Rafael Nadal is the most famous Spanish athlete in the world – Rafael Nadal Fans By Rafael Nadal Fans In Articles , Rafael Nadal If asked to think of the most famous Spanish athlete, whom would you think of? Chances are, it’s tennis’ World No.1 Rafael Nadal. According to a survey conducted by market research firm Personality Media, Rafa is the best known Spanish athlete in the world, ahead of the likes of NBA player Pau Gasol, F1 racer Fernando Alonso, and footballer Iker Casillas. Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP/Getty Images Rafa leads the popularity contest by an average of 75% of votes in 12 countries surveyed: USA, Australia, Russia, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, Chile and Argentina. Our champion is very popular in Latin America, but is even in popularity with Alonso in Europe. In his own country, he is more or less even with his comrades at 98%, beating out Alonso and Gasol by 1%. However, we knew this already: Rafa is one of the most popular people in the world, and one of the most beloved.

(Source: rtve.es ) Share this: JockBio: Rafael Nadal Biography It takes two to tango. It also takes two to create a legendary tennis rivalry. Roger Federer knows this as well as anyone. For a while it looked like he would go unchallenged as the most dominant net star of his generation. Then Rafael Nadal arrived on the scene. Federer creams everyone he plays—except for "Rafa." The lanky Spaniard has re-energized tennis with his take-no-prisoners style of play and a sense of fashion all his own. So who really does deserve top billing in the Federer-Nadal duel? After grabbing the top spot in the ATP rankings in 2008, Rafa can now lay claim to at least an equal share of the best mano y mano show in sports. This is his story… GROWING UP Rafael Nadal Parera was born on June 3, 1986 in the town of Manacor on the Spanish island of Mallorca. ( Click here for a complete listing of today's sports birthdays .) His parents, Ana Maria and Sebastian Nadal, later had a second child, Isabel.

From a young age, Rafael was known as Rafa. Sebastian owned a glass company called Vidres Mallorca. His brothers, Toni and Miguel, were world-class athletes. Toni was a pro tennis player who had some success in Spanish tournaments. Miguel, a big-time soccer star, was a swift, strong defender who played for FC Barcelona and logged nearly a decade as a member of Spain's World Cup team from 1994 to 2002. Rafa picked up a racket and began taking lessons from his Uncle Toni around the age of four. He developed into a star by his eighth birthday when he won a 12-and-under tournament. But with a famous soccer-playing uncle, Rafa saw his future on the pitch, not behind the baseline. He was a terrific goal-scorer for his age. He was faster and more coordinated than other boys, and he never seemed to get tired. On the tennis court, Rafa was energetic but skinny. He hit righthanded but preferred to use two hands on both his forehand and backhand. Around the age of 10, Rafa began to think less about soccer and gravitate more to tennis.

Uncle Toni stepped in at this point and made some important changes in Rafa's game. First, he turned Rafa into a one-handed hitter. Toni knew the Nadal men usually began beefing up around the age 15 or 16. Assuming Rafa folowed suit, he would no longer need to play a two-handed forehand. Second, and more significantly, Uncle Toni encouraged Rafa to play lefthanded. By the age of 12, he was entirely proficient as a southpaw. In 1998, he won national and European titles in his age group. Between his tennis and soccer commitments, there was little time for Rafa to get his schoolwork done. Sebastian asked him to make a choice. With all apologies to Uncle Miguel, Rafa went with tennis. Things began happening quickly after that. In 2000, the Spanish Tennis Federation asked that Rafa move to Barcelona so he could he could be mainstreamed into the federation's development program. Rafa's parents refused. They worried that he would lose his passion for school. They also believed that he had the talent to become a world-class player without leaving home.

It was often a challenge to find appropriate practice partners and opponents for Rafa. But the family muddled through and the teenager kept getting better and better. Rafa turned pro in 2001 at the age of 14. The plan was to stay close to home as he earned his spurs playing at the Futures and Challengers levels. Rafa won his first match as a pro at the 2001 Seville Challenger. The following year, he took his first Masters-level match at a tournament in his hometown. He defeated Ramon Delgado in the opening round, becoming just the ninth player in the Open Era to win a match before his 16th birthday. His world ranking after the victory was 762. In all that year, Rafa played nine events on the Futures circuit, winning six tournaments, every one in Spain. He also reached the semifinals of a Challengers event in Barcelona and reached the semis of the junior tournament at Wimbledon. ON THE RISE Rafa began his climb up the rankings in 2003, when he reached the finals of four Challenger events and scored a handful of impressive victories over ranked stars.

The first two came in Monte Carlo, when Rafa defeated Karol Kucera and Albert Costa in the first two rounds before losing to Guillermo Coria, who advanced to the final. At a tournament in Hamburg, Rafa beat Carlos Moya. By late spring, the word was out. If your name was on the same line as Nadal's, you had your hands full. Thought still erratic, Rafa was rounding into a formidable opponent. His fight-to-the-death mentality meant that the longer he stayed in a match, the better his chances of winning. He expended enormous energy on every shot, yet he never seemed to wear out. Rafa got the crowd on his side by returning balls that seemed unreachable, and at least once a set he would hit a jaw-dropping winner while seemingly on the defensive, often from ten feet behind the baseline. And just to prove how precocious he was, at any time Rafa would stun an opponent with a sublime drop shot in the midst of a balls-to-the-wall rally. Everything was pointing to a breakthrough at the French Open, where Rafa's game seemed particularly well-suited to the slow red clay. But while practicing, he strained his elbow and had to drop out.

Miguel Nadal, 1992 Pannini Rafa healed in time to make his Wimbledon debut, where he disposed of Mario Ancic and Simon Childs before losing to Paradorn Srichapan. It marked the first time since Boris Becker in 1984 that a player so young had advanced so far at the All England Club. Rafa's big, looping topspin forehand did not have the same kick on grass as it did on clay, but his skidding backhand slices forced opponents to hit uncomfortable shots. His serve didn't scare anyone, but he mixed it up enough to win. What kept him in many points was his relentless line-to-line play. Wilmbledon, by the way, was his one and only grass-court tournament of 2003. Later in the summer, at an ATP event in Croatia, Rafa reached the semifinals of a Masters tournament for the first time. He also won the doubles with Lopez Moron for his first official ATP Tour victory. He finished the season ranked 47th. Rafa was clearly a different player than the one that started the year in obscurity.

