16th of December

The day finally arrived!! - Rafa's friends and Iker's friends have met for the second year in a row for a great cause. The objective: help those in desperate need of assistance to stop Malaria from killing more children.

A magnific reason to put together this event, and celebrate life with some of the best sportsmen in the world. The spirit of competition and classic score system were not part of the evening and instead they replaced it with fun and entertainment for an incredible crowd, which witnessed a very special moment in Rafa's and Iker's lives.This is how they split up the teams:

Rafa Nadal’s team: Carlos Moyá, Jorge Lorenzo, Raúl González, Almudena Cid, Carlos Sastre, Marcos Senna, Novak Djokovic, Sergio García, Carlos Sainz, Sete Gibernau and Samuel Eto'o.

Iker Casillas’s team: David Ferrer, Carmen Jordá, Feliciano López, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Santi Cazorla, Sergio Ramos, Alberto Contador, Dani Sordo, Alvaro Bautista, Kanouté and Fernando Alonso.

Madrid’s ‘El Palacio de los Deportes’ was the stage for 3 contests: A kart race, a tennis match (one set) and a soccer match which had Rafa Guerrero as the referee. At the end of the encounters, it was Iker's friends who got away with the victory after Dani Sordo (in the goalkeeper’s team) won an exciting kart race against Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso.

Add to that a draw in the tennis match and a solid win in the soccer match.

A big congratulations to all the members of their team for helping put on an incredible show, but most importantly, for helping raise enough money to keep saving lives. These people are the real winners of this event.

15th of December

It’s nearly the end of 2008 and Rafa doesn’t stop getting awards. The latest one has come from the hands of ‘Marca’, a popular Spanish newspaper that has honoured him with the ‘Marca Legend’ prize for excellence in his career.

The King of Spain, Don Juan Carlos, together with the Queen,  Doña Sofía were present at the ceremony of the Sport’s newspaper 70th anniversary, which had other 50 Spanish sport legends present.  

At the event, Don Juan Carlos was delighted to congratulate Rafa (and the Davis Cup team) for capturing this year’s title at Mar del Plata in Argentina and for ‘all his other achievements at the Grand Slam events and Olympic games during the 2008 season.  These amazing accomplishments contributed to his rise at the top of the world rankings in August.

RAFA –VS- IKER

Before yesterday’s ceremony in Madrid, both players presented Esperanza Aguirre (the president of the ‘Communidad de Madrid) with the t-shirts that each of them will wear for the second edition of this evening’s event.

The event, organised yearly by the pair to help fight against malaria, will see a benchful of glittering sporting figures across Spain as well as footballing superstars from La Liga.

Casillas’ line-up will include names such as tennis stars, David Ferrer and Juan Carlos Ferrero, cyclist Alberto Contador, F1 racer Fernando Alonso, as well as his clubmates, Sergio Ramos and Fabio Cannavaro.

Rafa, meanwhile, will have F1, Rally and MotoGP racers such as Pedro de la Rosa, Carlos Sainz and Sete Gibernau, Serbian tennis ace, Novak Djokovic, and footballers, Raul and Samuel Eto’o on his side.

The matches will be played at the ‘Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid’, at 8:00pm (local Spanish time). There will be a karts race where the teams will be split into groups of 4 and those who don’t get the opportunity to race will play a ‘mini-tennis’ competition.

La Oreja de Van Gogh, and ‘Andy & Lucas’, two very popular Spanish bands will also be part of the entertainment.

Last year, "Iker vs Nadal" had a total of 5.000 people in the crowd compared to this year’s 10.000. So far they’ve been able to raise 200.000 euros, 30.000 euros more than last year.

Another great achievement by Rafa and Iker!

15th of December

RAFA AND IKER: Will be presenting today some T-shits to Esperanza Aguirre as part of the charity event they have put together and that will be celebrated on Tuesday thanks to the help of ‘Comunidad de Madrid’ and the Red Cross.

