"Recovery is Like a Ladder"

"Recovery is like a ladder which you don't climb running but rather step by step"

Rafael Nadal started his pre tournament press conference in Buenos Aires with this relatable simile. After a semi final loss to Fabio Fognini in Rio de Janeiro, Rafa's philosophy was clearer than ever. Fatigue and cramps as a result of his absence from the tour late last year show us just how gradual this process will be.

Even after failing to defend his clay court title in Rio, Rafa counts it as a positive week. Physically, he is fine. Rafa is climbing the ladder, but who knows how tall that ladder may be? It's true that when you get older you may experience fatigue and cramps more often, Rafa has said he hardly ever gets them. A mixture of tough conditions, a good opponent and Rafa not on top form is enough to take him out of tournament- and that's no disaster. It happens.

Playing 2 matches in one day after the ludicrous decision to start his quarterfinal match at 1am certainly didn't help the situation. Shame on you, ATP. The match came close to beating the record of the latest finish of an ATP match ever outside of grand slam tennis.

So far this year Rafa's been improving every match. His first match of the year in Doha he lost yet now he's contending for finals in tournaments. In 2 months, that's great progress. Patience is a word that has been used a lot recently. Waiting for Rafa to return to top form-if he does- is agonising. Rafa is physically well and motivated though so there should be no issue, right? The only issue is that he lacks match play and confidence, but when the wins start racking up, he'll be well on his way back to the summit of mens tennis.

Rafa plays in the Argentina Open this week, in doubles with Pico Monaco and singles. A lower tier tournament with no points to defend will give him the opportunity to build his confidence and have some more experiences on court.

It seems hard now, but the world of tennis knows that Rafa is not one to shy away from hard work and dedication to be the best.

You just wait, tennis world.

Vamos.

Expectations of a Rafan

When you're a tennis fan, you dedicate a huge part of your life to the player you admire. There may only be a select few people in the whole scheme of things that feel the same, but if even a few fans can relate to this, then I'll be happy.

Before a new season, it's a mixture of emotions. It's mostly doubts, but also that deep down excitement that we're always a little too scared to admit. Expectations are in everybody, but they're often seen as a bad thing. In the past, I've got negative comments towards my desire to achieve more on Rafa's behalf. I of course stand by Rafa at all times, but I'm competitive and ruthless inside. Sometimes that can be a good thing. For example, when I'm hungry to win, if it happens it's an even better feeling than going with the flow.

I don't know if this is making sense, but what I'm getting at is it's OK to have expectations. It's seen as over confidence, but really, it's just that raw belief in your player.

My expectations for this year are complicated. I want a grand slam win, a few masters titles and the ATP finals trophy. It's ambitious, but it's no fun without aspirations, right?

Dealing with these expectations is difficult. There's a fine balance between looking over confident or lacking in faith in your player. That's a battle I have to deal with very regularly. The criticism many of us get for either of these is unkind.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, having expectations is a good thing. It shouldn't be looked down on when you want to win. During Rafa's comeback, many Rafans had the opinion of 'I'm just happy to see him on court.' Well, yes, that's great, but why are you even a fan if you don't want to celebrate? Winning is the best part, and to talk about it like it's not why you've sticked around is incorrect. I'm a fan because I love watching Rafa play, but I could have left long ago. The heartbreak and misery I have been through is overwhelming, but I'm not going anywhere. My expectations for more victories keep me motivated to be the best fan I can be.

Vamos.

Doubts- Rafa

Doubts run through every tennis fans head. They're inevitable, necessary. However, the doubts running through Rafa fans heads are often unnecessary. When you want a win for a long time, doubting it makes pulling it off even more special. When the doubts are constant though, it gets tougher to try to ignore them.

After every loss Rafa has, the journalists rub their hands together in glee and get writing. They have another opportunity to portray Rafa as the crumbling, diminishing tennis star. It's very negative and it's tiresome. I'm not going to lie and say they don't worry me. The doubts are in the back of my head all the time, and they're weighing me down.

'Will Nadal win another slam?'
'When will the former champion be finished?'
'Retirement beckons for Nadal.'

Those are just some of the headlines I see on a daily basis. Being a fan is hard enough as it is, but with these so-called professional opinions spread across the tennis world, it's even harder. So far, I'm proud to say that every time he's faced with these doubts, he delivers. He proves everybody wrong time and time again. That's special.

Why do these journalists keep doubting him though? One day, Rafa might not prove everybody wrong. They are waiting for that moment, and quite frankly, it terrifies me. Every single year questions regarding Rafa's Roland Garros record arise. Surely one year he won't win? What happens if he doesn't? What's scary is the doubts that will come after/if he loses at the French Open. Retirement will be uttered from all the media's lips.

It's hard to have this burden over you constantly, but when the hard times pay off, my god it is worth it. Last years Roland Garros win was unforgettable. I will never regret becoming a fan because even though it's tough, moments like that make me feel on top of the world.

I guess the moral of the story is, every time this happens, every year, the media are not right. For sure, they'll be a time when they get their glory, but right now, they're not going to win.

Rafa is not finished, he's not over, he will fight. I can guarantee you that he'll put in 100% and find a way to prove everybody wrong… once again.

Vamos.