Rafa's Still Standing in Melbourne

6 days, many cramps and a few fist pumps later, Rafa remains very much a contender for Melbourne 2014. He's battled hard to reach the fourth round, but his performance so far has been very impressive.

Before the tournament started, the consensus was he would go early or go deep. Rafa's survived the first few rounds and is now just 3 sets away from the second week. Good news.

A first round encounter with Mikhail Youzhny was a dangerous match up, but our nerves soon turned to confidence, as he easily progressed with a 6-3 6-2 6-2 win. The rust we saw in Doha was clearly reduced and we saw a lot of good glimpses of the in- form Rafa we like to see.

A second round qualifier turned out to give us a quite the shock. Tim Smyczek from America didn't seem like much of a challenge, but damn, were we wrong. Rafa won the first set well (6-3) but it all seemed to go downhill from there. He showed signs of weakness and dizziness in the second set and  onwards. It was incredibly worrying. He continued to go off court after each set, apparently to throw up. He lost the next two sets 6-3 7-6. At this point it seemed like the match was only going to travel in one direction, and that was away from us. An unhealthy, clearly very unwell Rafa was not good news. Then, something magical happened. I knew Rafa would fight as he always does, but there was no way I was expecting the dizzy and tired Nadal to come back in the way that he did. In an incredible battle, he won the next two sets 6-3 7-5 to win the match. Rafael's mental strength and resilience was tested again that night, and he performed beautifully. He never fails to impress me.

Even though he was through to the next round, the relief was slightly overpowered with worry. There was only a day of rest before the next match. However, he took it easy and recovered very well. In the 3rd round match against Dudi Sela, Rafa won 6-1 6-0 7-5. It was fantastic to see him playing so well and into the fourth round.

As the matches go on, I want the title more and more. We have a very long and tricky road ahead, so nothing is certain whatsoever. I'm delighted Rafa is into the fourth round, it just shows hard work pays off. I'm not happy with just that though, I aspire to see him fall to the ground once more and pick up another title.

Every now and then I have to think sensibly and realise just how difficult it's going to be. Let's take each match as it comes.

Rafa's next match is against Anderson, who is playing very well at the moment. It's going to be a tough one for sure.

I'll be awake at 3am ready to watch and tweet the whole thing, so join me on @_phenomenadal_

Melbourne has been wonderful so far. I've really enjoyed the first week, and I'm excited to see what the next brings.

Vamos.

Tennis Tribute Videos: Behind The Scenes

Hi everyone! Today I though I'd do something slightly different. As you know, I have made a couple of tribute videos recently, and I thought it would be interesting to give you some insight of the making of them.

To watch 'Rafa Nadal- 14' click here. To watch 'Rafa Nadal | Adversity' click here.


What you see on your screens is the slick, precisely edited version of a project. Behind the scenes there is a lot of work going on to ensure the videos are as good as they can be. If you were thinking of making one yourself or are simply interested, here are some tips.

1. Brainstorm. Get a big piece of paper and prepare to write a lot of lists. What is your video going to be about? A player? A tournament? Sometimes it takes a while for a good idea to pop into your head, but it will, you just have to be patient with yourself. Make sure you create a structure (beginning, middle, end) and plan exactly what you want it to include. This will make the research a lot easier.

2. Research. It's often a good idea to get your clips and matches first in bulk, so you can work straight away. This isn't essential though. Use YouTube or similar sites to search for clips and then convert them (there are loads of them on the internet) and upload them straight into your editing software. It's good to get loads of clips and then you can just pick and choose what bits you want to include. Bare in mind that whole matches take a long time to upload, so stick to highlights.

3. Edit. Now you have your clips (you might need to go back for more at some stage) you can begin to put it all together. Copy what you think might be useful in the video and then work around it. If it's a tribute to a player like mine are, get some good points in first, and then go back and find things to fill up space (e.g., slow mo's) You can rearrange as much as you like, so don't worry if it's not all in place. My first tribute video 'Rafa Nadal- 14' contained 14 sections, so each one had a similar process.

4. Music. This is the fun bit. Choose music to go over your video. You may want to use one song depending on it's length, or split it up into a few. Music can really uplift a video (or bring it down) so make sure you choose something fitting. For example, in my video about adversity, I used the song 'Not Giving In.'

5. Uploading. This is the bit where things can tend to go a bit wrong. As you may know, YouTube are strict with copyright. When I tried to upload my first tribute video, within seconds it was blocked worldwide. There aren't many ways to avoid this, but shorter videos tend to be able to get away with it. If it doesn't work, there are other platforms you can upload on, for example, Daily Motion. This isn't a perfect option as it won't get the publicity it would on YouTube, but sometimes it's the only way to upload.