As his Uncle Toni had predicted, Rafa's body matured rapidly, and he built up more muscle. This extra strength, however, did not slow him down. Nor did it affect his flexibility. Rafa simply got better. Rafa opened the 2004 season in Auckland, New Zealand. He was sensational, reaching a singles final for the first time. He lost to Domink Hrbaty. Rafa followed that with a decent showing in his first Australian Open, lasting until the third round when he ran into Lleyton Hewitt. Rafa was enlisted to play for Spain's Davis Cup team, and he acquitted himself nicely in the first round against the Czech Republic. He took the fifth and decisive match against Radek Stepanek to enable his country to advance. Rafa also played doubles with Tommy Robredo three times, though the pair won only once. Later in the year, Rafa won the deciding match against France to propel Spain into the Davis Cup finals against the United States. The Spaniards won 3-2. Rafa beat Andy Roddick in four sets to become the youngest player ever to win a finals match as a member of the winning squad.

The match that really got Rafa noticed was a victory over Roger Federer in Miami. No one knew it at the time, but this win would mark the beginning of a rivalry that would revive interest in men's tennis. Federer was the artist and Nadal the grinder—sort of an Ali-Frazier marquee—but there was more to each player's game and personality. This multi-layered dynamic made them especially good foes. Rafa looked forward to his French Open debut, but astress fracture in his ankle sidelined him for several months. He missed Wimbledon, too. He returned to good health by the end of summer, when he captured his first singles championship, in Sopot, Poland. In all, Rafa played 17 tournaments, not including Davis Cup action. He finished the year down a few spots in the rankings at 51. MAKING HIS MARK Boris Becker, 1996 Fax Pax Rafa's breakout season came in 20005, when he was 19. The previous record for tournament wins by a teenager was nine by Mats Wilander in 2003. Rafa destroyed that mark with 11, including a victory at the French Open.

His other wins included events at Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome, Bastad, Stuttgart, Montreal, Beijing and Madrid. He also won a doubles title in Doha, India. Among the many memorable moments for Rafa in '05 was a rematch with Federer in Miami. This time it occurred in the final, and this time the Swiss star came out on top. But it was clear that Federer had difficulty decoding Rafa's game. It took him five sets to vanquish the teenager, whose long hair, good looks, and imaginative court attire was making him the talk of tennis. Rafa actually had Federer down two sets to none but could not put him away. For his near-miss, he shot up in the rankings and cracked the Top 20 for the first time. By the end of April, he was in the Top 10. In Rome, Rafa displayed his unrelenting will to win against Coria in the final. The two Spaniards dueled for five hours and 14 minutes before Rafa won a fifth-set tiebreaker. It marked the longest final of the Open Era. Rafa was healthy and on a roll when he finally made his French Open debut.

And what a debut it was. He tore through the draw, downing solid foes like Richard Gasquet, David Ferrer, and Sebastien Grosjean before taking down Federer in the semis. Rafa defeated Mariano Puerta in the final to become the first player since Wilander in 1982 to win a Grand Slam in his debut. He was also the first teenager since Michael Chang to win a title at Roland Garros. In late July, after two more tournament wins, Rafa settled into the #2 slot in the ATP rankings. He finished the year there, which gave him the highest year-end ranking of any Spanish player in history. The stats told much of the story. Rafa led the tour in points won returning first serve (37%) and points won returning second serve (57%), as well as games won on the return (38%). Rafa was also fourth in break points converted at 46%. In other words, opponents serving to Rafa were basically on the defensive from the moment his return crossed the net. The most telling number was his $3.8 million in prize money, the most ever for a teenager.

Rafa'S victory total dropped to five in 2006, but it was hardly an off-year for him. Not only did he repeat as French Open champ, he also retained his #2 world ranking. Rafa did not lose a single match on clay. He also advanced to the final at Wimbledon, exhibiting newfound mastery on grass. The player who defeated him at Wimbledon was Federer. They met five times in 2006 with a championship on the line, and Rafa took four of those matches, at Roland Garros, Dubai, Monte Carlo, and Rome. Rafa'ss fifth championship came in Barcelona. Rafael Nadal, 2005 SI for Kids The match in Rome was the year's best. It was a grueling five-setter in which Feder had the upper hand much of the day. Rafa saved two match points on the way to victory in five hours and five minutes—just short of the record he set a year before. Rafa was still 19 when he hoisted the champions trophy. It was his 16th victory as a teenager, matching the record set by Bjorn Borg in the mid-70s.

At Wimbledo,n Rafa was nursing a sore back but it didn't show, as he held his serve 80 times in a row before his meeting with Federer. The defending champ broke Rafa's serve in the first game and went on to dispose of his young rival in four sets. Rafa had not lost a tournament final since Federer beat him in Miami a year earlier. Rafa upped his championship total to six in 2007, winning at Indian Wells, Monte Carlo, Rome, Barcelona, Stuttgart and Roland Garros. His French Open victory came over Federer in four sets. Prior to that, Rafa had lost to Federer in the finals at Hamburg, putting an end to his record 81-match winning streak on clay. It also marked the first time in his career that Rafa dropped a final on clay. He had won 18 straight, including a straight-set defeat of Federer in the '07 final at Monte Carlo. Their most memorable match came in the Wimbledon final, where both players pounded away at each other for five thrilling sets. Federer won but learned little about his opponent's game.

Rafa, meanwhile, continued to acquaint himself with Federer's strengths and weaknesses on grass. Adding to his knowledge of how to beat his rival on clay, Rafa seemed primed to finally swap spots with the world's top-ranked player. Despite being the only player to top 30 wins on clay and hardcourts in 2007, Rafa could not break Federer's stranglehold on the top slot until 2008. He began the year by advancing to the semifinals of the Australian Open. There he lost to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Months later, Rafa won his fourth straight French Open. He defeated Federer in the final. It was Rafa's third victory over Federer that spring. This set up a thrilling rematch in the final at Wimbledon. The five-set battle was delayed by rain twice and did not conclude until the sun had set. It lasted four hours and 48 minutes of actual playing time, a record for a Wimbledon final. Rafa looked to have Federer beaten in the fourth set but allowed him to claw his way back into the match.

