CAMELOT FANTASIES

At this stage in Rafa's career, it has to be about the majors.  Roland Garros and his 14th major is the prize, not these relatively insignificant slower hard court masters in the USA.  The late winter and early spring slower hard courts, including the AO, have caused most of his injuries and problems later on. And yet, and yet, he stubbornly keeps playing these even with his two masters exemptions. 

My recommendation: Rafa, forget Miami, go back to Manacor and get on the clay and practice 4-6 hours a day on returns and backhands when the back feels better.  Maybe even arrive in Monte-Carlo a week early, get some practice in, and enjoy the view.  I'm sure he could find some adequate players with whom he could practice.  Many players use Monte-Carlo as their base.

Respectfully,
masterclass

I kind of agree, but I don't think that Rafa plays for the prizes. I think he plays because he feels that he has to. In other words, he plays to feed his own competitive spirit. He understands that tennis is only for a moment in time. And, he's often said that when he hangs his rackets up he'll be fine. I believe that. Even now, he's amazed that he's done as well as he has.

Rafa is paradoxical in many ways. On court he is fierce and relentless, but off court he's happy and smiling. On tour he competes hard, but at home in Mallorca he plays just as hard.

I don't get the sense that he's looking for glory or is trying to make himself a brand or an icon. He plays because it is in his DNA, just like his uncle The Beast of Mallorca. They seem to be extraordinary in their approach to life. Work hard, play hard. Nothing more.

I think this is difficult for many people to understand, but it isn't the prize at the end, it's the journey itself.