First Stop: Halle, Germany
Rafa usually plays the Aegon Championships as Wimbledon warm-up, but this time he decided to try Halle (Gerry Weber Open). The transition to grass has always been difficult to the Spaniard, and this year is no exception. He was defeated in the quarter-finals by German Philipp Kohlschreiber. A little loss, perfectly understandable after the intense clay-court campaign and the emotional victory at the French Open.
Second stop: Home, Mallorca, Spain
"I have really enjoyed Halle. Now I'll have a rest after two months of hard competition", Rafa posted on FB. |
Second stop: Home, Mallorca, Spain
Nadal was begging for some time off. He told the BBC Sports after his defeat at Halle that he "played almost every match possible since Indian Wells". "It's better not to practice for a few days. It's time to rest with my family, friends, to relax," he added. And so he did.
Hanging out with friends
After a lunch with his cousins
Rafa arrived in London on Wednesday and went to practice, just like any other player. On Thursday, he had a surprise for his fans and it had nothing to do with tennis. On his Facebook and Twitter, he announced he was learning how to play poker! The Spanish star signed a deal with Poker Stars and will represent Team PokerStars SportStars (that includes ex-tennis player Boris Becker) in online tournaments, advertising campaigns, and charitable events. The endorsement deal is valid for a two-year period and according to some sources is worth 12 million euros.
Fourth Stop: Getting ready for the Grass
June, 21- Morning practice cancelled due to rain. Nadal heads to the kitchen. :)
Multi-talented Rafa! |
Friday, cloudy but good enough to hit some volleys. Practicing with Gilles Simon.
Later in the evening, Google + hangout with the fans. Time for some lovin'!
Saturday, practice as usual, this time with Stanislas Wawrinka
Football in the evening. Cheering for his Spanish fellows at the Euro 2012
Spain is in the semis |
That's all folks. Hope you enjoyed the public weeks/life of a tennis player :)
(Images via Nadal's Official Facebook, except photos on the beach which belong to Rafaholics)
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