To not play Wimbledon is one of the toughest decisions of my career.
- Rafael Nadal after announcing his withdrawal from Wimbledon today at a press conference in London.
How sucky. What more needs to be said? I guess Andy Murray is the biggest beneficiary of his withdrawal since they were placed in the same half of the draw.
On the bright side, Rafa will have time to rest up and get healthy for another shot at a Career Slam at Flushing Meadow. Could be a blessing in disguise, no?
Let the venting begin!
UPDATE: Post from The New York Times blog Straight Sets. Check out their emerging possibilities at the bottom of the post based on a long-term Rafa absence. I put them in this order of possibility: 1, 4 (though no major change in his game but overhaul of scheduling), 2, and 3.
UPDATE #2: Rafa was diagnosed with tendinitis in his quadricep tendons and a small amount of fluid on the kneecaps.
UPDATE #3: Here's video of the presser.
(image via getty, video via bluetina35)
- Rafael Nadal after announcing his withdrawal from Wimbledon today at a press conference in London.
How sucky. What more needs to be said? I guess Andy Murray is the biggest beneficiary of his withdrawal since they were placed in the same half of the draw.
On the bright side, Rafa will have time to rest up and get healthy for another shot at a Career Slam at Flushing Meadow. Could be a blessing in disguise, no?
Let the venting begin!
UPDATE: Post from The New York Times blog Straight Sets. Check out their emerging possibilities at the bottom of the post based on a long-term Rafa absence. I put them in this order of possibility: 1, 4 (though no major change in his game but overhaul of scheduling), 2, and 3.
UPDATE #2: Rafa was diagnosed with tendinitis in his quadricep tendons and a small amount of fluid on the kneecaps.
UPDATE #3: Here's video of the presser.
(image via getty, video via bluetina35)
*comes over to blubber all over Rich's place*
ReplyDeletebooooooohooooooooooooohooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! They might as well give Fed the trophy now.
ReplyDeleteI think I should open the DtL RafaWithdrawal Therapy Center - for those who need to talk. And cry it out.
ReplyDeleteor DtL RafaRehab
ReplyDelete*hiccups*
ReplyDeleteYou'd do that? Please? I need someone's shoulder.
*inserts shoulder pad*
ReplyDelete*offers support to babz*
SAD. The final's going to be such a disappointment... In fact, the whole tourney will be. If we end up with a similar matchup as in the RG final... Urgh. The only way I'll be happy with the men's side of wimby this year is if Nole goes far. But I'm kind of lacking in faith in everyone right now :(
ReplyDeleteRich: definitely... I have withdrawal already and the tourney hasn't even started.
Not able to post comment. *cries*
ReplyDeleteRAFA for USO 09!!!
ReplyDeleteoh Babz! don't cry! there there! rafa will be back healthy and better. he needs this break now so he can take stock of where he is now and do changes to his schedule etc.. to have atleast 10 more years of tennis.
ReplyDeleteThank you gundu.
ReplyDelete*passes tissues to Sonja*
*soaks Rich's shoulderpads*
I'm sad for Nadal. This is really awful for him not to be able to defend a title that means so much to him. Especially after RG. I really hope he starts to listen to his body, and takes better care of himself - scheduling etc. I would like to see him play for another ten years but if he keeps going the way he is, I don't think I'll see him play for another two.
ReplyDeleteanytime babz! least I can do for all the rafa(we)ssomeness you put up on your site!
ReplyDelete@Anon3:24 rafa did indicate in the presser that he'll take a hard look at scheduling and other things that would prevent this situation in future. Also, he mentioned that the knee injury is not chronic but recoverable; it's just that he's been playing with knees in mind for some time now and he doesn't wanna compete wimbly on those terms.
ReplyDeleteThe DtL RafaWithdrawal Center offers everything you need for a full RafaRecovery.
ReplyDeleteFeel free to ask any and all questions about our services.
And as always, we hope you enjoy your stay!
Sincerely,
The Staff
booooooooooooooooooo!
ReplyDeleteHe must feel so horrible right now! So glad that I haven't seen a video yet! That would have to be the most heart-breaking thing I've ever seen...
On a nother note:
So we're either going see The Mighty Fed winning his record breaking 15th GS title and the commentators won't stop drooling over it for the rest of the year *yawn*, or - and that's probably worse - Muzza wins, his ego EXPLODES and I won't be able to watch any British sports channel for the rest of my life, because of the constant brown-nosing of The Muzz!?*vomit*
Go DJOKER!
