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meg0529
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Before I go to bed. Rafa now has close to 4.3 million fans on FB to Fed's 4.8. rafito is catching up =)
Vamos!
Vamos!
How arrogant of Rafa to take away Rogers position as King of India. And he's not even speaking Telugu (like Roger would have done).
Could not understand a word of it
Babbette: as far as I know Rafa has been with Xisca since 2006 (that's about 4 years).
I don't know if Rafa's life is so perfect, he has a lot of obligations, a lot of pressure and stress in his profession, he spends a lot of time away from his loved ones, doesn't have that much free time to expand his horizons beyond tennis and has to work quite hard to remain competitive in tennis (that treatment on the knees sure looked painful).
Of course he has some great advantages too: money, fame, recognition, plenty of attention and a very loyal entourage, it's not the worst life ever!!! But perfect? Probably not either. I'm sure it has its "lousy" moments...
Sorry Dryad. Yeah you're right, of course we don't know every aspect and only see what we're allowed to see, i've said this before too. Regarding divorces, so many kids have had to deal with that. I dealt with that. But my parents can't stand to be around each other. If a letter of mine goes to my mums, I go there to pick it up and she knows I will go visit my dad she takes my letter, rips out the address because she doesn't want him to know where she lives as she suspects he might look through my stuff. If i go stay at his for a while, she thinks we've been *****ing about her and she gives me the cold shoulder, if i spend days at hers, my dad suspects she's been *****ing and bad mouthing her to me and how I act towards him it's her fault. it's never ending, so stressful and painful, but like I said at least Rafa's parents seem to stand to be in the same room together. From footages it seems they also still spend time with all their same friends.Concerning the "perfect" life that Rafa has...remember, we only see what we are "allowed" to see or know. There are (and should be) private parts of his life that we will never know. I say this "Couples don't divorce, families divorce." We don't know the reason behind their divorce, at least I have not read or heard about it anywhere. Who knows what was going on, what he has lived with? That is not perfect.
My husband had an affair with a woman and after being married for 25 years and we have two children 23 and 21, he left us and filed for divorce. My kids are the same age as Rafa, and people have no idea how divorce affects older children, maybe more than younger children. It's a devastating blow to their secure, happy, and intact life. It's broken. Forever. He has had to find a way to deal with that while competing and accept it as a part of his life now and move on. This is not easy in any way, extremely difficult.
This is very true, at the same time he makes me feel pretty crappy about myself. lol. We are the same age, literally 4 days apart, and he has the kind of work ethic and discipline I could never bring myself to have. Damn you rafa!
I'm working on it. lol. It's hard to apply if you start late. I am an UBER lazy person, and for all you know, Rafa would laze around all day if he had the choice. But he's been trained since he was a lil kid to live with discipline, to take things one at a time and to be dedicated. it also helps that he loves tennis. I am yet to find something I absolutely love.
I'm working on it. lol. It's hard to apply if you start late. I am an UBER lazy person, and for all you know, Rafa would laze around all day if he had the choice. But he's been trained since he was a lil kid to live with discipline, to take things one at a time and to be dedicated. it also helps that he loves tennis. I am yet to find something I absolutely love. Aside from bumming.
Yeah you're right, of course we don't know every aspect and only see what we're only to see, i've said this before too. Regarding divorces, so many kids have had to deal with that. I dealt with that. But my parents can't stand to be around each other. If a letter of mine goes to my mums, I go there to pick it up and she knows I will go visit my dad she takes my letter, rips out the address because she doesn't want him to know where she lives as she suspects he might look through my stuff. If i go stay at his for a while, she thinks we've been *****ing about her and she gives me the cold shoulder, if i spend days at hers, my dad suspects she's been *****ing and bad mouthing her to me and how I act towards him it's her fault. it's never ending, so stressful and painful, but like I said at least Rafa's parents seem to stand to be in the same room together. From footages it seems they also still spend time with all their same friends.
Exactly. Do you know my father uses him as an example to motivate me because he knows I love him so much? It's good, he's great but Dad our lives are completely different. He's the kind of support system that I haven't had since he was young. It's hard for me to emulate his drive and determination. I want to pluck up the courage to tell my father that one day. when I do i'll do on the phone so I don;t have to endure a long speech. :mrgreen:
Before I go to bed. Rafa now has close to 4.3 million fans on FB to Fed's 4.8. rafito is catching up =)
Vamos!
Yes..I too have been tracking the numbers
I think it's hilarious Fed put this as his profile pic...haha poor Novak
I just had to reply to this babbette, this sounds very sad . You shouldn't have to tip toe around to see your parents, that sucks. I hope things get better for you!