Rafael Nadal, 2007 Tennis Rafa rebounded to win the fifth set, 9-7. He looked as fresh on the last point as he had on the first. Federer, who was vying to become the first player in over a century to win six straight Wimbledons, could only tip his hat to a Herculean effort. On August 18th, right after winning an Olympic Gold medal for Spain in singles, Rafa rose to the top of the rankings. It marked the first time since John McEnroe in 1984 that a lefthanded player held the #1 spot. In all, Rafa reached the finals of 10 tournaments in '08 and won eight times. He led the ATP Tour in points won while receiving first serve and second serve, games won while receiving, and in second-serve points won while serving. He ranked fourth in games won while serving at 88% percent. His earnings at season's end surpassed $6.7 million, pushing him over $20 million for his career. Rafa began 2009 with a bang, outdueling Federer in a superb Australian Open final.

He did so after a grueling five-hour semifinal against countryman Fernando Verdasco. Rafa then faced Federer in a hardcourt final for the first time in their careers and won 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-2. Rafa's victory marked the first time a Spaniard had taken the Australian Open, and gave him Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces—hardcourt, grass and clay. It also marked the first time a male player had held the Aussie, French and Wimbledon championships simultaneously. An exhausted Federer broke down in tears during the trophy presentation. Rafa comforted him with a warm embrace. A superb athlete who can win ugly when he has to, Rafa is just entering the prime years of his career. How long he holds number one may depend on Federer. If the Swiss champion can take the top spot away from him, then tennis fans can look forward to many more years of this amazing rivalry. If not, one wonders whether Rafa can retain his incredibly high standards and keep winning tournaments. Indeed, he has had more success against Federer than against almost any other top player on the tour.

Without Federer constantly challenging him, will Rafa be able to rise to the challenge? The answer to that question seems simple enough. Rafa is nearly unbeatable on clay. He has learned to win on grass, and his hardcourt game is solid. Perhaps most important, Rafa has proved to be a steely competitor. That goes hand in hand with his amazing physical fitness. Rafa's duel ability to outlast opponents and remain mentally sharp sets him apart. Federer certainly understands this. He will go down as one of the greatest champions in tennis history. But no one will ever mention Federer without including Rafa in the same sentence. RAFA THE PLAYER 2008 Sports Illustrated Rafal has been characterized as a grinder who wears down opponents and then finishes them off when they have nothing left in the tank. This analysis ignores some important points about his game. Rafa's big, heavy topspin forehand is hardly his only weapon. His backhand, for instance, has become a point-winner its own right. Rafa lulls opponents in with his chops and loops only to drive a dead-flat winner past them when they are expecting another rally-extending shot.

Rafa's serve has also become an important part of his game. Though he will never be able to blast aces past opponents, he can vary the speed, spin and location of his first serve to induce a return that he can convert into a winner. His serve is one of the most accurate in tennis. Rafa's own return is nothing to brag about, but when he is getting overwhelmed, he is not averse to changing position and tactics to throw a server off. Finally, Rafa has excellent touch, especially for a baseline "slugger." He is a good volleyer and an accomplished drop-shot artist. He will undercut a backhand in the middle of a steamy rally, totally discombobulating the player across the net. When an opponent is trading shots from behind the baseline, Rafa can come under a shot and bump it over the net for an easy winner. Better athlete- Peak Rafa or Cristiano Ronaldo? | Talk Tennis Better athlete- Peak Rafa or Cristiano Ronaldo? Who would you say is the better in the following categories? -Speed Very close in every category I reckon. Both superhuman athletes. It's a tough call, but I'm gonna have to pick Ronaldo. What that guy does with a ball is insane.

Poll is for overall athlete guys! Rafa. He can play two sports. Have you seen Cristiano with a racquet? Man of steel Hall of Fame Joined: Endurance-Thats a tossup...Ronaldo as he has to run further Flexiblity-both Endurance-Thats a tossup...Ronaldo as he has to run further Flexiblity-both Completely agree with this. Acceleration is very close tho. Sysyphus , Feb 9, 2015 Rafa. Individual sport athletes are generally the better athletes, and football players are known for being lazyish and not particularly professional. CR7 is a honorable exception of course and one of the best in his sport, but I still think Rafa is stronger and has better endurance. Man of steel said: ↑ Endurance-Thats a tossup...Ronaldo as he has to run further Flexiblity-both Click to expand... I don't see it at all. Tennis players do nothing but sprint in short bursts and accelerate, whereas football players run longer stretches, walk and jog most of the games anyways, and it's generally more aerobic than anaerobic compared to tennis.

I also think Rafa is obviously more flexible, or at least showcases it much more. Rafa. He can play two sports. Have you seen Cristiano with a racquet? Click to expand... Fedal2008 , Feb 9, 2015 Ronaldo's acceleration is awesome tho. There's a video on youtube of him racing a pro sprinter over 60 metres. It's very tight. And the sprinter had spikes on. Ronaldo is built for pure speed. Rafa was a beast tho. Would be interesting to see. Give Christiano the edge , he is more explosive and has more horsepower than Rafa and has stronger upper bod too. NonP , Feb 9, 2015 Very much doubt Rafa has the edge in endurance. Of all the major ball sports soccer/football probably boasts the best athletes overall in that area. And frankly unless you happen to be a long-term trainer/coach you have no business comparing these two with any authority. There are certain elements of athleticism that are invisible to untrained eyes like ours. Sysyphus said: ↑ Rafa. Individual sport athletes are generally the better athletes, and football players are known for being lazyish and not particularly professional.

Click to expand... No offense, but this is pretty much the opposite of reality. Team sports overall attract better athletes than individual sports, largely due to the former's (potentially) higher earnings. Guys like Monfils are almost literally a dime a dozen in the most profitable team sports. Endurance - Nadal Flexibility - Nadal Relevant categories, yes, but it isn't that simple. It's very difficult to judge, for example, who has better endurance. Could Nadal play football at the highest level with no breaks after each move, without slowing down significantly? Doubt it. But after 2,3,4 hours, how would Ronaldo be doing on a tennis court? Who knows. Comparing different sports is hard. At their physical peak, Ronaldo arguably now and Nadal a few years back, they are both at the top physically, thats for sure. Good thread. How long have CR7 been on his top form? I remember him playing his best around 2007-2008. Now it has been 7 years since those time, and the kid's still going strong. It's just incredible to see.