>DtL RafaWithdrawal Center< Sign me up!
ReplyDeleteDo you happen to have 24/7-Ice cream and chocolate-therapy for bleeding hearts?
Maja: If roger wins, he regains the no 1 ranking too.
ReplyDeleteFederer versus Roddick in the final with Federer winning in straight sets. Too bad for Rafa but I seriously doubt old boy can play his grinding tennis for much longer. Cuídate Rafa para que mejores rapidito!
ReplyDeleteDear Rafa,
ReplyDeleteI'm on my way to Mallorca for your *therapy*. I packed the whip like you asked. I love that you are vulnerable right now.
Love and other forms of hardship,
natch
Anon@3:36 - Right now I feel numb, I don't even care for that!
ReplyDeleteIt's 10pm over here. My sister graduated today. I wanna forger so I'm gonna get wasted.
>DtL RafaWithdrawal Center< Sign me up!
ReplyDeleteDo you happen to have 24/7-Ice cream and chocolate-therapy for bleeding hearts?
Yes Maja we will supply all of your needs:
Alcohol? We got it!
Pills? Don't ask twice!!
Rafa BJ Doll? It's in your Welcome Bag!!!
Again, don't hesitate to ask The Staff any questions or make any requests.
Our wish is for your quick and speedy RafaRecovery!
Regards,
The Staff
natch: The RafaWithdrawal Therapy Center can provide an escort for you to Mallorca to perform your 'therapy' on Rafa. We have all kinds - men, women, blondes, brunettes, bald, hairy, bendy, etc.
ReplyDeletePlease advise.
The Staff
Fellow Rafanatics:
ReplyDeleteThis situation sucks major asshole (*sobs uncontrollably*) but it's not the end of the world. And it's certainly not the end of Rafa (like so many haters would love to believe - bitch, please!) Rafa is a great champion and he will recover and come back stronger!!!
In the meantime I will cheer for Murray to get his first slammy here at Wimby. If you're struggling to jump on his bandwagon, just remember that Muzz has a HUGE man-crush on Rafa and would def jump at the chance to get bromantic with him. He loves Rafa and that makes me giggle. Also, he's not a pussy when it comes to playing Roger. And I like that! He def took a page outta Rafa's book on that. And I respect that! Go get you some Wimby lovin', Muzz. Rafa would approve. :)
@ Anon4:09 Hear!Hear! I'm with you! Go MUZZ!
ReplyDeleteAs I said somewhere else, I see muzz as robin to rafa-batman. I see him fighting all the pretenders to the wimbly cup and keeping it safe for rafa next year.
And maybe we can all teach him to do chico VAMOS (rafa's VAMOS downsized)!
"The RafaWithdrawal Therapy Center can provide an escort for you to Mallorca to perform your 'therapy' on Rafa. We have all kinds - men, women, blondes, brunettes, bald, hairy, bendy, etc"
ReplyDelete*squeals*
Ooooooooooooooooooooo...
I'll take one of each, please. I might need to use them as barter. And two of the bendy kind. No, make that three. For, uhmmmm...personal service in my efforts to help Rafa recover.
I know it's the right decision, but it's just so GUTTING to know how disappointed he is. Fuck you stupid universe for being so unkind...
ReplyDeleteThe only silver lining, is that he'll hit the hard courts feeling good for the first time in a long time. And that he says convincingly that he plans a LONG career. *breathes again*
I have tickets to the finals at US Open. I expect to see his pretty face there.
@barcelona2012 me too!! scooch over..
ReplyDelete*runs and sits next to barcelona2012, with champagne in hand to toast rafa's US 0pen 2009 victory*
I'm just trying to think positively, gundu! I think it would have been a mistake for Rafa to play (even though I would have been ESTATIC to see his beautiful body take the court) so I'm glad he's listenting to his body. HOping he can really take advantage of this much needed time off. Lots of R&R for our sexy champ. :)
ReplyDeleteI also really like Nole and would love to see him play well. He's got a big opportunity to improve on his results from last year and gain some confidence. Do it to it, boys!
*joins B2012 + gundu in getting plastered*
ReplyDeletelike I said, could be a blessing in disguise...
b2012,
ReplyDeleteDon't get your hopes up too soon. The USO is a teensy bit early for him to come back. Knees are the toughest to heal and recover from, both physically and mentally. Not that it can't happen, what with all the wonderful, passionate, extensive and healing *therapy* I'm going to give him...