TONIGHT’S AWARD

Just like Rafa told you in his blog this week. He will be flying to Madrid late this afternoon for the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Marca, (a popular Spanish newspaper) at the Ritz Hotel.

There, the King, Don Juan Carlos and the Queen, Doña Sofía, will be waiting for him.

The Marca awards celebrate and recognize the trajectory of the biggest sport stars in the world, like Michael Jordan, who was the first winner back in 1997 and who is regarded as the best basketball player of all time.

Rafa in this case, has been invited to receive the award of ‘Marca Legend’ for his exceptional success in tennis this year after winning 2 of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, Roland Garros for the 4th time and Wimbledon for the first. Add to that a gold medal at the Olympic Games, the Davis Cup title and many more trophies.

Amongst the guests, there will be famous soccer and tennis stars, as well as drivers, basketetball players, athletes, golf players, and other players from other sports.

Don't forget to continue voting for Rafa's best match ever!

To vote you need to become a member of our forum and then follow this link.

Madrid, 12th of December 

The day has come. This Tuesday 16th of December at 8pm, Iker’s friends and Rafa’s friends will be sharing a unique moment in their lives, when they unite to play in benefit of the Red Cross a ‘Match to Help Free People from Malaria’.

Sadly for some, their chance to see some of the biggest starts in sport together for a special cause won't be possible as the entries to the event have sold out.

However, that is great news for Rafa and Iker because they have successfully achieve a larger amount of donations compared to last year’s contribution.

A Karts race, a Tennis and indoor Football match as well as two concerts by: La Oreja de Van Gogh and Andy y Lucas have been scheduled for the special evening.

All of those people who will be attending the Palace of Sports will be part of an incredible humanitarian cause that started up as an idea from the 2 main stars of the event, Rafa and Iker.

They have been busy putting together their teams and have sent us a list of the guests they have invited to play the Match against Malaria.

However, it is still known how they will split up the teams.

The money raised from they sales of the tickets to the event will go towards helping a plan that has been put together for the Red Cross and that consists on rehabilitating the unlucky people that suffer from the this disease in Mali, as well as provide them with a better treatment.

Thankfully, there are many people who have joined Iker and Rafa towards making this cause a reality. From ‘Comunidad de Madrid’; that has shown and amazing support since the first edition of this charity event, to all the other sponsors and supporters that wanted to be part of it in some way or another.

The official list of guests is the following:

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid’s goalkeeper)

Rafa Nadal (No.1 tennis player in the world)

David Ferrer (Tennis player)

Feliciano López (Tennis player)

Fernando Alonso (Formula 1 driver and 2 time champion)

Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid soccer player)

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid soccer player)

Alberto Contador (Cyclist)

Dani Sordo (Rally driver)

Álvaro Bautista (250 cc motocross driver)

Juan Carlos Ferrero (Tennis player)

Juan Carlos Moya (Tenis player)

Jorge Lorenzo (Moto GP driver)

Raúl González (Real Madrid soccer player)

Carlos Sastre (Cyclist)

Carlos Sáinz (ex Rally driver)

Santi Cazorla (Villareal soccer player)

Pedro Martínez – de la Rosa (McLaren Mercedes F1 test driver)

Marcos Senna (Villareal soccer player Novak Djokovic (Tennis player)

Sete Gibernau (Moto GP driver) 

Media Day’s Schedule:

18.30 Doors open for the event

9.45 Taxi Concert

19.57 Team’s presentation

20.00 Karts Race

20.20 ‘La Oreja de Van Gogh’ concert

20.30 Tennis Match

20.55 ‘Andy y Lucas’ concert

21.05 Indoor soccer match

22.00 End of event

Place: Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid

Address: Plaza de Felipe II, Madrid

After 7 year's on tour, 31 singles titles (5 of them Majors), 4 doubles titles. 2 Davis Cup titles, and 1 Olympic Gold Medal. It's mission impossible trying to chose a few of the best matches Rafa has played.There are countless memories that come to mind, and even more if we count the times that he didn't win but still made us jump out our skin.