Poisoned Slice , Feb 9, 2015 fighting123 said: ↑ How long have CR7 been on his top form? I remember him playing his best around 2007-2008. Now it has been 7 years since those time, and the kid's still going strong. It's just incredible to see. Click to expand... He's pretty much been in top form ever since then, and shows no signs of slowing down yet. I was reading an article on sky sports about players that turned 30 and went into decline, some of them going into decline before they hit 30. Ronny has just turned 30. They referenced the likes of Michael Owen, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Kaka, and so on. Most of these players were injury plagued which obviously didn't help. Cristiano Ronaldo has played in games injured at times, but has taken care of himself for the most part. They see no decline in sight yet, or at least not a decline like those players mentioned. I vote Ronaldo here. FedTheMan , Feb 9, 2015 Nadal is the greater athlete IMO. Both are explosive and have immense talent in their respective sports.

Both were prodigies but Nadal is the greatest prodigy in tennis and has won the biggest prizes for 10 years in a row! The young Nadal had the greatest court coverage of all time. He also can adapt his game such as his serve at the USO 10 and 13. Nadal was playing top ranked pros while his age group was playing juniors. Nadal won all 4 slams by 24 years old! His legacy is greater than Cristiano's both nationally and in their sports. Cristiano is amazing and the way he has been scoring and dominating the last couple years has definitely made it close between him and Messi. I believe that CR7 is the best player in the last 7-8 years, but I would put Nadal above him in this case. sez , Feb 9, 2015 As someone who watches all the big EPL and La Liga games since god knows when, well since Ronaldo was making waves in United and Nadal first began annoying Federer I will try to give a fair opinion. -Speed- Ronaldo and I don't think it's close.

He beats most defenders on pace and theres videos of him countering from a corner to goal in 10 secs absolutely crazy. -Acceleration - Closer but Ronaldo's insane acceleration still put hims clearly above Nadal -Power- Ronaldo has one of the fastest freekick, Nadal has one of the heaviest shots in the game. I think Ronaldo squats more while Nadal benches more. I think the nature of the sport however means that Nadal still has to use his legs to generate power and Ronaldo does not use his upperbody to the same degree. Going to give Nadal a slight edge. -Agility- Ronaldo has incredible balance, crazy hangtime in the air, has incredible ball control at high speeds and can switch direction quickly. Nadal retains balance amazingly, can hit incredible inside out shots, is very good at sliding but since agility and footwork are often closely linked I'm going to give it to Ronaldo -Endurance - Ronaldo is active for two 47min period but he is just doing short burst in a very similar way to tennis players and rarely tracks back and defends.

His endurance is about avergae for a soccer player, NAdal on the other hand absolutely eclipses him and has remained at near peak level 5 hours into a match. I think Nadal's endurance is far above Ronaldo's -Flexibility -I mean you see Ronaldo do a couple overhead kick goals or scissors and he has got some amazing diving headers but Nadal I think in this category and we see this especially on clay when he gets dropshots that 95% of the tour don't even make the effort to go for, while Nadal is stretching at full capacity and getting using 100% of his body to reach the ball. fighting123 , Feb 10, 2015 Michael Owen, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Kaka did peak for few seasons, but then on and off after that. Michael Owen was done after leaving Liverpool, Kaka was done after leaving AC Milan, Ronaldo was not as great as he was after leaving Barca, same for Ronaldinho. My point is all those players have some great season, the peaks one. But CR7 has in the top of his game for years. That's what I found fascinating.

Poisoned Slice said: ↑ He's pretty much been in top form ever since then, and shows no signs of slowing down yet. I was reading an article on sky sports about players that turned 30 and went into decline, some of them going into decline before they hit 30. Ronny has just turned 30. They referenced the likes of Michael Owen, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Kaka, and so on. Most of these players were injury plagued which obviously didn't help. Cristiano Ronaldo has played in games injured at times, but has taken care of himself for the most part. They see no decline in sight yet, or at least not a decline like those players mentioned. I vote Ronaldo here. Rafael Nadal's $690,000 watch is now part of his game Rafael Nadal's $690,000 watch is now part of his game Wednesday, 4 Sep 2013 | 12:02 PM ET CNBC.com Tuesday, 3 Sep 2013 | 10:57 AM ET Tennis great Rafael Nadal is one of the most obsessive, ritual-oriented players on the tour.

From the placement of his two water bottles, to tying his shoes and wiping off the sweat from his face (always nose first, left ear, nose again then right ear), he is a man who relies on routine to win. So when a little-known watchmaker asked if Nadal might consider wearing a watch during his matches, the answer was simple. "I said no way," said Carlos Costa, Nadal's manager. "I know Rafa, and ... he's complicated." In the year that followed, however, Nadal and the watchmaker Richard Mille worked together to create a superlight, hyper-engineered watch that Nadal could wear during his matches. In the process, they've also forged one of the most successful athlete-sponsor relationships in sports. After selling out of the first Nadal watch, priced at $525,000 and launched in 2010, Mille and Nadal this year launched a second watch. It's called the RM027-01. The price: a whopping $690,000. Mille doesn't disclose sales, but said "interest has been very strong" from its clients.

As for Nadal, he not only wears the $690,000 watch during every match but says he can't imagine playing without it. (Read more: The $500,000 Nadal watch is now sold out ) "I don't feel the watch," he said, strapping it on before practice at the U.S. Open on Tuesday. "It's very light and when I don't wear the watch, I feel like something is not working." Of course, plenty of tennis stars have watch endorsements. Roger Federer has a deal with Rolex. Maria Sharapova helps sell TAG Heuer. But neither wear their watches on the court. Source: Richard Mille But for Nadal, the RM027-01 watch has been wrapped around his wrist for every match during what is shaping up to be one of his best years ever. If he wins the U.S. Open, he would become No. 1 in the world, with more than 50 wins this year and only three losses.

