Rafael Nadal is back at practice after being out for over a month with knee tendinitis (click here for video.) He also spoke to reporters about his plans for the rest of the season and the future of his career. Here’s some of what he had to say via Marca (my Google-assisted translation.)
On his advantage over Roger Federer (sounds to me like Rafa’s got the No. 15 in his sights):
I have an advantage in regards to him (Federer) and that is my age, 23 years, compared to 27 or 28 for Roger. My career is not finished at age 23, and I hope to have time to keep fighting and be at the top. And I do not mean (fighting for) the number one position but continuing to win major titles – that’s what motivates me in the end, although I will not deny that I love being Number One and wish I could be right now.
On his ranking:
“Winning important tournaments is what motivates me more than being Number One.”
“One or two, the only thing that changes is the number. I wasn’t consumed with being World Number One, and nothing’s changed now as number two. What really matters to me is playing well, then anything is possible.“
On his prospects for the rest of the season:
“Even if you are already one hundred percent, one must be realistic. The remainder of the season will be difficult because after stopping for a month, nearly two, you lose the rhythm of competition while others have continued.”
Okay, so anyone else really looking forward to having both Nadal and Federer back at the US Open? (The arrival of Baby Fed and Rafa’s return from injury makes a final showdown unlikely before then.)
Take a look into your crystal ball:
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Photo by JAIME REINA/AFP/Getty Images via Yahoo!Sports
Tags: ATP, Federer, Nadal, tennis, US Open, World No. 1
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Hmmm no one thought Sampras’s 14 was going to only stand for 7 years, so I’m thinking the 14 mark will be more like 10 in the coming years, which is still hard to achieve of course, but it’s perfectly reasonable for Rafa to aim there with him on 6 slams already, and half his career still to come.
Looking forward to the US hard court season, even though I don’t think Roger will turn up to that many events. If he skips both Montreal and Cincy, I’m hoping he’ll pick up a wild card to New Haven or something
Interesting thought, Dootsiez! I wonder – are Rafa and Roger just freaks of nature or will other players eventually take over and dominate the field as they have? Because to win 14 majors you have to win, say 2 a year for 7 years – that sounds pretty impossible, even though Roger’s done more in less time. . .
Will the ATP tour continue to see one or two dominant players, or will we get an 80s era handful of elite guys – or will chaos reign as the sport becomes more physical and talented guys continue to drop like flies????
Arrogant dude no?he boasts of his age?Oh God…He’s 23 but he has the knees of a 34 year old!Pray hard that you are gonna last for another 5 years in the tour.And by the way,he still looks haggard.I thought he rested.Oh well.
I must disagree. I think tt’s about time he stated the obvious. For a long time he just kept repeating how good Roger is, how fit he is, how difficult it is to play him… Rafa does the “good boy” routine too often. I mean, they have THE rivalry, so a press “warm up” makes it more exciting, and it wasn’t in a disrespectful way. I see it as a challenge, like he’s saying “dude… I don’t care how good ou are, I’ll bring it on with any advantage I have”.
And if he has the 15 or more Slams record in sight… well, good for him. He’ll need a bit of a badass attitude for that, because it won’t be easy. He has the obvious age advantage over the Roger, Roddick, Hewitt generation but there are the Murrays, Djokovics and Del Potros.
When Rafa beats Roger and then talks about his rival and how great he is, it sounds false, but I think Rafa means it. Rafa does genuinely admire Roger, because Roger has an all-court game and can make certain shots that Rafa can’t… as yet. Rafa beats Roger with power, topspin, and mental strength, but appreciates Roger’s consistency, grace and variety, too. If Rafa can learn to move with more economy on the court and to vary his game more, he’ll be tough to beat and may well pass Roger’s records. If not, I don’t see him being around for long enough to do it, especially with other guys his age who are improving as they get older.
As for attitude, one of the reasons Roger and Rafa are on top is that they believe in themselves and their abilities. When Roger said that he knew he would win Rolland Garos after Rafa was beaten, and, later, that he was the favorite at Wimbledon, press critics (and others) said he was arrogant, etc., but he was just stating what he believed to be true. You don’t get where these guys are by believing the other guy is better than you. So, more power to Rafa for thinking that he will pass Roger. If he doesn’t believe it, he never will.
Of course, as a Roger fan, I hope he’s wrong. After all, Roger believes he can continue to win slams. Go, Roger!
I can’t help but laugh on the 34 year old knees dig….Hahahahaa!!!!!!
0f course, anything is possible, but I sincerely doubt that Nadal’s career will bias long as Roger’s because of his style of play. I doubt even more that Nadal will be able to rack up major wins with the intensity that Roger did for that 2 1/2 gear stretch. The only advantage, career wise that Nadal has over Roger is his first major win was earlier. But he certainly is nowhere near as consistent as Roger. In any given tournament, except perhaps at Roland Garros, one has a far higher degree of certainly that Roger will reach the quarters or semis at least than one does for Nadal. This is why I was so annoyed that all the sportswriters were treating Roger like as it his career were already over before he proved them wrong by winning Madrid, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. The dude is in practically every semifinal and he’s finished? Get real!