I hope this helps if anyone is interested in making their own video. It's a lot of work but definitely worth it! Also, if anyone would like any help or has questions about the making process, feel free to contact me!

Thanks for reading!

Nadal's Quest in Melbourne: 2015

After a bittersweet week in Doha, next up is the Australian Open!

A first round exit in Doha was slighting worrying regarding Rafa's match preparation before Melbourne. However, after a very successful week in doubles winning the title, (see here) Rafa has had some more opportunities to be on court. The win will surely improve his confidence, giving him an even better chance of starting the Australian Open strong.

As this is still the start of a comeback, we cannot be sure how Rafa will play or react to some tough matches that await in Melbourne. One thing is for sure though, Rafa will work as hard as possible and do everything he can to be ready for the first slam of the year.

Many tennis enthusiasts share the same view that Rafa will either exit the tournament early or get deep into competition. I agree. If Rafa can get over the first week, his confidence will be high and he'll have a really good chance at the title. We know that Rafa's form is not perfect and his tennis needs adjustments, but a slam is a tournament you can really play into. Lots of rounds that are all 5 sets will allow room for improvement.

Even if Rafa does play himself into form, the competition is so tough. Federer, Djokovic and Murray are all playing great as usual and the quality of tennis from most competitors is so strong right now. The likes of Dimitrov and Raonic are leading the new generation and improving each tournament. The standard in Melbourne will undoubtedly be very high.

After a heartbreaking final last year and some unlucky moments in the past (see here) I'd love Rafa to pick up a second title at the Australian Open. It's a tournament I've always loved and so has he, it would be amazingly special to watch him bite another trophy. However, we have no idea what is going to happen. Rafans will just have to take one match at a time and just enjoy having him back on court.

I'm very excited to watch the tournament and I can't wait to see what happens. I'm hungry for success and I'm sure Rafa is too… we'll see.

Vamos.

@_phenomenadal_

Doubles Success in Doha!

After a 1st round loss in singles, Rafa's success has been soaring in Doha. A long break with many difficult moments has suddenly got a lot brighter!

Rafico (Rafa + Pico) have won their first doubles title in Doha, defeating Julian Knowle and Phillip Oswald in the final! This is Rafa's 4th double's title in Doha and 9th overall! I could not be happier! Both players were absolutely delighted.

Rafico played a fantastic tournament winning some great matches and beating some tough opponents, including Novak Djokovic and his partner. 

Rafa and all his fans are so happy with the news, it's so special winning a title, especially when Rafa get's to do it with one of his best friends.

This news is fantastic regarding the Australian Open too. After a rough start in Doha we were worried he would not get any more match play before the grand slam. However, winning matches in doubles to win the title has clearly improved his play and his confidence. Unfortunately doubles was not streamed or broadcasted until the final as it was on court 1 (bad move Doha!), but watching the final was delightful. Rafa won some amazing points and his forehand was just brilliant! Very promising signs.

Winning a title will improve his confidence massively, giving him that extra bit of stability going into Australia. Rafa's prospects are looking a lot better now.

A big congratulations to Rafa and Pico. It was a pleasure to watch them pick up their title today, those smiles on their faces are unforgettable.

Thank you Doha!

The Comeback Continues

After an unsuccessful day against Murray yesterday, Rafa said he would improve and guess what? He did. Rafa takes 3rd place in the Mubadala Exhibition tournament by beating Wawrinka 7-6 6-3.

Rafa was still rusty, but today there were definitely reassuring glimpses of the Rafa we're used to seeing on court. His serve was very reliable today and there were a few familiar impressive shots. In the first set the match was patchy and featured lots of breaks of serve. Somehow, in the last couple of games and tiebreak, Rafa picked up his game and really played fantastically.

All I did was go and make a cup of tea and Rafa was up 2-0 in the second set! His level dipped as he got tired but he hung on until the end of the set, taking it 6-3. It was wonderful to see him play as I didn't have the opportunity to yesterday. His tennis is still not up to the level either of us would like, but it's certainly improving.

There were many charming comments and smiles in the post match interview which were a delight to see. Rafa seems happy with the progress he's made so far this year, saying that he did what he wanted to do in Abu Dhabi. If you missed Stan vs Rafa today, you can watch the match here.

Next up is Doha for Rafa, starting on Monday. He plays in singles and doubles, so hopefully it'll give him lots more match time. With a tournament and another week of practice, I'm sure Rafa will be ready for the Australian Open, starting in 16 days time on the 19th of January.

The draw for Doha is out, and Rafa will be more than happy with how it turned out for him.

