While I never liked the capris,I felt the sleeveless look was better for him.

This is Nadal recently?

LMFAO at all the "Nadal muscle loss" conspiracy theorists!

He's a little smaller, but it's completely exaggerated, like you say.

[Cody]

Please get back to your self nadal

The future of the game requires your fiery existence.

[MuseFan]

Originally Posted by Cody

Please get back to your self nadal

The future of the game requires your fiery existence.

Yes. Even though I despised him for so long, I realize now that the game needs the old Nadal back. The fist pumping, Vamos-ing, pirata-wearing, bicep-flexing terminator.

[Tsonga#1fan]

I liked his pirate look. As far as a player's "image", I think time will show in a favorable way it was right up there with Borg's vintage Fila look.

[MuseFan]

Originally Posted by Tsonga#1fan

I liked his pirate look. As far as a player's "image", I think time will show in a favorable way it was right up there with Borg's vintage Fila look.

I agree, history will remember Rafa's pirate look. There is nothing unique or distinctive about his current look at all.

[namelessone]

Originally Posted by Blinkism

His semifinal with Roddick in 2007 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H4dO...eature=related

Yeah, it's sad he's not like this anymore...

Hopefully he gets back on the right track...

Tennis isn't the same without Rafa in full-flight

I remember that match,Roddick did the best he could but Rafa was clutch in the key points. And this wasn't 2008 Rafa who was even better.
Looking at the highlights it is clear what has changed: while Rafa was leaving the ball short before it wasn't on every other point,the timing on his fh was way better and don't even get me started on the BH,which was on a whole other level. I don't think Rafa sliced 5 times in that whole match. His movement today isn't as good but not by much,though I see some problems when he is moving to his BH side.

Hope Rafa comes back.