CAMELOT FANTASIES

The IPTL League is a fool's errand for the top tier players.  How many times have we heard them talking about the season being too gruelling... yet they sign up for stuff like this and other needless exhibitions.

i was thinking the same thing. there's this singles, doubles type exhibition going on now and it automatically recorded on my DVR. I started watching it thinking it would be the lower tier players that would be participating, but no, many of the people at the top of the game are participating in these games. It was confusing because even if they don't see it's easy to see that the season is too long, so why do they do it? It makes no sense. Serena, Maria, Gasquet, Ivanovic, Nishikori, Raonic, and tons of others. The new season starts in a month and then they'll show up to the Australian Open depleted and out of sorts. I don't get it, but this happens all the time.

IPTL ends in 12 days folks.


Abu Dhabi event is hurrying near.


we will get a chance to have a look at Rafa's form.

This competion goes on that long? Why on earth are so many top players farting around. That is crazy.

My biggest fear is the toll the hard courts are taking on his body and knees and the risk of injury.

I would have spent a month training on clay in order to prepare best for 2016.

This Rafa encapsulated everything that I feel about Rafa. I love Rafa not because he's a great sportsman, but because he is a great human being. Watching him over the years has helped me to overcome obstacles and give it a good fight. He has taught me to never give up and to be gracious in both winning and losing. Sports are one thing, I'm not a competitive person, but when I endeavor to do something I give it my all. If I win great, but if I lose, I learn. This is what Rafa means to me. No matter how big you are, how celebrated you are, you are still a human being and no better than your fellow man. I am proud of Rafa because of the way that he was raised and how he has managed to enthrall millions, not only for his tennis, but more importantly, for being the person that he is. The lessons that I have learned from Rafa extend well beyond the duration of his career. It is mind-boggling to me that a person could achieve so much and remain so humble. I feel forever indebted to Rafa for having watched him nativate not only tennis, but life in general.

Ode to Rafa Nadal: A special athlete, a special human being

December 12, 2015, 4:05 pm IST Rudroneel Ghosh in Talking Turkey | Sports | TOI

http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/talkingturkey/ode-to-rafa-nadal-a-special-athlete-a-special-human-being/

How do you react when your sports idol manifests himself before you, shakes your hand and winks at you? What do you say to the man who has been an inspiration to you for a large part of your life?  How do you stay calm when you realise that in addition to his awesome prowess on the tennis court, Rafael Nadal is perhaps the most charming person you have ever met?

As a die hard Nadal fan, meeting the man himself during his latest visit to India for the second season of the International Premier Tennis League was certainly one of the high points in my life. As he walked into the meeting room and greeted everyone, you knew you were in the presence of a special athlete. Nadal’s been called the ‘King of Clay’ for his superhuman exploits at the French Open, which he has won a record nine times. His determination on court, sheer force of will and never-say-die attitude has earned him the tag of one of the toughest sportsmen in the world. But behind that superstar veneer is a man who is sensitive and humble to the core.
The first thing he asked when he walked into the room was how things are in Chennai. He was following the post-flood situation in the city and sincerely hoped that it was making a positive recovery. Nadal had been to the city for the Chennai Open before and visibly felt a connection to it. His concern was genuine, not a PR stunt. For here was a man who simply wasn’t given to the headiness of fame. On a visit to Morocco in 2011 to cover the general elections in the North African country, I had met a senior Spanish journalist. When I told him about my adoration for Nadal, he said that even though the tennis ace was the biggest Spanish superstar in generations, he and his family were absolutely “normal”.

‘Normal’ may not be the first adjective that comes to mind when describing Nadal’s stupendous tennis career. But in my brief interaction with him, it was clear that ‘normality’ for him was his greatest asset. He had been shielded and nurtured by a loving family, his uncle was his coach, his father was his business manager/adviser, and his mother, sister and girlfriend were his spiritual core. In fact, the team of professional trainers and assistants around him were all his friends.

 ‘Normality’ is Nadal’s greatest strength that allows him to do what he does on the tennis court. Without this close-knit family structure, Nadal wouldn’t be Nadal. This has also given him a humble approach to the sport. In response to a question about how he comes back from defeats, Nadal simply said that he was a good loser and accepted that losses are part of the game. In the same vein, he also asserted that doubts are part of life. “If you don’t have doubts, maybe it’s because you are too arrogant, because nothing is clear in this world,” he added.