Rafa's possible path to the final is as follows;

R1 : Qualifier R2 : Dodig QF : Mayer SF : Berdych F : Djokovic

Rafa will also be playing in doubles with Juan Monaco in Doha. The men's doubles draw is also out.

I cannot wait to see Rafa on court again next week. It's been a great couple of days in Abu Dhabi. Rafa leaves with positive feelings and improved confidence. 

The comeback continues… stay tuned.

@_phenomenadal_ 

This Is Just The Beginning...

Today marked the start of Rafa's 2015 season, playing against Andy Murray in the Mubadala World Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi.

Nobody had high expectations, but it's fair to say a few were shocked at the scoreline. Nadal lost to Murray 2-6 0-6. However, as I've been told, Rafa's level of tennis wasn't as shocking as the score suggests.

Rafa was very rusty around the edges, but you would expect that after playing only 8 matches in the last 6 months. Rafa's game isn't there yet, but that's understandable. After the match, Rafa described it's issues. "There are only small things I need to adjust."
“At the beginning, I played very badly with my backhand, but that is normal after a long time out, and could not get my normal rhythm. I was also a little bit more tired than usual." 'I had a lot of chances to have a closer result.'

Rafa said he is going to work hard to improve his game, and I have no doubt in that whatsoever. The media (especially British) seem to label this loss as an 'upset', but there is no need to worry at all. For starters, this is only an exhibition tournament and only Rafa's first match back on tour after a long break. 

As Rafael plays more matches his game will begin to fall into place and very soon we'll see the Rafa we're used to once again. Of course it's normal to have doubts right now, but Rafa knows exactly what he is doing and how he needs to improve. I will trust his professionalism and await the magic…

Rafa has another match tomorrow against Wawrinka to determine 3rd and 4th place in the exhibition tournament. This is another great opportunity to get some more match play in against a tough opponent.

After Abu Dhabi, Rafa will play in Doha where he will compete in singles to defend his title, and doubles with Juan Monaco. The tournament starts on the 5th of January. 

Above all, the most important thing is that Rafa is back on court after a very long wait. It's incredible to have him back, and I can't wait to spend the rest of the season with him. 

Vamos.

@_phenomenadal_ 

Becoming A Rafan

This post I wanted to talk, so grab a cuppa and read on.

The other day I was thinking about being a Rafa fan, and thought- I never knew this would happen. It all started with one Wimbledon final I was watching with my family (2011) and thinking Rafa was attractive. A Google search and a drooling over a Shakira video later: I'm here.

I used to not know anything about tennis. I thought Wimbledon was the only tournament there was (unfortunately, many British people still do). After watching Rafa in Wimbledon 2012, I became a 'proper fan'. I learnt as much as I could about the sport and learnt a bit about tournaments and players. I was still only young, so when it got to 2013 I watched most tournaments and really started to become emotionally invested.

It's been a crazy, difficult and bittersweet journey. I was just a young teenager who fell for a tennis playing Spaniard, and now I'm a 'professional Rafan', if there is such thing.

I never expected to become so emotionally invested in this man's life, but that was part of the magic. Not knowing what I was in for, and learning the ways of tennis as I grew into the fan I am today.

Even though most of the time I get no sleep, I worry constantly about future tournaments and matches and my stress levels are often abnormally high, I wouldn't change a thing.

Being a tennis fan is no easy job. Forget about your schoolwork, for those tournaments your mind is focused 100%! It's a stressful thing and the different emotions you go through in a 2 hour match blow your mind.

Becoming a Rafan was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

I'd love to hear your becoming a Rafan stories. Drop me a comment. 

Grace x

2015: A Fresh Start

Happy New Year! The bittersweet year that was 2014 is long gone, now it's time to focus on a new 12 months ahead of us.

I'm delighted that it's nearly 2015. Months and months of messy, complicated injuries and tournaments are now put behind us, and Rafa is set to make his return.

Rafa is feeling healthy and motivated but of course, a little nervous of his return. A new season holds lot's of questions, 'Will Rafa be able to play to a good level again?' 'Will we see a repeat of 2013?'

We can't answer those yet, not even Rafa. We need to trust his professionalism and take each match as it comes.


The season starts for Rafa at an Exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi. From the 1st-3rd of January Rafa and fellow ATP stars Djokovic, Wawrinka, Feliciano Lopez, Murray and Almagro will compete at the Mubadala World Tennis Championships.

Next, it's time to get serious. Rafa will defend his title in Doha at the Qatar Open. Playing amongst Murray, Berdych, Ferrer and Djokovic who is making his debut (Couldn't he have found another tournament? Dammit), Rafa will try to start the competitive season well. It's always a good week, last year Rafa met some falcons. (The terrified look on his face I'll never forget!)

