29 of April, 2009

THE VOTES ARE IN – TIME MAGAZINE REVEALS THE WORLD’S MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE OF 2008

TIME Magazine, one of the world’s most recognized publications has revealed today the top 100 most influential personalities of the past year.  

Amongst the proud nominees were famous thinkers, artists, leaders and revolutionaries from all over the world who - in one way or another - have had an impact in today’s society.

This week’s issue (which will be on the stands on Friday, May 1) also features our one and only, Rafa Nadal. The No.1 tennis player in the world was voted 60th overall, beating sporting legends such as Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps (72nd), Tiger woods (106th), and Alex Rodriguez (134th).

NBA star Kobe Bryant and Filipino pound-for-pound king, Manny Pacquiao were the only 2 athletes to beat Rafa, coming 9th and 22nd respectively.

"Moot", a 21-year-old college student and founder of online community 4chan.org, emerged as this year’s most influential person in the world, beating heavyweights such as US President Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, Oprah Winfrey and the Dalai Lama.

Congratulations Rafa!

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RAFA NADAL VS ANDREAS SEPPI

Rafa Nadal will make his debut today at the ATP Masters Series 1000 in Rome against local Andreas Seppi, who defeated American Sam Querrey 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the first round of the Italian event yesterday.

Seppi, ranked 37th in the world, has met Rafa a total of three times in his career and is currently standing 1-2 against the World No.1.

He defeated Rafa last year in Rotterdam (on hard courts) and Rafa won the previous matches at Davis Cup in Torre del Greco (Italy, 2005) and Santander (2006); both matches were held on clay.

TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY

STADIO PIETRANGELI

1:00 PM - Andy Murray vs Juan Monaco

followed by - Ivo Karlovic vs Roger Federer

followed by - Rafael Nadal vs Andreas Seppi

Vamos Rafa!