...but you might want to set your sights on 2010 instead. You know, for your own sanity. We don't want to overwhelm Richie's staff here at the Therapy Center. ;)
So. What does everyone think of Gingerotica Campaign? Hm?
ReplyDeleteRafa will get better when he gets better. All the speculation about treatment, recuperation and timing is just that - speculation.
ReplyDeleteVamos Rafa! Your fans will always support you!
natch: The Staff thanks you for your concern. We would like to offer you a free escort just because! Well, and we'd like a video report back from Mallorca. You know, to go alongside the Murray/whoopee cushion video. For posterity only of course.
ReplyDeletebabz: I'd love him for the US Open better than here even under these circumstances. Fed will be tough on his beloved grass. That being said, he's got a mental edge on Fed right now so he has a shot.
@natch: NO!NO!I want to see Rafa at US open finals! *pouts and stamps her legs and throws a tantrum*
ReplyDeleteAnyway, natch, I am basing my hopes on Rafa's comments that his injury is not chronic and is recoverable. I know on hard courts it might flare up again after some time, but I'm hoping he would only play one warmup tournament before USO.
On the "therapy" note, YOU are going to do most of the work right? let rafa just lay back and take it easy!
Babz, always with you on the Gingerotica front!
ReplyDeleteRichie,
ReplyDeleteRafa requested I bring along a hot and spicy dish. You better pack a bag.
I'm hoping for a battle of the newbies at the Wimby final. I don't care who it is. I don't mind Federer winning, but it will be much more exciting if it's all butterflies and determination.
gundu,
ReplyDeleteHey, anything is possible. Tiger Woods won a golf tourney with a very bad injury. Michael Jordan and Pete Sampras both played and won with (body)temperatures of over 100F. I just don't want to see hopes dashed.
Rest assured, I will be doing ALL the heavy lifting for Rafa. I will stay on top of him the entire time, if I have to. ;) As for Richie...well, I can't promise anything. He IS hot and spicy, afterall.
hey natch,
ReplyDeleteI know you are just trying to save us some heartbreak. But right now I need something to hope for and believe in; otherwise I’ll die.
*sends hugs(tight) and kisses(lingering) to rafa*
hey natch,
ReplyDeleteI know you are just trying to save us some heartbreak. But right now I need something to hope for and believe in; otherwise I’ll die.
*sends hugs(tight) and kisses(lingering) to rafa*
damn the blogger! it wasn't working 10 minutes ago. now it's gone and posted the comment twice. Arrggh! sorry richie.
ReplyDeleteSad for Rafa!!!
ReplyDeleteAnon 4:09: "If you're struggling to jump on his bandwagon, just remember that Muzz has a HUGE man-crush on Rafa and would def jump at the chance to get bromantic with him."
ReplyDeleteI love the way you're thinking!!
*dances around on bandwagon*
I'll totally root for Muzz and Nole now that Rafa... *sneef* ...won't... *sniff* play.
Now: Dear Staff of the DTL RafaWithdrawal Center!
Please immediately send over huge and yummy Rafa BJ doll! It's very needed.
I'll practise my, um, healing skills as I'm the next Mistress on the Mattress scheduled to go to Mallorca and help Rafa, um, recover.
The Needy Rafanatic Sonja
Dear Needy Rafanatic Sonja:
ReplyDeleteThe Staff would be THRILLED to send you over a Rafa BJ doll to assist in your RafaRecovery.
As we know, acknowledging the problem and quickly working to solve it is the best method.
Now, you need not be gentle with the doll. We have extras and would be more than happy to send more if needed. We understand the recovery process can be long and arduous so we've prepared ourselves.
Let us know if you need any more of our assistance or would like to tour the facilities.
As we say, the more the merrier at RWTC.
Sincerely,
The Staff
Alcohol? We got it!
ReplyDeletePills? Don't ask twice!!
Rafa BJ Doll? It's in your Welcome Bag!!!
LMAO, Rich! I'll take on of each, please! OH how I love this place! Only you could make me smile on such a horrible day in the history of the universe.
The only way I'll be happy with the men's side of wimby this year is if Nole goes far.
ReplyDeleteDeranged Soviet-
Yes I agree. Nole looking very handsome in the new adidas kicks. We need him now more than ever.