Monaco, happy because he avenged his friend Nadal
The first thing was the Argentine Juan Monaco did upon entering the conference room after beating Austria's Jurgen Melzer in Shanghai, was to make a fist and say that he had avenged Rafael Nadal. "I avenged him," he said in Castilian, referring to his friend Nadal, whom the Austrian had defeated in the previous round.
Monaco's friendship with Nadal is well known on the circuit. They are great friends, share "play-station" matches, helping each other and transmitting information about their opponents, and during the Asian tour they trained together in Bangkok.
Included on the name tag on the Argentine's racket bag is the name of Rafael Nadal, for him to be able to use the private [locker] room of the world number one in Qi Zhong Stadium, when the Spaniard was no longer using it.
Thursday, Monaco was happy for several reasons: He could make his first Masters 100 semifinal and could avenge Nadal. The two objectives took place today one by one and also the good weather allied with him to have an open roof on center court, something he wanted.
"Given the event that Rafa lost yesterday against him, today I was able to give him the pleasure of having beaten Melzer," he said. "Personally, I'm very happy because it's not easy to be in a semi of a Masters 1000. I'm having a very interesting week, very good and I hope to continue playing the way I have been and enjoying it, because I'm feeling very good on court," he assured.
"It's not easy to play against an adversary like Melzer, who returns very well and attacks, although he has his ups and down. I had them too today," recognized the Tandil native.
"I knew that the two ___ very well, and I was going to have many games that we would fail. I've had a lot of pressure also to hold serve, but after losing an opportunity at 4-1 (first set), I was disappointed. Although I knew that I had to get into the match again," he analyzed.
"In the third set, I saw that he was a little tired, and I squeezed him (?) to take advantage and later keep it," Monaco stated.
After beating Melzer, the Argentine will now meet someone he's known a long time, the British Andy Murray, with whom he spent hours training in Barcelona at the Sanches-Casal Academy when Monaco was coached by the Colombian "Pato" Alvarez at the age of 15.
"It's going to be a very difficult match, because we know each other very well since we were kids,since we were 15, when we practiced in Barcelona together," he recalled. "It will be interesting, because we each know where and how the other is going to play the majority of the time. It will show who's better," he said.
Monaco considers Murray to have the pressure, since he has to qualify for the ATP Finals in London, which he's achieved not by accident. "He's the favorite, because he's used to playing Masters 1000 semifinals, and it's common for him. Not for me, but I'm having a very good week, and I want to prolong it," said Monaco, who's beated Murray once, in Rome last year on clay, and has lost to the Scot in Miami, on hard court, also in 2009.
There is also an aspect outside the sport. Monaco and Nadal played a Playstation match a few days ago against Murray and his friend, the Venezuelan Dani Vallverdu, and the Scot declared afterwards that he had tied. Nadal quickly responded and energetically said that his team won 2-1 and that they wouldn't consider a rematch until the man from Dunblane publicly admitted his loss.
"I think that you have to put that aside," said Monaco. "Saturday's match is very important. We can play each other at PLaystation whenever we want, but with a Masters 1000 semifinal, you have to enjoy it and appreciate it," he commented, although he stayed firm concerning the result of the famous match.
"What Rafa said in his press conference was 100% right, and I say it too. We won 2-1, and we're two people against one, and so we have the truth on our side," he pointed out.
There are many positive signals for Monaco from Shanghai, along with his usual solid baseline game, also with a high percentage of first serves and more aggressiveness for imposing the rhythm of play.
In addition, his resounding victory over Meltzer will allow him on Monday to be placed in the Top 30 players in the ATP rankings.
The four straight wins in Shanghai allowed "Pico" to break a five-month winless streak, after being off court a long time due to injury.
Come to India, there's lots to love here ... food, sunshine, greenery, did i say food ? north-indian food, south-indian food ...I I am yet to find something I absolutely love.
Come to India, there's lots to love here ... food, sunshine, greenery, did i say food ? north-indian food, south-indian food ...
I suppose the answer is yes. Rafa comes from quite a wealthy family. His father was a millionare way before Rafa started earning.
Sheesh, the way Roger flaunts that you'd think he had invented the shot or something. Players have been trying tweeners long before Roger ever came along.I think it's hilarious Fed put this as his profile pic...haha poor Novak
Sheesh, the way Roger flaunts that you'd think he had invented the shot or something. Players have been trying tweeners long before Roger ever came along.
I suppose the answer is yes. Rafa comes from quite a wealthy family. His father was a millionare way before Rafa started earning.