That is why we want to ask YOU, what you think is the best match Rafa’s ever played?

To vote you need to become a member of our forum and then follow this link.

Enjoy!

RAFA –VS- DJOKOVIC IN HAMBURG FIGHTING FOR THE No.2 SPOT

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=FCHvcpdaA9o

It's hard to believe now, but Rafa almost became No. 3 in the world before he became No. 1.??

That's right; his No. 2 ranking was at stake when Rafa took on third-ranked Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the Masters Series Hamburg back in May. The stage was set, and the match lived up to the hype.??

Rafa needed three hours and thee minutes to subdue Djokovic 7-5, 2-6, 6-2. The scoreline is not as flabbergasting as those of other top matches, but it terms of tennis quality, this one was hard to beat.??Amazing; one of my best matches,” said Rafa.??

“It was great to be part of a fantastic match; the quality was very high,” added Djokovic. “It was one of the best, maybe the best match I can remember I played on clay.”??

“I am a little bit tired right now so let's see how I feel tomororow,” Rafa explained of his upcoming title rematch with Federer. “I'll need to be 100 percent if I want to have a chance of beating Roger.”??He must have been 100 percent, as Rafa avenged his 2007 loss and was well on his way to No. 1. No. 3, on the other hand, became an afterthought.

RAFA –VS- CORIA IN 2005’S ROME FINAL

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=uFu8KlCXw3A

The 18-year-old with bulging biceps, was the imposing figure in this final, but it was the tiny Guillermo Coria who dictated play for most of this five-hour, 14-minute classic that ended in customary fashion: with Rafa on his back, sprawled out after another stirring win, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(6).

Rafa applied tape to his blistered fingers the entire match and seemed exhausted when he lost the first three games of the fifth set. I thought that sooner or later he would give up, or at least ease up, Coria said after the match. Rafa did not.

His defense and will carried him to his 17th consecutive victory, a win he described as “the toughest match of my life”. He needed four match points before he could take away the victory.

RAFA-VS- CARLOS MOYA IN CHENNAI 2008 SEMI-FINAL

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=CVIJA4Jx4Gg

World number two Rafael Nadal overcame a dazzling challenge from Spanish compatriot Carlos Moya to squeeze through to the ATP Chennai Open final.The 21-year-old French Open champion won 6-7 7-6 7-6 after former world number one Moya pushed him to the brink in a thrilling contest between two friends.

Nadal staved off four match points in the second set tiebreak and then rallied from a break down in the decider against the 31-year-old Moya, third seed and ranked 17 in the world.

He eventually clinched the final tiebreak 7-1 to end the marathon contest lasting almost four hours."It was one of the most emotional matches of my career," a relieved Nadal told reporters.

"It was unbelievable.""It is great to get off to such a start. It is very good to play in the final at the start of the season."A dejected Moya said: "I had many chances to win. Against Nadal if you don't take advantage of them, you will lose."

RAFA –VS- FEDERER IN WIMBLEDON FINAL 2008

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=K3ZQn4kHqSk

Yes, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal left EVERYONE searching for words at the end of arguably the greatest match ever played, and five months later, I’m still gasping for breath.??

It was just that good.??But why was it so good? Is it simply because of the quality of tennis???Well, it had everything. And more.?There is not one thing I can think of that this one lacked. For Federer supporters, of course, it lacked the desired outcome.?

That really leaves you, the unbiased observer, with only one legitimate gripe. And that is that the match ended at all. If you had your druthers, it would still be going on right now. But then you realize that if the match had gone on just one minute longer—if Rafa had failed to hold serve at 8-7—it would have been stopped at 8-8 (or at the 9-8 changeover at the latest) due to darkness.??

