Rafael Nadal received a very personal congratulations by a Rafanatic after his 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 fourth round win over Gael Monfils at the US Open last night.
While changing out his shirt a man jumped from the front row, leapt onto the court, planted a *smooch* on the Majorcan Matador, and tried to grab a hug before security pulled him away.
He was asked about the incident in his post-match presser:
Q. What did you think when the man came out of the stands and came up to you?
RAFAEL NADAL: No, for me it wasn't the problem. The guy was really nice (laughter.)
Q. Did he say anything?
RAFAEL NADAL: Yes. He was a great fan. He said, I love you, and he kiss me. (laughter.)
Q. Was he speaking Spanish?
RAFAEL NADAL: No, in English, but I understand that. (laughter.)
Interestingly, a man loudly shouted out "I LOVE YOU RAFA!!!" right before his first serve at the start of the match which caused a sly smile by the 6-time Grand Slammer.
Clearly the security at the US Open needs to be reviewed so something like this is prevented in the future. Rafa kept a good attitude about the entire situation which, luckily, didn't turn out to be dangerous.
And, just for the record, I was NOT at the Open last night so my hands (and lips) are clean.
UPDATE: The man was arrested for "interference with a sporting event". Uh, I'm thinking it was more a "crime of passion" but that's just me.
(video via Meriko100)
I'm not a man, but I'd have done the same thing. I love you Rafa!!!
ReplyDeleteCrime of Passion... that's it exactly! I'm so glad that Rafa is secure enough in his manhood to appreciate the fact that both men and women find him attractive. XD
ReplyDeleteI think they should re-evaluate the security at all of the events. A fan got on the court at the French Open final an security was slow to react.
ReplyDeletei would do he same if Rafa was at my jumping range...anyhow, he was nice enough to take all this incident on the possitive side. jaja what a loon...
ReplyDeleteVery cute post match interview....
ReplyDeleteI would gladly get arrested for the same reason ;D RG Final,...LOL the guy was quick as a rabbit
ReplyDeleteAt least this guy got to kiss rafa unlike another guy who stripped down to his undies and professed his love for clooney. See for yourselves... http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b143082_george_clooneys_close_encounter_of.html
ReplyDeleteanon 11:51 - LOL love it! My peeps are shameless, in a good way of course.
ReplyDeleteHaha, hilarious. Love Rafa's cool attitude about it. :D
ReplyDelete"No, for me it wasn't the problem."
Alright then, I know what I'll do whenever I get to see Rafa live...
*puckers up too*
sonja: true enough. we'll see how good his attitude is when we ambush him in the locker room. Who'll be smiling then, huh?!
ReplyDeletesomething tells me he won't be reaching back for us when we're through.
I'm glad it was good natured - because my heart stopped. That kind of thing scares me to death. I just can't help but assume they want to do something horrible. MAJOR USO security fail. Unacceptable.
ReplyDeleteRich, with your last comment you have made my brain explode in a filthgasm. I hope you're proud of yourself.
ReplyDeletet
Xisca has to be the most stable, secure woman on the planet for having to go through watching all the women (and men it seems) lose their shit over Rafa and scream at him like pre-pubes scream at Zac Efron.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see Rafa had a sense of humor about the whole thing. But I'm still cracking up at the look on the face on the female security guard as the fanatic fan ran right past her. 2nd Slam this year some idiot makes the security look stupid.
As irresistible of a man as Nadal is, I am jealous that that fan beat me. Though, in terms of politeness, not the best way to go about doing that.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know what the guy at the beginning of the match yelled, but I was really surprised to see Rafa listen to the crowd and smile out there.
ReplyDeleteThe man will confess that he's a regular 'Down the Line!' reader!
ReplyDeleteThat would be the funniest thing of the year, really!
ReplyDeleteLMAO TO, that would be so funny! :D
ReplyDeleteYeah Rich, we should try something like that next year... locker room, smooches, kisses, licking and stuff. ;)
I mean we now know he'll stand up for us afterwards! Noone will harm us, hrhrhr!
But seriously, the lack of security is SCARY. It really amazes me how easy it apparently is to get to the players at such a big event.