Sri Lanka has at least 4 distinct cuisines. Which are you speaking of. I am quite close to there, so i know.I've had all foods from Asia. Sri Lankan is a lot better for you than Indian, and Sri Lankan food is tastier.
Sri Lanka has at least 4 distinct cuisines. Which are you speaking of. I am quite close to there, so i know.
Stress and having to spend some time away from people you love is just something that comes naturally to everyone that wants to make/or has made something of their lives. I'm not talking about that. My definition of perfect it's not totally perfection in itself but what I and you mentioned; money, very loyal entourage, lives in a beautiful place, etc...with those it's hard to picture him have problems that everyday people have.
Completely agree. I take solace in the fact that at least he is sensitive enough to understand and try to help those that are less blessed.
Sorry Dryad. Yeah you're right, of course we don't know every aspect and only see what we're allowed to see, i've said this before too. Regarding divorces, so many kids have had to deal with that. I dealt with that. But my parents can't stand to be around each other. If a letter of mine goes to my mums, I go there to pick it up and she knows I will go visit my dad she takes my letter, rips out the address because she doesn't want him to know where she lives as she suspects he might look through my stuff. If i go stay at his for a while, she thinks we've been *****ing about her and she gives me the cold shoulder, if i spend days at hers, my dad suspects she's been *****ing and bad mouthing her to me and how I act towards him it's her fault. it's never ending, so stressful and painful, but like I said at least Rafa's parents seem to stand to be in the same room together. From footages it seems they also still spend time with all their same friends.
That sounds awful Babs I'm sorry It's never fun when parents are like that towards their children. My parents aren't divorced, but I have a horrible relationship with my dad. The only reason I even got into tennis was so we could actually have a conversation about something. After all that he promised to take me to the USO, instead I got to see all the wonderful pictures that he took when he went. The only reason I started to like Rafa was because he liked Rafa. But now I enjoy both myself.
Exactly. Do you know my father uses him as an example to motivate me because he knows I love him so much? It's good, he's great but Dad our lives are completely different. He's the kind of support system that I haven't had since he was young. It's hard for me to emulate his drive and determination. I want to pluck up the courage to tell my father that one day. when I do i'll do on the phone so I don;t have to endure a long speech. :mrgreen:
Hm, my parents haven't thought of that one yet. I 100% agree with the bolded part. It's always easier when you have someone behind you to push you when you are discouraged. He has someone with him 24/7 to get him out of bed the days he doesn't want to go practice. Of to give him a boost when he is need of motivation. I think the reason he came back from his 2009 slump was of course his own will and determination, but I don't think he could have done it w/o support from his team. My parents can't exactly quit their jobs and spend all their time in helping me further my goals.
Come to India, there's lots to love here ... food, sunshine, greenery, did i say food ? north-indian food, south-indian food ...
Mine King,Sri Lanka uses coconut milk in all their curries. India use milk, and milk is not as healthy as coconut milk.
oh my oh myI lived in India long enough to realize the lack of greenery, bear the hell of traffic, and enjoy the polluted sunshine. Quite happy here I'd say =) The food no argument, 60% of the reason I go to India when I do, is for the food. My mum's an awesome cook tho so it's not all bad! I've never tried Sri Lankan food, but I'm sure it's good!
oh my oh my
I love India toooo much, I'd happily bear the noise and pollution and everything else, to just be on this beloved piece of earth.
To each his/her own
Yeah you're right, of course we don't know every aspect and only see what we're only to see, i've said this before too. Regarding divorces, so many kids have had to deal with that. I dealt with that. But my parents can't stand to be around each other. If a letter of mine goes to my mums, I go there to pick it up and she knows I will go visit my dad she takes my letter, rips out the address because she doesn't want him to know where she lives as she suspects he might look through my stuff. If i go stay at his for a while, she thinks we've been *****ing about her and she gives me the cold shoulder, if i spend days at hers, my dad suspects she's been *****ing and bad mouthing her to me and how I act towards him it's her fault. it's never ending, so stressful and painful, but like I said at least Rafa's parents seem to stand to be in the same room together. From footages it seems they also still spend time with all their same friends.
He's better than perfect: he's generous, humane and touching.
More sweetness from rafa
RAFA: "I WANT TO HELP KIDS HAVE A BETTER LIFE"
BACK TO NEWS ARCHIVE
OCTOBER 18.2010, INDIA
Rafa Nadal arrived in India late on Saturday night and inaugurated the Rafa Nadal Tennis School at the Anantapur Sports Village in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday. The tennis star quietly slipped in to the country unnoticed. The world No.1 was supposed to be in India for three days but had to cut short his trip after missing a flight and spent only a day at his newly-inaugurated academy set up in collaboration with Fundacion Vincente Ferrer.