Then the fun begins. The Australian Open 2015. I've made it clear that a title down under this year would be a very good way to start off the season for Rafa and his fans. After his bad luck in the past (click here) including last year, I'd love to finally get some joy for a 2nd time in Melbourne. Please Rafa!

Hopefully one of my favourite moments of 2014 will reoccur this year in Rio. A title at the Rio Open was a perfect end to a great tournament last year. A couple of thrillers later (Semi-final vs Andujar 3rd set tiebreak anyone?) Rafa became the first champion of this new tournament.

Rafa missed the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires in 2014, but at least he got to show off his trophies though, no? We're looking forward to seeing him in 2015.

Next up it's time for some Masters. Indian Wells is one of Rafa's favourite tournaments, and I am too very excited to see him play there. Miami is next, another hard court masters, one Rafa has never won.

Bring on the clay…

The best time of the year will come round, the clay season!
First up it's Monte Carlo! After 8 consecutive wins, we hope for a 9th title at the Rolex Masters. One of my personal favourite tournaments, it's just beautiful. Particularly excited for this tournament.

Barcelona is next, an ATP 500 tournament. Rafa lost in the QF in 2014.

Then the pressure will pile back on, Rafa is defending champion in Madrid and is aiming to win his 3rd consecutive title there.

We will watch Rafa at the masters in Rome playing to win his 8th title at the Italian Open.

Roland Garros is next! You know the drill Rafans, Rafa wins his next grand slam. Kidding! Even though our record is so mind-blowing, it's never certain! Rafa will compete for his 10th title in Paris.

Next up is the grass season. After a record of disappointing results, Rafa will really try to fix that this year. Playing in Halle first will hopefully help him warm up well for Wimbledon. In 2015 there is an extra week between Roland Garros and Wimbledon so that'll give Rafa more time to rest and adapt his game to grass.

After missing a whole North American season due to his wrist injury, I have no doubt Rafa will be excited to play there again.

The Rogers Cup in Montreal is first, a tournament Rafa has won 3 times previously.
Next up is the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, a masters Rafa won in 2013.

I am so excited for the US Open! Rafa's absence in 2014 was hugely noticeable, so everybody will be delighted to get him back. Rafa is aiming to win the last slam of the year for a 3rd time.

Asia is next on the list, as usual Rafa will compete in Beijing in the China Open and Shanghai Masters.

Back to Basel in 2015 and then Paris. Rafa has never won in Paris, but hopefully he can change that and get one step closer to completing his golden masters.

Last but definitely not least is the ATP Finals, which too, Rafa has never won. After an absence in 2014, I really hope Rafa can be back to his best in London once again.

I'm so excited for this season to begin. My dreams are going to come true again- watching Rafa play tennis on court. It's been a long wait, but finally we can see Rafa on tour.

Vamos Rafa.

The Rafa Video!

After 2 months of editing, converting and researching, the Rafa Video is finished! I'm delighted to share it with you!

You can watch it here!

I had many technical issues, even having to re-do the entire thing again at one point, but I got there and that's the main thing. I'm so happy with the finished production, and I hope you enjoy it.

I've put everything into this video, making my tribute to Rafa as special as possible.

Like, share and comment if you can.

Thank you for the support during the making process, it's meant a lot.

@_phenomenadal_

xxx

2014- Roundup

Finally.

The 2014 tennis season is officially over, and I couldn't be happier. This year has been assorted with good and bad moments. Title wise, it's been great. 4 titles including a slam is a dream season for most. However, the reason why Rafa has not won more is mostly due to injury and illness.

Losing because he doesn't play well enough, I'm ok with that, but because of injury- that's a no go. There have been many painful matches to watch, injury breaks and negativity, but one thing's for sure- 2015 can't be any worse, no?

I've learnt a lot about tennis this year, but mostly about myself. I can get through tough moments and make the best of them, so I'm proud of that. The 2014 season has been bizarre to put it frankly. It's been a roller coaster for Rafans.

The highlight of my year? Our 9th Roland Garros Title. Unforgettable.

Toughest moment of my year? The Australian Open Final. Unforgettable too, but for darker reasons.

I've had the best time writing my blog posts this year and making friends across the world on twitter. I wouldn't change a thing.

Thank you to you all, for the nice comments and good times with all of you make me truly happy.

I can't wait for the new season to start! Have a fantastic Christmas and I wish you all an extremely happy new year <3


(New twitter- @_phenomenadal_ )

Grace x