I NEVER pay attention to comments like that made by the media and so-called “experts” of the game. All they’re interested in is causing drama! They don’t care if it’s fact, fiction, or just plain rubbish!
They talked about Roger’s career ending (didn’t listen), now they’re doing the same to Rafa (guess what? still not listening). Who’s next? Djokovic? Murray? The nine year-old out hitting on the practice courts?
That’s why I believe all commentator and “journalists” should come equipped with a muzzle.
Hey Alista! I agree with you on the longevity thing. It will be interesting to see how it plays out over time. Rafa has a head start on Majors, but will it be enough? Especially considering that Roger is STILL in the position to win more.
Let’s say Roger finishes with 17 Majors (obviously don’t want to jinx it!) So Rafa would need to win 11 more to tie him. We’re talking winning 3 majors a year for the next four years. (Or 2 majors a year for the next 5 years) Given the competition and Rafa’s knees, that’s going to be tough.
Not saying it won’t happen, but agreeing with you that it takes a level of consistency and health that might not be possible for Rafa at this stage.
Of course, there’s more to a career than beating Roger’s record!
Agreed, there’s more to a career than breaking Roger’s record. I think Nadal’s career is already more than respectable and well on the way to being a great one. I’m not a fan myself, but I respect hsi pure competitiveness and skill and I do hope his body doesn’t give out on him. But I have to say,the very first time I saw him play, I thought to myself, “That guy’s not going to last long”. The very physicality of his motion borders on the violent and I always think he’s about to damage something. I hope I’m wrong.
Hehehe, the option “Go Murray” gives me the creeps! Wrong Andy, my friends. The only final that would make me as happy as a Roger-Rafa final is a Djokovic-Roddick final. Well, or an Andy vs Andy final with Roddick winnig it. Come to think of it, Roger already has two slams this year. Rafa already has one…
Go Roddick! I hope he wins and has the longest applause in the US Open history. He’s the fighter of the year, and the bonus is that unlike Murray, he’s funny – have you seen his tweet about the mailman telling him he lost wimbledon because he sweats too much and didn’t change his wet shirt? What other player could be making jokes so soon after such a painful final?
I agree C.F.
I absolutely love Roddick. Such a fighter, with a winner’s attitude. He just continues to push and strive. No matter how many times he runs into a brick wall he just never gives in. He doesn’t get enough credit for his dedication, consistency, and hard work.
No doubt all of his pressers and tweets are great! I too am impressed with how he can find humor in the most hurtful of situations! I’d want him on my side any day! I’m definitely one of millions who hope he gets another Grand Slam title in his career before it’s all said and done (for many years to come no doubt
).
C.F. – I was totally thinking of you when I put that Go Murray! option in the poll
And I agree that it would be great if Roddick won the US Open again. Awesome for tennis in the States, too, because the publicity would be insane. And good for comedy fans because Roddick was great last time he starred on Saturday Night Live. I’m sure he’ll be even better now!
But I know I’m going to end up cheerin for Roger, especially if he’s playing Andy Murray and Djokovic. I can’t help it in that case.
Vamos Rafa! That’s right, you dare to aim high, you dare to strive, you dare to be great! Set your goals high and reach for the stars. You are a champion!
Many are trying to write you off, dooming a 23 year old to the end of his career instead of believing he can overcome is a very morbid and frankly cruel way of looking and dealing with things.
Keep fighting and keep up the positive acktitude. You can do it!
Loving the attitude and loving the drive. Can not wait! All of your fans love and support you and we will all be by your side as you go for it!
You’d think people would know better than to underestimate Rafa by now…tut, tut! Some never learn
*raises hand while standing on desk* I AM! I AM FreakyFrites. Bring on US Open!
Yes.He has to dream alright.After all, dreaming on is free!!!Nyhehehe.Yes , people knew better when they predicted long ago that he will never retain the nos 1 spot for long.And we were right!As much as i hate Murray and Djokovic, i can see them surpassing Nadal in Slams and in Career longevity.Come the US Open, id expect again Nadal to be eliminated in the early rounds.As early as now, Im rooting for ARod and Roger.Wohooo!!!!!
Hate?….
I refuse to allow myself to stoop to your level kc.
Hey FF and everyone. I’ve underestimating Nadal for years because I don’t think his game compares to some of the other great number ones in history, like Sampras or Federer. But I’ve found you just can’t bet against that guy. I don’t think he’ll get to 15 Slams, though. I really hope his body isn’t what holds him back.
rafa is simply over confident