It always amazes me that Rafael Nadal loves Roger Federer so damn much. More than I do! Here’s what he had to say about the World No. 2 this week in Doha (Rafa got bumped out of the tournament today by Gael Monfils – Fed plays Murray in the semis tomorrow):
“According to me, (Roger Federer) is the greatest player in history. Right now, he is playing great tennis and even though I am the No. 1, I think he’s still the best player currently, with due respect to others.”
(Click here for the full article.)
I really love this about Rafa – he’s loyal to the point of being delusional. If he wasn’t such an innocent puppydog of a man-boy, I’d question his sincerity. But Roger could be losing a challenger tournament in Winnetka, Illinois, and the Spaniard would still be singing his praises to the New York Times.
But I can’t help but wonder: is Rafa trying to distract himself, the press and the public from the unstoppable rise of Andy Murray (and a bunch of other top talents like Monfils, Gulbis and Tsonga?) I’ve been just as guilty as anyone, recently, in assuming Murray’s rapid ascent to the top of the game. Looking forward to a Federer-Nadal final smacks of nostalgia (you know there’s a few Tennis Channel specials already in the works!)
Maybe Rafa’s trying to hold onto the good times, while secretly dreading the day the Rafa/Roger Mutual Admiration Society breaks up?
Of course it’s too early to tell for sure – this time in the season is made for off-the-wall speculation!
Tags: Fedophile, Nadal
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Hahaha! You know what, I think Rafa is so obsessed with Roger now he wants to follow Roger’s success in doubles too. Not a surprise if Rafa wins the dubs final in Doha.
I too, love that innocent sincerity about Rafa. But it seems that he truly respects Roger as the best player currently, even to the exclusion of himself, lol.
As to the rise of the young guns–it’s certainly the writing on the wall. Gulbis and certainly Murray should be making some noise in the not so distant future, so it will be interesting to see where Roger and Rafael fall when those two perfect their games.
Glad to see you back. You were missed!
You know what I wonder? If uncle Toni tailors the motivational strategies for Rafa by telling him to praise his opponents and in a way be easy-going about the other players’ games and progress. Like this: “Rafa, if they ask you about the rankings or someone’s game, just say they’re the best or he’s playing better or whatever. Don’t worry about it. The only thing that counts is what happens after you get through playing them.”
Remember last year when Djoko was coming close to his number-two spot and Rafa practically saying he deserved it? Not only did he hold Djoko off, but he ended up at number 1. So I wonder if he’s really that respectful of guys or if it’s a motivational tactic.
Man, I’m SO glad that there are loads of people out there in cyberspace who love this (THE?) beautiful game…
And Van, I’m not following you around – honest!
Well, I think Rafa can respect Roger off the court as much as he wants. On court, he still gives those fist pumps, cries of “Vamos!” and dirty looks as those he’s trying to hit on his daughter! I mean, it didn’t stop him comprehensively whupping Roger at RG (with the bagel at the end for good measure)!! Maybe some nerves got to him a bit during the Wimby final due to where he was playing, i.e. Roger’s house!
There may also be an element of playing down his rapid success, progress and future potential…
Hey guys!
2Hander – don’t worry, we all follow Van around!
Pamala – it’s good to have you back, too!
I think it is a motivational tactic in some ways – but a benevolent one.
But I’m curious – no one else sees it as a coping mechanism to handle the fact that he and Roger might not be on top much longer? I guess we just have to see how it all plays out.
Oh, and HC – I didn’t know Rafa was playing dubs in Doha! I’ll keep an eye on his progress.
Maybe Rafa and Roger will finally play together this year! I’m surprised they’ve never done it before (yes I know Rafa’s asked him.) Even an exhibition would be fun.
Rafa & Lopez just won the dubs final match against the world no. 1 dubs team Nestor & Nemad! I saw Nemad was kicking and laughing away disbelieved the final results LOL!
Oh yeah Roger rejected Rafa’s idea to play dubs together. Perhaps they should start doing it now once in awhile.
I agree with Nadal. He might be the best player right now, but Federer is arguably the greatest player. I don’t think Nadal’s body can last very long. He also has yet to win a hard court slam. He needs to do that to put himself in that “greatest” echelon. He might have two or three good years, then fall out, or play inconsistently due to injuries. I like them both, so I just hope to watch them play injury free for a few more years.
I think Rafa is entirely sincere. I’m fairly sure that I’ve seen almost all photos of him, watched almost every video, and heard or read every interview of the boy. I don’t understand how people come to the conclusion that he is faking anything– can someone please explain what I’m missing?
Rafa has had the opportunity to idolize Roger while he was only a few years younger and to play against him several times during Roger’s best years. Why wouldn’t he be a huge Federer fan? He has no reason to hate and he’s shown himself to be consistently humble. Even Uncle Toni (see the recent Times article) praises Fed while coaching Rafa.
I just wish players were allowed to be kind and complimentary without arousing instant suspicion. That’s a very sad state of things in my opinion.
Hi there, Courtney. Thanks for commenting! I don’t doubt Rafa’s sincerity, either. He “hearts” Federer big time and I love the fact that he’s such an unabashed fan! Believe me, I understand his love of all things Roger.
My point with this post is that with all the super talented players coming up the ranks and showing they can take on Rafa and Roger, the conversation is going to change. And as the ATP World Order shifts, I think it will be a tough adjustment for both players and fans alike. It’s a stretch, but maybe Rafa’s undying love for Fed is also a love for the status quo.
Well, I somewhat agree with you but if that is the case I doubt Rafa would know it (in other words, I think he just plainly states what he feels: basic admiration for Roger as a player and person).
So far I haven’t seen that Rafa is very worried about losing matches or his ranking. Roger, as much as I adore him, seems much more attached to keeping the status quo (you know, the one where he dominates). His statements about Rafa’s “one dimensional” game a few years ago and the statements he issued today about Murray (where he also burned the WTA– a sense a bit of bitterness!) seem much more like an aversion to a changing conversation. Poor Rog seems stunned by Murray, possibly even more than he was by Rafa through all those matches. I guess having a very bad head-to-head with TWO guys is worse, but I’d be watching Roger for back-handed statements more than Rafa…
Oh Rog, you make my heart ache
Watching him lose to Mandy again this morning was terrible.
I love Rafa’s sincerity and kind words…it makes me love him all that much more :]
Murray is going on a rampage. I’m thinking AO Champ for him. I just hope it’s not too boring.
Hey Courtney,
Yeah, I think you’re probably right – Roger cares a lot more about the “old” status quo than Rafa.
I hope Roger can find a way to beat Murray! It will be interesting to see how the “rivalry” translates to clay.