In 2010, Nadal's team and Mille spent more than a year developing the watch so that it would be light enough and strong enough for Nadal to wear on the court, Costa said. The result was the Tourbillon RM027, Mille's first "Nadal timepiece." "It took about 12 to 15 months ... but Richard made it and it's unbelievable," Costa said. The RM027 was a complex tourbillon—meaning the movements are designed to offset the effects of gravity. But it weighed only 20 grams, and is built from complex carbon composites and titanium. But for the new watch, Mille wanted something even lighter and more tailored to Nadal's game. Nadal and his team spent a weekend at Richard Mille's home and talked over design colors and features. Nadal's signature left-handed "whip" forehand has been clocked at over 4,000 revolutions per minute, and although the watch is on his right wrist, they wanted it to be durable enough to withstand huge force when he plays his double-handed backhand, which can clock in at more than 3,000 RPM.

Mille created a radical new design, using a series of tiny cables, tensioners that "suspend" the movements in the watch casing. The result: the watch can withstand accelerations of up to 5,000 Gs of force. (To put this in perspective, anything over the force of 10 G is potentially lethal for humans.) And with the use of carbon nanotubes, aluminum lithium and titanium, it's only 19 grams. (Read more: Highest-paid players in major American team sports ) Costa said that while Nadal loved the first watch, he likes playing with the second one even more. "Between the first watch and the second watch, there's more technology," Costa said. "You know the weight, and the way he wears the watch ... it's just unbelievable." And yes, Nadal said, that even when he's playing, he sometimes uses the watch to check the time. —By CNBC's Robert Frank. Follow him on Twitter @robtfrank .

Nadal to sue former French minister over doping claims - CNN.com 1 of 10 Photos: Rafa's remarkable road back to the top (2013) The comeback begins – In the distant setting of Chile, Nadal returned to action in the doubles event at the ATP Vina del Mar on February 5 2013 after 222 days away. He duly reached the final of the singles, only to lose to little-known Argentinian Horacio Zeballos. Hide Caption 2 of 10 Photos: Rafa's remarkable road back to the top (2013) Instant return – Days after losing in Chile, Nadal was able to celebrate his first trophy since winning the 2012 French Open. Playing on his preferred clay surface in Brazil, he beat Zeballos' compatriot David Nalbandian to begin his march back to the top of the rankings. Hide Caption 3 of 10 Photos: Rafa's remarkable road back to the top (2013) Raining trophies – The trophies continued in 2013 as Nadal followed up his Brazil success by winning in Mexico and then at Indian Wells too.

His third final clash with an Argentinian resulted in victory over Juan Martin del Potro as Nadal became the player with the most Masters 1000 wins in history. "Seriously, it's impossible to have a better comeback, no?" he said. Hide Caption 4 of 10 Photos: Rafa's remarkable road back to the top (2013) Madrid Maestros – Real Madrid soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos watched Nadal beat compatriot David Ferrer, despite being just two points from defeat in their 2013 Madrid Open quarterfinal. Nadal went on to beat Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka in his seventh consecutive final since his comeback. Hide Caption 5 of 10 Photos: Rafa's remarkable road back to the top (2013) Gladiatorial combat – Nadal won his first major of 2013 in Paris, after beating Ferrer in the final to win his eighth French Open. The real decider came in the semifinal where the Spaniard came back from a break down in the fifth set to beat Novak Djokovic in a clash that lasted four hours 37 minutes.

Hide Caption 6 of 10 Photos: Rafa's remarkable road back to the top (2013) Deja vu – Nadal's spectacular return came crashing to a halt when he lost to Belgium's 135th-ranked Steve Darcis on the opening day of Wimbledon 2013 -- the Spaniard's second successive humbling at the London event after losing to Lukas Rosol round two in 2012. The deserved defeat was Nadal's first in the opening round of a grand slam. Hide Caption 7 of 10 Photos: Rafa's remarkable road back to the top (2013) Flying high – In a scenario barely imaginable at the start of the year, Nadal claimed his second major of 2013 when he beat Djokovic in the U.S. Open final. The title took his grand slam tally to 13 -- just four fewer than Roger Federer's all-time record. Hide Caption 8 of 10 Photos: Rafa's remarkable road back to the top (2013) Back on top of the world – Having steadily climbed back up the rankings throughout 2013, Nadal returned to the No.

1 spot in unwanted circumstances -- after Tomas Berdych retired through injury in the semifinals of October's China Open. "(This is) one of the best years of my career without any doubt," Nadal said later. "It sure is special to be back to the top position of the rankings after more than a half year without playing tennis." Hide Caption 9 of 10 Photos: Rafa's remarkable road back to the top (2013) Final frontier – Boasting a career grand slam in addition to an Olympic gold medal and success in the Davis Cup teams event, the sole major title to elude Nadal is the ATP World Tour Finals. The 27-year-old beat Wawrinka in his second round-robin match to ensure he finished 2013, one of his most memorable years, as world No. 1 for the third time, having done so in 2008 and 2010. Hide Caption Stylish Olympic Athletes to Watch in Rio | Pret-a-Reporter Christen Press Michael Tran/FilmMagic Though the L.A.

native attended the 2012 Summer Olympics in London (she was an alternate), it won't be until the Rio Olympics that we get to see her shine as part of Team USA's women's soccer team roster. In addition to scoring goals on the field, she's also a winner on the red carpet (remember that yellow romper at the Kids' Choice Sports Awards?) and street-style scene (think ripped jeans and cocoon coats). Apr 22, 2016 at 7:01am PDT Serena Williams Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images It's no surprise that Williams is a GOAT (as in, the Greatest of All Time), and she's as much a tennis great as she is a style star (even Anna Wintour would agree; Williams graced Vogue's April 2015 issue). The fashion designer, who has a collection with HSN, is known for showing off her chiseled arms and toned legs in sleeveless gowns with thigh-high slits on the red carpet. Because if we looked like her, we'd do the same too.

A video posted by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Jun 14, 2016 at 7:44am PDT Allyson Felix Allyson Felix John Sciulli/Getty Images for American Giving Awards The American track and field sprinter is no stranger to competing in the Olympics; she won her first Olympic medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and has since gone on to win a number of medals (gold, included) at the international sporting event. When she isn't on the, uh, run, Felix is into fashion according to her official Olympics bio . She digs Halle Berry's style because she "wears really comfortable stuff, and classic stuff as well." One look at her Instagram account and we can see why — Felix is all about cool and comfort. Plus, it looks like she's got a killer sneaker collection. Jun 26, 2016 at 4:47pm PDT Regina George Ian Walton/Getty Images Regina George — no, not that Regina George famously played by Rachel McAdams — is an American-born Nigerian sprinter, who made her debut at the 2012 Olympics in London.

