Tag Archives: NADAL

Rafael Nadal: ‘Humble gladiator’ to Teach the Secrets of His Tennis Success

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His on-court persona is all gladiator aggression — bulging biceps, pumping fists, and ferocious forehands.

But is this the real Rafael Nadal?
You’ll find a different picture if you visit a small town on a sun-kissed Mediterranean island.
“Mallorca and Manacor is my life,” Nadal tells CNN’s Open Court show. “This is where I have all the people that I really love — family, friends, everybody.
“The island is just amazing and I love the sea. I love the calm. Here I can find all these things.”
While other tennis stars such as Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka make their base in the glamorous surrounds of places like Monaco, Nadal escapes the glare of the world media’s attention by returning to his tranquil birthplace.
And now he’s inviting a new generation of players to share that experience, with the launch of his tennis academy in Manacor.
Roger Federer (right) helped Nadal open his academy in Manacor on October 19, 2016.
Roger Federer (right) helped Nadal open his academy in Manacor on October 19, 2016. 
“I don’t know if it’s going to be my last academy, but for me the most important thing is to build the first one here,” Nadal added as he unveiled an accompanying new sports center ahead of Wednesday’s main opening — where his great rival Roger Federer was the star guest. 
“It’s where I live, where I’m going to live, and it’s the only chance to really be involved with the project. Having the academy here, I’m here every day so I can see, I can be close to the kids, I can be close to the coaches. I can really enjoy all the process.”
Source: CNN.COM

Nadal Confirms Participation In Rio Olympics Despite Injury And Zika Concerns

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Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will represent Spain at the Olympic Games in Rio, despite injury concerns.

Nadal's participation has boosted the Tennis Olympics committee.
Nadal’s participation has boosted the Tennis Olympics committee.

World number five Nadal spent a lengthy period after his practice session on centre court discussing his plans with the team doctor and team captain Conchita Martinez.

The 14-time Grand Slam winner has committed himself to playing singles, doubles and mixed doubles at the Games, despite worries over whether or not his left wrist injury will survive the gruelling challenges ahead.

He is scheduled to play doubles with Marc Lopez and mixed doubles with French Open champion Garbine Muguruza.”Yesterday (Monday) and today (Tuesday) have been my strongest training in two months and the wrist has not gotten worse,” he added.

Nadal admitted that his best medal chance may be in the doubles where the burden is shared.”It’s true that in doubles, I might go better, but you never know,” he said.”I will do everything possible to make my role the best and bring something positive for Spain.”

Nadal’s decision to play in all three events was a major boost for the organisers who on Tuesday saw world number four Stan Wawrinka pull out with a back injury.Wawrinka was replaced in the draw by big-serving Australian Sam Groth.

Nadal is due to carry his country’s flag at Friday’s opening ceremony in Rio.