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Rafael Nadal candid on his return to hard courts, "worst part" of his knee injury

March 4, 2013 by TennisGrandstand

By Romi Cvitkovic

NEW YORK, NY (March 4, 2013) – In town to participate in the BNP Paribas Showdown as part of World Tennis Day, Rafael Nadal spoke candidly about his return to the hard court, the “worst part” about his rehabilitation and thoughts on his upcoming schedule. (Full presser gallery at bottom)
Arriving in a room full of media and distinguished guests, including 2013 International Tennis Hall of Fame inductees Cliff Drysdale and Charlie Pasarell, Nadal went for a more dressed-down look in a Nike hoodie and cap.
As Nadal began answering questions, I noticed a new demeanor and focus in him. Despite sometimes being overly-critical or even agitated at post-match press conferences, today Nadal smiled more freely and carried himself with an air of pure joy. He just came off of a title-winning week in Acapulco and truly feels “lucky” to be back on a tennis court and playing competitively again, and it translated in his attitude today.
Nadal admitted that the first half of his 2012 season before injury where he won four titles, including Roland Garros were “the best first half of a season in my career … it was difficult that I could not keep playing (because of) my knee.” Those tough days made his return even sweeter as he smiled that he’s “very excited to be back on the Tour. Last week, I started to feel much better in Acapulco. I started to feel free to run for plenty of balls and that’s fantastic for me.”
Nadal will next travel to Indian Wells, CA for the BNP Paribas Open and is eager to take on the competition there for the first time on the hard courts since his return.
“We will see how the knee answers better next week in Indian Wells when you play an official match. That will be a big test for me. Today I know that I can play on clay – that’s a very important thing to know, for me. I will try next week on hard. I think it’s a process. After a long time without playing tennis, it will be a process to adapt mainly to the competition. I hope I will have chances to play a normal calendar as I did in the past years.”
So, just how difficult was the time away from the court for Nadal?
“ When you are at home working every day at the gym with rehabilitation, with the doctors, and you try different treatments, and you see not the best result possible in a short period of time … it’s not easy to accept sometimes … I think was not an easy time, but at the same time, I had the chance to be with my family, friends. I tried to do different things that I usually cannot. It was tough. Every day you work, every day you wake up, every day thinking ‘How will the knee be today? Is the knee still bad?’ … I didn’t know when I would be back, that was the toughest part.”
Nadal also re-iterated that it’s difficult to plan his schedule much in advance these days any more, as he takes everything “day by day” gauging the pain and feel in his knee. With the BNP Paribas Open starting this coming week for Nadal, it will be a true test to see just what his knee can withstand.
[nggallery id=87]

Filed Under: Lead Story, Romi Cvitkovic Tagged With: BNP Paribas Open, BNP Paribas Showdown, Nadal on hard court, nadal photos, nadal presser, Nadal's knee, rafa, Rafa's knee, Rafael Nadal, world tennis day, Worst part of tennis

Rafael Nadal faces off against Cristiano Ronaldo in a game of tennis — or is it soccer?

March 30, 2012 by TennisGrandstand


Rafael Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo

Game. Set. Match. Two of the world’s best athletes, footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and tennis star Rafael Nadal, come together in a new video from Nike to showcase the explosive speed and traction of the new Mercurial Vapor VIII launched on Saturday, March 24th in a game of tennis — or is it, soccer?
The action unfolds with Rafael Nadal intently practicing his serve on a grass tennis court, when the tranquil surroundings are interrupted by the roar of a sports car engine.  Cristiano Ronaldo, complete with tennis gear, enters the club and strides on court to greet his friend who questions Ronaldo’s choice of footwear for a game of tennis – a new pair of Mercurial Vapor VIII boots.
We then see the tennis and football legends trade serves and kicks across the net with a tennis ball, at first for fun, then things get a little more competitive. Nadal thunders a serve cross court which is half volleyed straight back by Ronaldo and the game is on. A rapid succession of volleys (from racket and boot) ensue as the players conduct a rapid rally of headers, volleys, forehands and seamless traction and stability for Ronaldo thanks to his new mango Mercurials.
As each player dives and jumps to return the tennis ball, a football (soccer) suddenly appears, Nadal takes a turn to don the boots, and the fun and skills from both players is displayed across the net.  As Ronaldo and Nadal shake hands at the net after a memorable game of foot tennis, Rafa playfully decides to hold on to the Mercurial Vapor VIII’s he’s worn for the football session, much to the frustration of Ronaldo.
Catch the premiere of the full video below and a fun clip of Nadal interviewing Ronaldo after their day of action.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y_wJR1I-9s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=854ROqh9TJQ
About the shoe: The Mercurial Vapor VIII is designed to provide the world’s best players with a seamless fit, touch and traction that delivers explosive speed. A striking new design features a bright mango colorway with a new visual signature on the heel to help the boot stand out on pitch. Completely re-engineered to create a snug upper that locks down the foot and prevents unnecessary movement within the boots, Nike’s new Anatomic Last takes the fit of the boot to a new level of support and stability. This is enhanced by a more minimalist and softer heel area, maximizing both comfort and fit. The result is a boot that gives the world’s best players the performance they need.

Below are more photos from the video shoot, enjoy!

[nggallery id=47]

 
(Special thanks to Nike Football for providing the videos and photos.)

Filed Under: Lead Story, Romi Cvitkovic Tagged With: cristiano ronaldo, football news, mercurial vapor shoes, nadal photos, nadal playing soccer, nike football, nike soccer, Rafael Nadal, soccer news, tennis news, tennis photos, tennis video

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