Getting interrupted by two rain delays? That just adds to the drama. Getting interrupted by nighttime and forced to conclude a whole day later? That’s just a disaster.?But it wasn’t, and because it wasn’t, it was perfect.

RAFA –VS- LLEYTON HEWITT IN AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2005

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=tnH092Qtyhc

2005 was Nadal's best year to date on the tour. Another clash down under with Hewitt, this time 5 sets, saw the 18 year old Nadal playing insanely well, with his ranking just itching to shoot up. That 4th rounder in Australia bumped him up to 47.

“Rafa, a teenager, who is full of energy and charisma, has a fine future in this game” they said at the time. Rafa tired in the fourth set and was virtually out on his feet in the fifth when he needed treatment for cramp. "He's going to be a tough player on any surface," said Hewitt. "He has a massive forehand and his backhand is definitely not a weakness. It's just not quite as strong."

December 12th 

RAFA AND IKER UPDATE: Check out the latest TV ad for the upcoming charity event that Iker Casillas and Rafa Nadal have put together. Watch as they start to pick their own teams. 

Stay tunned for more this week!

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Rafa Nadal bring us joy, it is a treat to see him on court. "It is great for Spain to see someone emerge from the bottom of the rankings like that and be a great example to kids. There are lots of people following his footsteps and there will be more tennis players in the future for sure".

That sentence was by Pau Gasol. The player from Manacor is not only a genius with a racket in his hand, his great talent comes from his unquestionable ability to play and his humility. It is not easy to be successful and still keep one's feet on the ground.

"I can fall, I can hurt myself, I can break, but my will to get better will never disappear" would be applicable in his case.

"Never accept failure, weakness nor discouragement as part of yourself. You, yourself, represent success". That is Rafa Nadal. Our number 1; the best tennis player in the world.

Joan Vehils, director of SPORT, did not miss a single detail. And you?

Read and enjoy!How do you live as #1?

Quietly. To be honest, the exact same way as the last four years, when I was number 2. Nothing has changed. The numbers and rankings come and go... The important thing is the person. That is what will remain at the end of this journey.

Does what you are living cause you vertigo?

Not really. I do not believe I am higher than I was a few months back. I have learned to take-in victories the same way as losses: with calm. I am also aware that I am living a beautiful time in my life which I enjoy intensely. Yes, I recognize that I am fortunate. But I also know that this will someday come to an end because that is how life is. Nothing is eternal, not even success is....

But.....

Do not doubt it, everything will go back to normal. You will see. Now people flatter me, want to touch me and laugh at my jokes. Everything is rose-colored, but in a few years, it will no longer be that way. I will be one more person, and one must be prepared to accept that situation.

And you?

I am mentally prepared for that day.

What is popularity?

To be honest, when I am at home in Manacor, I am very lucky to lead a normal life. People do not disturb me. I behave like any one else my age. If I want to go see a movie, I go. If I want to go drinking, the same. I try to behave normally and I do not restrict myself. My personal freedom is above that. I do not think that becoming a recluse is an answer. One must open doors, not shut them.

Tennis gave you everything, what has it taken away?

I do not believe that tennis gave me everything, in the same way that it has taken nothing away. Obviously, it is an important aspect of my life and I am very grateful, but there are other things in life...I could live perfectly without picking up a racquet.

You have openly criticized the competition calendar. You spend eleven months traveling from one end of the planet to the other. Is it worth the sacrifice?

It is true that it is a big sacrifice, but the important thing is to feel rewarded. Besides, it is what I have done all my life. I want mainly to be satisfied with myself. There are people who win some things; others lose but have been there and given it all. The important thing is to bring out what you have inside and if you are able to win, it is better than best. Believe me, nobody gives anything for free and realizing a dream takes a lot of effort.

How do you enjoy your family at a distance?

I am used to it now. I have been traveling for many years non-stop, but have not stopped communicating every day.

And how is life from an airplane?

