New Looks

Rafael Nadal

The Mallorcan King of Clay is not letting his recent achievements since coming back from injury go to his head. In an interview with ATP World Tour press on Wednesday evening, Rafa was asked if he felt that he was now back to playing his best tennis. Modestly, he credited his successes in 2013 to a “refreshed mental[ity]” and newfound intensity and passion for the sport. It was painful for him being away from the tour for so long, he said, and he’s glad to be back. However, he could not say that he was playing his best tennis ever as there is still a long road ahead of him and many opportunities yet to be seized.

Nadal interview from Wednesday

It would seem the knee injury has deepened Nadal’s appreciation of being present on court and playing well enough to win trophies. He must look with new eyes on the matches that he plays, understanding that every opponent is as worthy of victory as he is and acting accordingly aggressive enough to ensure that he is the winner at the end of each day.

To see more of Wednesday’s interview, click here.

 

Such was the case on Thursday, when Latvian rising star, Ernest Gulbis, gave him a serious run for his money. After nineteen minutes of brilliant shot-making from Gulbis and a few shaky service games of his own, Rafa found himself down 0-5 and struggled to hold serve for the first time in the match. Gulbis needed only a few minutes more, though, to close out the first set 6-1.

Nadal’s efforts to minimize errors in the second set were immediately apparent. Though Gulbis maintained just about the same intensity that had earned him the first set, Rafa buckled down enough to hold serve for 1-0. Spectators should have been most impressed by Gulbis’ return of serve and ability to quickly change direction during long rallies.

Still, when facing break point at 1-all, 30-40, Rafa placed a serve out wide in the deuce court, opening the court beautifully for a flat forehand in the other direction, to which Ernest responded by sinking a forehand on the run deep into the net. Smart tennis. Rafa would eventually hold serve again for 2-1.

Ernest Gulbis

Finally finding some success with the rope-a-dope strategy, Nadal began to hold serve more emphatically, inching closer to a break conversion with every return game. Finally, at 4-3, a slip in the clay and backhand volley gone wide from Gulbis would give Rafa a much needed break for 5-3. He went on to win the second set 7-5.

Visibly frustrated with himself for losing the second set, Ernie still showed deft touch in the third but began to pile up unforced errors, giving Nadal a 4-2 lead.

When Gulbis broke back and consolidated for 4-all, it was tough to tell who would walk away the champion in this match.

Ernie made a few nigh-unforgivable errors to end up 4-5, 30-40 down. Nadal having a match point didn’t seem likely a while ago. But he did. And before Gulbis could blink, Rafa was shedding his headband and pumping his fist in victory.

Nadal now faces another feisty opponent in David Ferrer, his fellow countryman, tomorrow in the quarterfinals. Stay tuned to find out who makes it and who goes home.

Roger Federer

Fed fans all over the world have always trusted the Swiss Maestro to make the best decisions, both on and off the courts. And for years, Roger has delivered amply – with light, deft footwork, a near insurmountable number of title wins, that amazing backhand, and suave, debonair looks.

But we were all shocked when Roger stepped onto court on Tuesday donning… short cropped hair, a glaring contrast to the smooth and silky tendrils he’s smoothly brushed across his headband in between points for years.

No we aren’t fickle enough to think that a new haircut will somehow diminish his effectiveness on court (after all, he did win the match against Starace 4-6, 6-4, 6-3), but it just might be the least attractive thing Federer has done since turning pro in 1998.

Has the 31-year-old made a terrible mistake with this new look?

Leave your views and questions in the comments.

Fed's new haircut

 

Milos Raonic

The tall, dark-haired youngster from Canada has had performances admirable enough to earn him the title of 2011 ATP World Tour Newcomer of the Year, and since then he has been a threatening presence to the top ten.

Raonic posing for Hello! Canada magazine

But there is one other accomplishment Milos has recently garnered that places him in the realm of such personalities as Avril Lavigne, Sidney Crosby and Rachel McAdams: Milos Raonic is featured in Hello! Canada magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful Canadians 2013 issue.

If he emulates Federer, this may be the beginning of an incredible tennis career for him. But for the moment, his nation finds him beautiful and we can’t help but agree.

Here’s wishing Milos Raonic an injury-free, enjoyable and successful year. Keep shaking the top branches!

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