On the track and field, the Chicago native isn't afraid to rock a bold red lip . Off the sports scene, she's all for showing off her fit bod (those abs!) in style, wearing hip-hugging dresses and athleisure wear (though it's probably safe to assume she actually exercises in it). Jul 15, 2016 at 9:49pm PDT Eugenie Bouchard D Dipasupil/FilmMagic Hailing from Montreal, Canada, the tennis pro will rep The Great White North in Rio for the Summer Olympics. When she isn't playing at the Australian and French Opens or receiving the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award (an annual award given to Canada's female athlete of the year), the athlete can be seen rocking chokers, leather jackets and over-the-knee suede booties. A fashion ace, indeed. May 21, 2016 at 1:34pm PDT Kevin Durant Jason Merritt/Getty Images The Golden State Warriors player, who will be repping Team USA basketball, isn't just known for his consistent shooting on the court — he makes slam dunks with his off-court style, too.

Whether the former GQ style correspondent is attending a black-tie event or speaking at post-game press conferences, Durant is all about adding that pop of pattern or color to his nerdy-chic ensembles. A photo posted by Kevin Durant (@easymoneysniper) on Feb 16, 2014 at 12:54pm PST Miles Chamley-Watson Miles Chamley-Watson Kris Connor/Getty Images En garde! Olympic fencer Miles Chamley-Watson is one to watch at the Rio Games — and on the runways. The model most recently walked in Rochambeau's show during New York Fashion Week: Men's and has appeared on the catwalk for Public School and VFiles. Who knew fashion and fencing could go hand in hand?

Jul 13, 2016 at 4:07pm PDT Rafael Nadal Rindoff Petroff/Hekimian/Getty Images for Tommy Hilfiger Not only is Rafael Nadal known as one of the all-time greatest tennis players (he's won 14 Grand Slam singles titles, so far), the Spanish athlete is recognized for his preference for brightly-hued uniforms (think pink tees) on the court. Though he's claimed to be a jeans-and-polo-shirt kind of guy, he cleans up nicely in a suit. Case in point: The suit made in collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger as part of the TH Flex Rafael Nadal capsule collection made him look extra dapper. Aug 26, 2015 at 1:12pm PDT Jordan Burroughs Mitchell Leff/Getty Images American wrestler Jordan Burroughs is all about going for the gold (look no further than his Instagram and Twitter handle @alliseeisgold for proof). And he did just that at the 2012 London Olympics, taking home the gold medal in the men's freestyle wrestling division.

But before he competes in the Rio Games, where he's sure to have his sights set on the top prize, let's take a moment to admire the man in his floral-print ensemble (seen below). What a fashion champ. Jul 16, 2016 at 10:47pm PDT Kyrie Irving Michael Kovac/Getty Images After helping the Cleveland Cavaliers take home their first NBA championship in June, the point guard's next stop will be Rio, where he'll rep Team USA's basketball team during the Summer Olympics. Off the basketball court, the Melbourne-born star can be spotted wearing Givenchy suits or John Elliott hoodies and Saint Laurent sneakers. Confidential – Naked & Famous: Rafael Nadal – Nadal News Thanks for tweeting, genny_ss! Update: A HUGE thanks to Suz for translating the video! Here is her translation (pulled from the comments section): Translation of the French video : Part 1: He is the greatest athlete in all of Spanish history. Master of clay. And then some. How the little genius of Mallorca became one of the best players of all time, and an international star. How the Nadal clan protect their champion.

And how long this phenomenal fighter will be able to stand strong. Mallorca, the biggest island of the Balearic Islands. About 50 kilometres east of Palma de Mallorca. Manacor, the city of the Nadals. 32,000 residents. And the site of the must-see pilgrimage, the Manacor Tennis Club, 38 years old. A modest installation, between two dirt fields, nothing flashy. It is, however, here that grew … Rafael Nadal. The president of the Manacor TC is the “memory” of the place, he knows everything about the Nadal story. “… his parents are the owners, with his uncles. The club is owned by the whole family, it is normal that he grew up here.” A few meters away stands one of the members of this family, Toni Nadal, Rafael’s uncle. Toni … the indespensible trainer and guide who watches over him from the stands. Toni was here that day to train his three children, like he would do with Rafael, back in the days. He remembers the first steps on clay, and the first recommendations. “… he would play with both hands, on both sides.

He would like like my son is doing here. Same way, with both hands. There came a moment when he was 10 years old, we chose only one hand, the left …” He therefore hits with the left hand, although he is righthanded, as seen using a pen to sign autographs. But this will not adversely affect his progression. “… he was born for sport. He played tennis, also football …” (note: soccer, to North Americans). Because football is also in Rafael Nadal’s genes, fan of Real Madrid. He was influenced as a child by the career of his uncle Miguel Angel’s career, who played for FC Barcelone. He poses in this photo with his uncle. But Toni will make the decision … for tennis. “… ever since he was seven years old, I always thought that he would be a great player …” A judicious prediction. The young Nadal is no longer simply the young champion of the Balearics, here you see him at age fourteen at the Tournament of Young Aces in Tarbes, France … the unofficial “world championship” for youths. We can already see the physical traits and the nervous tics of the future Nadal.

Winner of the tournament, Nadal is in effect the champion and remains … always … very grounded. “… I only won a tournament. This is very important, but you must keep it in perspective …” As could be expected, eleven years later, Rafael Nadal is the King of Clay, in the purest of Spanish tradition. Last June, at only 24 years of age, he takes for the sixth time the title at Roland Garros, an almost total reign since the Spring of 2005. Thata same year (2005), Nadal is not even 19 years old when he comes to know the corridors of the greatest tournament on clay. But he is already the subject of much curiosity after only two performances – in Monte Carlo then in Rome, two banner tournaments on this surface. In Paris, no one can stand up to him. This first final, won against his fellow Spaniard, Puerta, heralds the phenomenon. Frenchman Gilles Simon … (the rest to come soon … 3:58 time marker). Translation of the French video : Part 2 (from the 3:58 time marker): Frenchman Gilles Simon, trains regularly with Rafael Nadal for tournaments.