A bit scary sometimes. I do not worry about it because this is the life that I chose. From above everything seems smaller, but the perspective can be very eye-opening (laughs).

How is the Rafa Nadal who lies in bed at night in the loneliness of a hotel room? are you nostalgic?

No, not for anything... I am grateful to those who surround me. My fisio, my uncle, many friends on the tour with who I speak with before I go to bed. We also follow the news by reading the pages on the internet, or watch movies, or play playstation. In essence, we try to deal together with the long hours of boredom. In the end, all of us on tour are in the same boat.

Any child in Spain wishes he would be Rafa Nadal, does that scare you?

For starters, that is flattering. That children pay attention to me is a compliment and I hope I am a good example. It is a responsibility that I gladly accept (he thinks for a few seconds). I hope I am up to the task.

Rafa Nadal is an idol. Who is your reference?

I have never had idols. In reality, I admire good people. Those people who do good things for others without expecting anything in return.

Everybody is talking about the economic crisis. And you? Does it affect you?

You see, one way or another, it affects everybody. A lot is being said about the subject and, in my opinion, something has been done wrong in the last few years and that is why we are in this situation. As a private citizen, I believe that some serious errors have been made. I trust that it will be over soon and we will return to normal.

...And?

Well of course the crisis affects me! As a person and a human being I cannot remain unmoved by what the feelings in the street are. There are people who are going through very hard times and I am aware of it. I would ask that those responsible for the errors committed correct them rigorously and as soon as possible.

Has Emilio been a good Davis Cup captain?

He began in a complicated situation because the president imposed him and he struggled a bit developing his own personality. I think he entered with some insecurity, but yes, as years and ties have gone by, he has been improving and this year he has been very good. When he took the side of the players against the president, he was magnificent. He kept his place, that which corresponded to him... I thank him from the heart. He behaved properly with someone who also lied to him and, in spite of it all, he was able to form a tight group and keep us isolated from the problems.

Who do you believe will replace him as head of the Spanish Davis Cup team, Costa or Corretja?

I am not going to pronounce myself on the subject...The truth is that I have no problem with either one; what's more, my relationship with both is excellent. In my opinion, they will be Davis Cup captains at different times. We have a debt with Costa because, three or four years ago, when Emilio came in, he was the one we wanted to direct the team, but we shall see....

 by Carlos Galindo, sport.es

Check out new Rafa answers in English

11th of December

RAFA AND IKER UPDATE: Check out the latest TV ad for the upcoming charity event that Iker Casillas and Rafa Nadal have put together.

Stay tunned for more this week!

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TOP 10 OF EVERYTHING OF 2008

Wonder what this year's best awkward moments, best performances, campaign video moments, children's books, election photos, iPhone apps, magazine covers, medical breakthroughs, movies, museum exhibits and news stories were?

Well, Time.com has dedicated an entire page of their site for this year's 'TOP 10 OF EVERYTHING'.

Including in their list of 'Spor't Best Moments of 2008' are Lewis Hamilton, Tiger woods and Rafa of course. 

Starting from the back, in 10th position:

10. Last-Lap Lewis

British phenom Lewis Hamilton, the 23-year-old Tiger Woods of Formula 1 auto racing, blew the '07 F-1 title during the international circuit's final race in Brazil. This season, he nearly repeated this infamous feat. Hamilton, the first black driver in Formula 1 history, entered the final race with a comfortable seven-point advantage over Brazil's Felipe Massa. So even if Massa happened to win the São Paulo race, Hamilton would just have to finish fifth or better to clinch the championship. Massa led throughout, but Hamilton hung back comfortably in fifth, playing it safe. Then, with just five laps to go, it started raining, causing Hamilton and the other leaders to take a pit stop to get rain tires. Germany's Timo Glock went for broke and did not pit, moving into fourth with two laps left, leaving Hamilton in sixth and out of title contention. But on the last lap, the Brit caught Glock at the final corner to finish fifth. He broke the heart of the 100,000 Brazilians wildly cheering for their man Massa, who teared up after it was over. "I was almost exploding," Hamilton said. "I don't know how I kept my cool. I don't know how I did it."