Time for Murray to step up, play like a true Scotsman wearing kilt and no underwear, and get Federer's ass in the final.
ReplyDeleteIt's terrible. I think wimbledon will be very boring. I'm hoping for Murray to win, so the british people will be happy for the next 50 years. And I don't want Fed to regain the number 1 position! That would hurt the most.
ReplyDeletevw: I like the way you're thinking. I hope that Nole (definitely looking hotter sans smurf) can come through this time... Before Murray's ego engulfs the whole of Britain.
ReplyDeleteRich: pass the alcohol and pills, please. The brit press were virtually having an orgasm this morning about Murray's chances. *cries*
The overall reaction to Rafa's absence at Wimbledon just goes to show how important he is to tennis. We need you, Rafa! Go get happy & healthy and come back when you're fit & ready. It will be a beautiful day when he's back on court. There's nobody in the world like Rafa. He turned the sport upside down when he didn't give a crap what you were ranked, he just played the game and fought for the win. No bowing down and giving up before even walking on court. Thank God he showed up. Tennis was becoming quite the snoozefest, with nobody willing to really challenge the best. So lame. He's changed that and I thank him for making me interested in the game again. Get well soon, Rafa. You are the best of them all. And so gorgeous too. ;)
ReplyDeleteDear RWTC Staff,
ReplyDeletemany thanks for the Rafa BJ doll, I've just received it today. It helps. Didn't get much work done today either. Helps, too.
Being careful though, I can't promise. He's a little tiger.
The Needy One
Anon 8:37: SO TRUE. What a sweet comment. *sniff* Here we go again... :D
sonja: I am trying my best to be "with colm" (as Rafa would say, lol) about this unbelievably crappy situation. Ignore the haters who celebrate his injury and/or accuse him of faking it (karma is a bitch, haters) & remember the media are just going to be the media and hype the crap out of the story. They love to kick people when they're down, i.e. in Rafa's case: talking about the demise of his career and his confidence, etc. This is done so that when things start to brighten up, they can remind us all about how dark & gloomy things were before. The standard formula for a classic feel-good story. And let's be honest - we've all probably fallen for that kind of drama at some point!
ReplyDeleteSo yes, it sucks that his sexy ass is out of the tourney (no hot & sweaty Rafa for an ENTIRE Wimby?!?!?! *slits wrists*) but somehow I doubt he is going to throw up his hands and call it quits. He is a wonderful champion and an unbelievable competitor - he will work hard to recover & we'll just have to wait and see what happens. Tough moment for Rafa and his fans....tennis just isn't the same without him, is it? Wah Waaaaaaaaah. Vamos Rafa!!! :)
-Anon 8:37
Anon 8.37(9.58): I can assure you Rafa is not going to call it quits nor is it the demise of his career. Don't see it happening and i don't see what's the big hoohaa about. It's just that playing all these months of unbelievable tennis has finally caught up with him. I'm a RFed supporter btw but i did not celebrate (okay just a little, but I think it would have been tough for nadal to get far in wimbly anyway) and i don't think anyone with a right mind would think Nadal faked it. So just relax and wait for his return.
ReplyDeleteDtL RafaRehab should also be set up to help people with Rafa addictions in the few months that he will be gone. Once he is back, they can leave and be addicted again.
Anon 11:25:
ReplyDelete"I can assure you Rafa is not going to call it quits nor is it the demise of his career."
Yes exactly, that's what I'm saying. I was just poo-pooing all the dramatic energy of the nay-sayers, that is all.
-Anon 8.37(9.58)
You Anons, totally agree with you!! :))
ReplyDeleteHe will come back stronger than ever and I can't wait for that.
What really WOULD piss me off though about Rafaless Wimbly would be if he lost the No. 1 ranking.
Not because Rog or Andy wouldn't have earned it (I read somewhere they both have the chance of taking it if they win the thing), but because Rafa doesn't even have the chance to fight for it. And it's not his fault he's injured - it'd totally suck if he lost the No. 1 spot because of that. :(
But oh well, that's tennis I guess. Luckily Rafa is much stronger mentally than I am *lol* so whatever obstacles in his way, he'll handle it!! :)
It's so painful even for me to know that he won't be playing. I can't imagine how he is feeling. I would rather he take time off and skip games to recover so he can come back at his best. I won't enjoy watch Fed win though, I most likely won't watch wimby. And I know he will come back stronger!
ReplyDeleteWhere's RafaRehab when you need it? T.T