To him the Spaniard has no equal. “… he has the capacity to maintain an enormous intensity during the entire match, from the first to last point played. Evidently his enormous forehand shot – that “hurts a lot” (meaning that it causes pain … to the opponent) – in every position, whether he is attacking or defending (a point) … to beat Rafa on clay is almost the most difficult thing to do on a tennis court these days … “ With a total of 32 titles on clay, with such a list of awards he is elected by the specialists the Best Player of History on this surface. Nadal has surpassed the “myth” that is Bjorn Borg, but he will do even better – where we did not necessarily expect him to … Return to Manacor, here is a complex partially designed for Rafael Nadal. In 2008 it was built after an agreement that is unique of its kind … it is financed partially by the governement of the Balearics, the city of Manacor, and the player’s family. It makes available fast-surface courts, outdoors and covered.

The goal being to allow Nadal to stay on his island while continuing to progress on surfaces other than clay. (Toni speaking) “… I was hearing many years ago that Rafa would never win Grand Slam tournaments and important tournaments on rapid surfaces …” Toni had predicted correctly – victory at the US Open 2010, victory at the Australian Open 2009, and also, the masterpiece … (Toni speaking) “…the greatest emotion was Wimbledon 2008 against Roger Federer. … It was a difficult challenge at the time, especially for us who were the staff of a clay-court player …” Five sets, 4 hours 48 minutes of pleasure … at the end of one of the greatest matches of history, Nadal makes Federer buckle, he who had been unbeatable in London for the past 5 years. He (Rafa) is no longer a mere earthling, he enters the pantheon of world tennis. At the end of that summer, international tennis has a new master … Nadal becomes World #1 after Roger Federer’s reign of 4 and half years.

the rest to come soon … 6:40 time marker) Translation of the French video : Part 3 (from the 6:40 time marker): In the “who’s who” list of Grand Slam tournaments, Nadal is 6th, with 10 titles. But at this age – 24 years – only Borg had done better. At the offices of the Diario de Mallorca, the daily newspaper of the Island of Mallorca, Rafael Nadal is now classified as “national monument” of Spanish sport. newspaper journalist speaking) “… for me, I would say that he is the best athlete of the history of Spain. Without a doubt, it’s him. There was Ballesteros, who was a golfing great here in Spain, Manuel Santana in tennis. But if we compare with what Nadal has won, it is “insignificant”. Nadal, the new star with Shakira, in suggestive postures for a videoclip, here was something to shock those who are used to the legendary discretion of the Spanish sportsman, who is nonetheless … the one seen most of the time far from the glitter, closely tied to his roots.

Port Cristo, about 10 kilometers from Manacor, the goodness of the Balearics, the ideal setting, feet in the water, 20 degrees (Celsius) in December. On the cliffside, one of the Nadal residences. A large part of the family resides here. Young Rafa had made it his summer home, fishing here on the rocks. Nowadays he has his own villa on the other shore (across the bay), tranquility assured. But Nadal is in no way a recluse. In a few minutes he can return to the heart of Manacor, his native town. Mr. Mayor is close to the family. He is aware of the touristic appeal of the Mallorcan star. (Mayor speaking) “… the touristic attractions of Manacor are the pearls and the caves, but Nadal has made Manacor known in the entire world …he were are on the Plaza El Palau, where is situated the Church El Palau, the Cathedral of Manacor. And Rafael Nadal lives right here (pointing to his right). It’s his other residence …”. Apartment in town. Seaside villa.

The Nadal family reigns over Manacor and Rafael is unanimously known as an almost ordinary citizen. (Manacor man speaking) “… he lives very close to my home, we are neighbors. And he is a very good neighbor! But we rarely see him, since he is all over the globe!” (newspaper journalist speaking) “And we could meet him on this street, Rafael?” (Young Manacor resident) “Ah, yes. Like anybody else. He is like everyone else here. He’s one of us.” (Other Manaor resident) “He is an example to follow, as a human being, in everyday life. An example, since all of this has not gotten to his head.” An ordinary life … until the separation of his parents, as revealed at the beginning of 2009. A wound that affected the champion. (Mayor speaking) “… He is someone who has a real strength, but he has the sensitivity of a young boy. Family problems therefore have an impact on him …” This episode only reinforces his discretion concerning his own relationship. Rare are his public appearances with his girlfriend, Maria-Francisca, 22 years old, who he has dated since high-school.

(Diario de Mallorca newspaper journalist speaking) “… Nadal makes few appearances in the media and in “people magazines”. There have of course been articles here and there, but he does not very much enjoy public appearances …” His public appearances are therefore very “controlled”. The rare sacrifices to which he consents are essentially for sponsors: sports equipment (Babolat), an automobile brand (Kia), fashion photos (Armani !!!!!), video games (tennis), Nadal remains a “sure bet” for worldwide advertising. All income considered, Nadal trails Federer with 22.6 million Euros per year. About one quarter of this is from his competitive matches … decreased revenues this year when compared to 2010. Chapter: A Physical Mystery The clip was seen around the world, US Open 2011. Nadal replies to journalists when suddenly … he collapses. We believe it’s some kind of discomfort … the surrealist scene lasts 4 minutes … Nadal is literally overcome by cramps, and this episode once again feeds the debate on the management of Nadal’s physical condition.

(Diario de Mallorca newspaper journalist) “… It’s the big question … which he also asks himself …” (Rafa speaking) “The tennis schedule does not help us. We start very early in the season, in January through to the Davis Cup in December, and you have 20 days before the start of the next season. It’s too much …” One meter, 85 (cm), 85 kilos. Nadal exudes a muscular force out of the ordinary. This year he racked up 84 matches with a considerable expense of energy … a “monster”, physically (in the sense of extraordinary), which seems above normal. (Uncle Toni speaking) “… this is not true. Because I am tired of hearing that Rafael is a physical phenomenon. Every great player has big physical potential …” Does Nadal exert himself too much? Four years ago, the journalist from the Diario de Mallorca set off a panic in Spain by publishing this interview with Uncle Toni: (Diario de Mallorca newspaper journalist) “… Everything was going well until I asked him about his foot injury.” (reporter) “The injury to the left foot?” (Diario de Mallorca newspaper journalist) “Yes, yes.