9. Memphis Blues

The Memphis Tigers, who entered the NCAA men's basketball title game with a ridiculous 38-1 record, simply dominated college hoops in '08.

8. Good Sports

Sometimes a simple act of sportsmanship can create real heroes on the field. In April, during the second inning of a Division II college softball game in the Pacific Northwest, Western Oregon University senior outfielder Sara Tucholsky hit the first home run of her life, a three-run blast that broke a scoreless tie with Central Washington. But as an elated Tucholsky rounded first base, she missed the bag. When she turned around to touch the base, Tucholsky's knee gave out. In a freak accident, Tucholsky tore her ACL; she fell to the ground, and couldn't move. If Tucholsky's teammates carried her around the bases, she'd be called out — an active runner cannot receive assistance from her own team. An umpire mistakenly ruled that if Western Oregon inserted a pinch runner, she would have to stay at first base, turning Tucholsky's surprise three-run blast into a mere two-run single (in fact, the NCAA rulebook says a pinch runner could have completed Tucholsky's home run trot). Then, Central Washington's Mallory Holtman, who was playing first base, spoke up. The senior offered to carry her opponent around the bases so that the home run would count; a player has every right to aid the opposition, an all too rare occurence in competitive sports. Holtman and shortstop Liz Wallace lifted Tucholsky and completed the inspiring home run trot. Western Oregon won the game, 4-2, knocking Central Washington out of playoff contention, and went on to win the conference title.

7. Spain Gets Its Own Ole!

pain ended 44 years of frustration at the '08 European Championships. In the 33rd minute of the final against tournament favorite Germany, Spain's Fernando Torres, who stars professionally for Liverpool in the English Premier League, jetted past a Germany defender and lifted the ball over sliding goaltender Jens Lehmann to give Spain a 1-0 lead. They would hold that tight advantage until the final whistle, handing Spain its first Euro title since 1964. Back home, red-and-gold soaked fans set off wild street celebrations in Barcelona, Madrid and other cities and towns throughout the country. Spanish fans at the game in Vienna chanted "ES-PANA" and "Ole!" "Ole!" "Ole" — King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia were on hand to personally congratulate the delirious team. "At last, justice has been done," said Torres. "The team that played the best football won the tournament."

6. A Celtic Comeback

Game 4 of this year's NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers added another stirring chapter to the most storied rivalry in pro basketball.

5. Big Brown Down

This horse was different. Seriously. No, really. Ten times since Affirmed won the Triple Crown in 1978, a horse entered the Belmont Stakes having won the first two legs of the trifecta. And ten times, after being showered with more and more pre-Belmont hype and attention, the likes of Smarty Jones, Charismatic, and Funny Cide had lost. But Big Brown was such a sure thing that his loudmouth trainer, Rick Dutrow, guaranteed a win to everyone in earshot.

4. Clemens Strikes Out

After a less than memorable World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays, it's official: this year's most compelling baseball drama took place on Capitol Hill, before the season even began. In February, a House committee investigating performance enhancing drug use in baseball called Roger Clemens, who was named as a steroid user in the league's 2007 Mitchell Report, to Washington for a nationally televised hearing.

3. A Giant Grab

Who would have thought that an imperfect player would spoil a perfect season? By catching a ball with his helmet, no less? With 1 minute, 15 seconds remaining in Super Bowl XLII, the 18-0 New England Patriots led the New York Giants, 14-10. On a third down play from their own 44-yard line, Giants quarterback Eli Manning somehow escaped the clutch of two New England defenders and tossed a Hail Mary down field. As a Patriots safety practically mugged him, David Tyree, a 28-year-old fourth-string receiver who had battled drugs and alcohol in his younger days, jumped in the air, got his hands on the ball, and then nestled it against his headgear as he fell to the ground. It seemed an impossible catch, and four plays later the Giants scored the winning touchdown, clinching an unthinkable upset.

