CAMELOT FANTASIES

I will even watch him strike that tiny white ball *golf* if that is what he decides to do next.... Love him for all you have said and more. The feelings around the grounds have changed. The excitement and buzz is sorta gone. So, its a different perspective for me than had I been the armchair umpire. Very different feeling when one is AT the event. Love your passion for him. He is a taskmaster. He just does his business. I love him as the person I know he is and love him at the top of his game and bottom of lowest lows. Thanks for the reply!!!

I will too, Rafalution. The first time I saw that man I was hooked. I had never seen anyone compete with such ferocity and passion. I told those around me, "this boy is special," before he even won his first FO.

I know what you mean about the buzz. The first time Rafa came to the Cincinnati Masters we had to park near the highway it was so packed. There was a buzz and electricity in the air that was unparalleled. They actually needed shuttle buses to pick up the people from where they parked their cars (which they had not foreseen).

I've seen many players at the Cincinnati tournament and only Rafa and Serena generated that kind of buzz and electricity. Pete brought a lot of buzz too, but not quite to the level of Rafa's.

I think the ATP and the commentators did Rafa a horrible disservice in not properly marketing Nadal. They were so hell bent on (sorry) shoving Federer down our throats that they tried to make Rafa the anti-hero. What's even more impressive is that it didn't work. Rafa's stature in the game comes directly from his fan base. He fills the stadium without the usual media hype.

When we first started watching Rafa my sister said, "that boy needs to be studied," and I agree. There is so much to learn from Rafa. That's why we watch him. That plus, he's hot too, LOL.