Yet Nadal’s incredible ability to overcome doubts, comeback from injuries and remain positive is what marks him out from other athletes. It’s this inner strength that has helped him conquer mountains in his career. And for Nadal, the greatest mountain was the 2008 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer. I remember watching that rain-hit marathon of a match with my brother late into the night. And on the final point as Federer netted the ball – relinquishing his Wimbledon crown – I fell to the floor in unison with Nadal (overcome by joy I subsequently went on to make several deep bows in front of the television set).

Nadal once again told us that his 2008 Wimbledon crown was one of the most beautiful moments of his career. But as I put forward my copy of his biography ‘Rafa: My Story’ for him to autograph, I gently whispered to him that I thought that the 2009 Australian Open final – when he defeated Federer in a titanic battle after vanquishing Fernando Verdasco in a mammoth semi-final that stretched his body to the limit – was the most special for me. “Really? For me too,” he said giving me his charming smile.

Rafa (I actually got to call him that during our interaction), you will always be the best sportsman for me. Meeting you was a real privilege. As a fan, all I can say is you are everything that I had imagined and more. By your example I have learned to never give up and give my best in whatever it is that I have to do. Rafa, you are a special athlete and an even more special person. Here’s wishing you all the success and happiness in life. Vamos!

Quote from: Clay Death on December 09, 2015, 08:25:35 am

My biggest fear is the toll the hard courts are taking on his body and knees and the risk of injury.

I would have spent a month training on clay in order to prepare best for 2016.

He doesn't seem to be concerned with the big picture at all. It is odd. And he's been doing a lot of going back and forth lately. His heart still isn't in it He seems to be playing only for his contracts. I think Rafa has wearied of the game. It's sad to say, but I really believe this. He no longer has the eye of the tiger. They have been comparing his stats and are findng nothing to explain his results, They only thing missing is desire and motivation. Rafa seems to have neither. He's sliding back into lackadaisical mode yet again.

Still, he hasn't done too bad. He's right behind the Big Four, so I guess I can't complain too much.

he is an all time great. beating the lesser players just does not matter.


it is roger, andy, stan, and djokovic that he has to be able to beat at the big events in order to win the big events again.


he just said the other day that he does not know if he can be a factor at the big events again.

In fairness, Nadal has always downplayed his chances and his achievements in public.  It's more of a character trait.  I wouldn't read too much into it.

I hear ya general britbox.



right now it is fitness and practice that matters the most.


lets see if he can make some strides with a few off days that are left.

About the IPTL. I was surprised to find out that all of the top players play this exhibition. The only one that I know of who didn't play this year was Novak, all of the others were there. After having it, I understand.  It looks like a lot of fun for the players, and a chance to work on different things.

Rafael Nadal: ´I have good feelings for 2016, I hope to be consistent for the whole season´

Tennis - The Spaniard is very ´excited´ to start playing next year. And reveals: ´I´ll stay out of Mallorca for three months!´ ..

Rafael Nadal  16 Dec 2015

http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Rafael-Nadal-I-have-good-feelings-for-2016-I-hope-to-be-consistent-for-the-whole-season-articolo28673.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Rafael Nadal was already back to practice last Monday in Manacor in order to prepare 2016 season to which he approachs very confident. 'Feelings keep being excellent - assured to the journalists in Manacor - I'm very excited for 2016. I've ended the season playing well, being competitive and enjoying. I hope to be consistent the whole 2016. From the last three months, my game is rising'.
Last week he played IPTL in Manila and New Delhi: 'It has been a good experience, I played very seriously all the eight matches'.
Nadal will spend the Christmas with his family and then will land to Abu Dhabi next 30th December. Despite the celebrations, 'I'll work at 100% with the goals to lose as fewer practice days as possible.'

After the exhibition in the United Arab Emirates, the World No. 5 will play Doha, Australian Open and from Melbourne will land to Rio de Janeiro, where he'll play ATP 500 tournament on clay only in the middle of February. After that, he will land to Indian Wells and then will play Miami. It means he will stay out of Mallorca for three months in order to avoid European' cold.