The center court was inaugurated at 9.30am after which he interacted with a few children from the school and played tennis with them.
"I'm speechless, I have no words to describe just how happy I am," said one of the girls when asked what it meant to her to have Rafa Nadal in their community caring for them.
RAFA UNVEILS A NEW SCHOOL IN INDIA Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBv-sZdwWZY&feature=player_embedded
"I'm very conscious of the fact that I can use my image to help make a difference in a large scale," he said after the inauguration. "It gives me a great deal of happiness knowing I'm helping them have a better childhood and I really hope they make the best out of this opportunity".
"I would love to come back in a few years and see how those who have studied here have a new life," concluded Rafa before speaking about his wishes to take it easy in the next two weeks. "I need to rest, mentally and physically."
Rafa's mother, and president of the Rafa Nadal foundation, Ana Maria Parera, watched with pride as her son concluded his visit in India. "We don't pretend to make tennis players [at this school]. We just want to trace the mentality and the ideals of Rafa", she continued. "At the end of the day, they are giving to us a lot more than what we are giving to them".
Moncho Ferrer, son of Vicente Ferrer and Director of the foundation named after his father explained that "everyone wants to be like Rafa. He motivates people and inspires them to be better. We are here to give these kids a chance to follow their dreams."
Vamos Rafa!
http://www.rafaelnadal.com/content/rafa-i-want-help-kids-have-better-life
could he be anymore perfect?
"everyone wants to be like Rafa. He motivates people and inspires them to be better. We are here to give these kids a chance to follow their dreams."
^^^ this illustrates how Rafa's style of tennis or approach to tennis actually inspires people more than a lot of the other top tennis players in the world, because Rafa's image is more about hard work and determination than it is posh cardigans, effortlessness and trick-shots. Rafa plays like a blue-collar-worker/underdog even though he's world number one. Which other sport has a world number one with an image like that? It's ideal for being a role-model.
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Why so sad babs? I liked that hoodie, but it only fit while in Asia! It's interesting too, cuz it's not really his style. I'd like it more w/o the artwork on the hood part. It's overkill.
Why so sad babs? I liked that hoodie, but it only fit while in Asia! It's interesting too, cuz it's not really his style. I'd like it more w/o the artwork on the hood part. It's overkill.
I didn't want to say anything for fear of being accused of being a drooling fangirl. I just like his arse and back in that pic. I'm not interested in discussion the jacket..as nice as it may be.
you spoiled this otherwise nice thread with your snide references"We don't pretend to make tennis players [at this school]. We just want to trace the mentality and the ideals of Rafa"
"everyone wants to be like Rafa. He motivates people and inspires them to be better. We are here to give these kids a chance to follow their dreams."
^^^ this illustrates how Rafa's style of tennis or approach to tennis actually inspires people more than a lot of the other top tennis players in the world, because Rafa's image is more about hard work and determination than it is posh cardigans, effortlessness and trick-shots. Rafa plays like a blue-collar-worker/underdog even though he's world number one. Which other sport has a world number one with an image like that? It's ideal for being a role-model.
you spoiled this otherwise nice thread with your snide references
Not true. Rafa's family was very middle class with his father owning a business that provided them with a very comfortable life style, but they made some very good investments that paid off for them. Yes, they're all very well off now, but they weren't always.
Hi guys!
I thought you might like this.
It's a spanish interview that Rafa did in shanghai.
Enjoy!
http://www.ole.com.ar/tenis/Rafa-pura-emocion_0_352164922.html
Thanks Too bad it's in Spanish. But from the bit below it seems like it would be a really nice interview
:lol:So sensitive was the Spaniard in the interview that he even gave an implicit "te quiero" ("I love you") to Roger Federer: "We shared many matches, many important moments. We lived many things together and you end up loving your biggest rival."
I'm not really sure what he says in the video but on mtf somebody translated the part in the article about federer.
:lol:
I can only go by what I read, as we all do. In November 2002 Rafa was visited by Luca Appino at the Nadal family winter residence. He wrote the book 'The World of Rafael Nadal'. Below is a small excerpt from that book.
"I'm quickly accepted as one of the "family", a family which despite it's wealth and patrimony, has always been possessed of an exemplary simplicity (and I can assure you that I've come across my fair share of very rich people in the world of tennis). I come away from this short stay in the heart of the Nadal family with the confirmation that even if you come from a wealthy background, the up-bringing you receive and the values instilled during childhood go on to forge your mental force and define your ambitions".