2. Centre Court Classic

Feel free to call it the greatest tennis match of all-time. At the Wimbledon final this July, Spain's Rafael Nadal upset his archrival, five-time defending tournament champ Roger Federer, in a five-set epic, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7. The match, which took 4 hours and 48 minutes to complete, featured three rain delays, a Federer comeback from two sets down, and an awe-inspiring fifth set that ended with two exhausted champions dueling in the dark (it ended at 9:16 p.m; fittingly this was the last year there were no lights on Centre Court). It was simultaneously grueling, nerve-wracking and beautiful tennis, as Federer struck a 127 mph service winner to save the match in the fourth set tiebreaker, and Nadal chased down shot after impossible shot. When Federer hit his last shot into the net, a victorious Nadal fell flat on his back, as cameras flashed all around to get a snapshot of history. A few weeks later, Nadal replaced Federer as the top-ranked player in the world.

1. Tiger's One-Legged Roar:

Tiger Woods called it his best championship, and who are we to argue with him? After undergoing surgery on his left knee in April, Woods didn't play a tournament in the two months leading up to this year's U.S. Open. Yet, on the final hole of the last round, Woods trailed journeyman Rocco Mediate, already in the clubhouse, by just one stroke.

Top 10 Reference: Time.com

Sunday, 7th of December

Roland Garros is without doubt one of the tournaments that have brought the most happiness to Rafa since he played it for the first time back in 2005.

The 'King of clay' continues a 4 year run without losing a match in the French Grand Slam tournament and has conquered a total of 4 consecutive titles.

ATPTennis.com invites you to share your opinion with them and let them know how many more titles you think Rafa will be able to capture in his career.

Rafa hopes he can win "many more"....

PHOTOS: Rafa Nadal together with Iniesta and Pujol, players from FC Barcelona, at the opening of the new Nike Store in Barcelona this week.

Barcelona,December 4

PHOTOS: Rafa Nadal together with Iniesta and Pujol, players from FC Barcelona, at the opening of the new Nike Store.

The American sport’s firm has opened an exclusive store at Barcelona’s ‘Corazón del Paseo de Gracia’ which aims to expand their already prominent presence in the Spanish Market.

Nike, the prestigious sports gear brand will have their premises ready to roll out their new season after their latest summer range at the ‘Paseo de Gracia’ on the 29th of December.

The new Nike store takes over more than 1.000 square meters and will occupy 3 of the building’s floors, which were built between 1880-1890.  In it you will find their latest range of products.

In the last few years, the ‘Paseo de Gracia’ of Barcelona has become a magnific location where the majority of luxurious, glamorous and well known brands concentrate.

2nd of December

The President of the Madrid Region, Esperanza Aguirre, presented Rafa Nadal today with the ‘International Prize of Sports of the Community of Madrid.

The ceremony took place at the Real Casa de Correos at 12:30 (local Madrid time).

The award aims to recognize the merits and values of individuals or institutions of international importance in the field of sport, based on their influence in the community and their human values.

“To be receiving this award in the first edition of its ceremony is very important. Especially in a community like Madrid’s that I feel so close to me and where I have been able to achieve a lot of success at the Madrid Masters and the Davis Cup” said the Spanish star after receiving the honors. 

The award is a commemorative sculpture and a certificate signed by the president of the Community of Madrid, Esperanza Aguirre.

Esperanza was also quick to highlight that "Rafa is an example to follow for all young people because he is full of values, specially as a sportsman. Nadal has shown that he knows how to win and how to lose. He has shown how to achieve success without becoming arrogant, and has specially stood out for knowing how to lose giving the deserved credit to his opponents”.