Rafa: "I hope to be ready for Australian Open"

[Clarky21]

Originally Posted by Sabratha

But if he retires, wouldn't those obligations go away with said retirement?

I don't know, but I would think not.

[90's Clay]

He won't have enough match play under his belt in time for the AO after missing all that time.. If he makes a QF or SF there at least that will be a great result. He probably won't be back in "match shape" until clay season

[Crisstti]

I'm sure none of those contractual obligations could force him (or anyone) to keep playing.

[Towser83]

Originally Posted by Clarky21

Nadal won a SLAM and 2 MASTERS titles this year. He outperformed Ferrer all year up until he got injured.

We could also say the only reason Ferrer is anywhere near the top 4 is because Nadal got injured.

eh? You were going on about how Nadal would drop out of the top 4 by the end of the year, and that was before he got injured, now someone else says crap about Nadal and you start seeing sense. Hilarious.

[Sabratha]

Originally Posted by Clarky21

I don't know, but I would think not.

I am certain leaving the game would abolish those obligations.

[Crisstti]

Originally Posted by Sabratha

I am certain leaving the game would abolish those obligations.

I am certain as well.

[Clarky21]

Originally Posted by Towser83

eh? You were going on about how Nadal would drop out of the top 4 by the end of the year, and that was before he got injured, now someone else says crap about Nadal and you start seeing sense. Hilarious.

Well, he missed half the season so it's logical to think his ranking is going to drop. He is still at risk of falling to number 5 or even lower, especially if he skips the AO completely.


I just didn't like the glee in which that poster made their comment. Nadal is my favorite player, even though I can be harsh on him. It's like telling your family member or friend they're an idiot but then getting mad when some outsider says it. You know what I mean?

[Clarky21]

Originally Posted by Crisstti

I am certain as well.

How do you know for sure?

[Towser83]

Originally Posted by Clarky21

Well, he missed half the season so it's logical to think his ranking is going to drop. He is still at risk of falling to number 5 or even lower, especially if he skips the AO completely.


I just didn't like the glee in which that poster made their comment. Nadal is my favorite player, even though I can be harsh on him. It's like telling your family member or friend they're an idiot but then getting mad when some outsider says it. You know what I mean?

yeah to be fair I do know what you mean, I just wish you would cut Nadal some slack sometimes and be a bit more realistic with the criticism We all know he is solid top 4 unless hugely injured and even playing half the year he was top 4. So thinking he was going to fall out of the top 4 or 5 just because of bad play was a bit much.

He is at risk of dropping lower now, but as we agree, only because he has lost so much time and needs more time to get match sharp.

[Crisstti]

Originally Posted by Clarky21

How do you know for sure?

Take it from a law graduate (who feels she's forgotten much of what she studied, so take it with a grain of salt if you want, but nevertheless).

But really, just how could any of those deals force him to play?, they just couldn't. At most there could be some clause that would make him return some money if he would retire, but I don't know if such clauses are used in these contracts and in any case I certainly would expect Rafa to have enough leverage to not have any such clause in his contracts.

[RAFA2005RG]

Originally Posted by Towser83

So thinking he was going to fall out of the top 4 or 5 just because of bad play was a bit much.

Nothing is too much for the clarkbag

He would do anything to see Nadal fall. Let's just hope he never attends a Nadal match *shivers and has visions of Seles*

[Sabratha]

Originally Posted by RAFA2005RG

Nothing is too much for the clarkbag

He would do anything to see Nadal fall. Let's just hope he never attends a Nadal match *shivers and has visions of Seles*

Clarky is actually an avid supporter of Nadal.

[winstonplum]

Originally Posted by Sabratha

Clarky is actually an avid supporter of Nadal.

Uh, that might be a little much. I would say "was" an avid supporter but for reasons that have never been made quite clear to her dear readers on these boards, now is quite disillusioned, borderline disgusted with old Rafael most of the time.

[Clarky21]

Originally Posted by winstonplum

Uh, that might be a little much. I would say "was" an avid supporter but for reasons that have never been made quite clear to her dear readers on these boards, now is quite disillusioned, borderline disgusted with old Rafael most of the time.

Sorry, I put my poms poms away years ago. I don't subscribe to fantardism, and for some reason that bothers you which is why you attempt to scold me for not worshipping Nadal to your satisfaction. What exactly constitutes being a good enough fan in your opinion?

[vernonbc]

Originally Posted by cluckcluck

Jeebus, all this "may or may not" play the AO from Rafa is starting to get old. Just pull out, seriously, your fans would understand.

Why would he pull out? He still has a month of rehab and practice and hopefully some competition to get ready and before he has to make any decision.

Originally Posted by winstonplum

Uh, that might be a little much. I would say "was" an avid supporter but for reasons that have never been made quite clear to her dear readers on these boards, now is quite disillusioned, borderline disgusted with old Rafael most of the time.

I would say an avid attention seeker, and the more ridiculous his comments, the more attention he gets.

[edmondsm]

Sounds like he'll be going 75% in the first tourneys he plays this year.

[batz]

Originally Posted by Clarky21

How do you know for sure?

He uses the same crystal ball as you do when you say that nobody can beat Nole at the AO.

[RAFA2005RG]

Originally Posted by edmondsm

Sounds like he'll be going 75% in the first tourneys he plays this year.

I wonder what is more difficult, entering the AO with a heavier racquet to adjust to and tired mind/body, or entering the AO with 75% fitness and fresh mind/body. Very interesting circumstances.

[Gonzalito17]

Rafa is coming with a vengeance. Be afraid, be very afraid.

[Clarky21]

Originally Posted by batz

He uses the same crystal ball as you do when you say that nobody can beat Nole at the AO.

Or the one that you use when you said you thought Murray had a chance at winning RG last year, and actually argued about it with others posters?