The injury to the left foot. And he told me this: That he had a serious injury, and that the doctors were to give their prognosis, and that his nephew’s career was in danger.” The journalist and Uncle Toni got angry about this interview. Its content was taken out of context, according to Toni, who does not accept these doubts concerning the health of his nephew. (Uncle Toni speaking) “… I’ve been hearing for years – people saying that Rafael’s career would be short (note to readers: the voice-over says “Rafa”, but Toni actually says “Rafael” … as always, as we fans know.) Ok. It’s been 9 years that he’s been on the professional circuit. 7 of which he’s been among the top 2 in the world. It is not so short, the career of Rafael.” Last month, Nadal was the hero of Spain’s victory in the Davis Cup, but the press in his country again singled out his physical problems, the infiltration treatments for his knees. Nadal has dealt with injuries for several years, ankle, knees, foot, abdominals. One treatment after the other, Nadal holds up, at all costs.

And this is how he could not escape the suspicions of doping, from the former French player Yannick Noah in a national daily paper. Noah expresses doubt concerning the success of the Spaniards, and mentions the “magic potion that ensures victories”. Uncle Toni speaking) “… I am sure that my nephew has never cheated in his life. Sure. And that he is much more “clean” than Yannick, much more clean …” Gilles Simon speaking) “… When you train all day like a crazy-man, and someone says that what you’ve done … well it is so much easier with the “magic potion” … it’s a shame.” In spite of the suspicions, the lassitude (languor), the injuries, Nadal expects to lighten his schedule somewhat in 2012. He will thus pass on Davis Cup, and will focus on the London Olympic Games, to be easier on himself. And to hopefully – why not? – continue into his thirties on the tennis court. (end of video article in French) And there you have it! Salutations / Regards.

The Rafael Nadal Training Routine Exposed - Footwork and Strokes Search The Rafael Nadal Training Routine Exposed – Footwork and Strokes Rafael Nadal’s Training consists of a highly specialized tennis training program designed to maximize his performance on the tennis court. An aspect of the Nadal Training focuses on improving footwork and strokes. The Rafael Nadal Training routine is a multi level fitness and mental tennis training program designed for only a top athlete. Anyone who has seen Rafael Nadal play knows that he possesses two major qualities: he is very strong and he has amazing endurance. Those two types of fitness have carried him to multiple major titles and enabled him to win almost every match that he has played on clay in the past several years. The clay courts, especially, separate the fit from the flabby, and Rafa has outworked many an opponent there, staying forceful while his adversaries have wilted. Factors Behind the Creation of Rafael Nadal’s Training Program It is worth investigating the key elements of the Rafael Nadal Training routine to see what can be gained by this physical specimen’s personal workout routine.

Rafael Nadal’s high level of fitness can be attributed to several factors: His heavy playing schedule keeps him in court shape nearly year round; He has been blessed with much natural strength. He is from a family of athletes, including some who have reached the professional level and were known for their prodigious strength; His workout routine during the weeks when he is not playing matches has left him with a physique and stamina that overpowers many players. Rafael Nadal’s training routine has actually produced a few tennis shots that no other man on the tour can duplicate, particularly his whip forehand, which often loops far outside the court, only to veer back inside the lines, all at great pace. Rafa crushes this forehand with an angle that produces unstoppable top spin. His arm, core and shoulder strength are keys to the speed on this shot. The Rafael Nadal Training Program The keys to Rafael Nadal’s Training are not completely open to public evaluation, but Nadal and his coaches and trainers have been somewhat transparent about the routines that he follows to stay in peak condition.

With his recent spate of injuries due to his heavy playing schedule and all-out style of play, it will be interesting to see if there are any changes made to his regimen. It seems that some change must be made if he is to continue his playing career at the elite level; perhaps he will adopt a lighter load of tournaments on the tour to keep his body fresh. In short, the Rafael Nadal Training Program consists of extensive strength training during the tennis tour’s preseason and light work during the regular season, with most of his fitness due to his many hours on the court. In the off season, according to some accounts of his routine and a few videos available on the Web, Nadal’s day goes something like this: 8:30—wake up, eat breakfast 9:30—practice on the tennis courts 1:30—practice ends, free time 4:30—training in the gym Among the workout routines in the gym, Rafa starts with a vibrating platform that contracts muscles 30-50 times a second. According to those who sell such machines, they do wonders for blood circulation, muscle strength and flexibility, range of motion and reduced pain and soreness from faster recovery times.

Sounds like the base does what steroids do, only it’s legal and doesn’t shrink the testicles! Nadal is living proof, to some degree, of this machine’s effectiveness. Rafael Nadal Training Exercises Rafa goes on to alternate between band work and various poses on the vibrating platform in the first half of his workout. Nadal stands flat-footed on the vibrating base at first, and later returns to it to stand on his toes, working the calf and other leg muscles vigorously. He also sits on a small platform that leaves his feet resting on the vibrating area, holding his hands straight out from his body, which allows the machine to work his legs and core. Another position that Nadal uses on the platform is holding the front with both hands and standing on just one leg at a time, with the other arched behind him. This heightens the effect on each leg, doubling the intensity of the vibration’s effects. In another challenging pose, Nadal stands hands free on the platform and balances on one leg, working all sorts of muscles that give stability to the core and fantastic balance on the court, essential for any top player.

Nadal’s Training Consists of Using Elastic Bands After several minutes on the vibrating base, Nadal begins to work with resistance bands, pulling with one hand both across his body and from front to back. He later grabs two pulleys and pulls front to back on those as well. These bands have been used by many athletes in other sports because they are far more transportable than weights and they allow for variable resistance and a better workout if used correctly. The bands also work the shoulder and rotator cuff more effectively than free weights, making them popular with sportsmen who engage in contests that tax that joint heavily, such as baseball players, tennis players and volleyball players. Some would argue that the shoulder and rotator cuff are the most important muscles that a tennis player uses, which is why Rafa spends several minutes pulling on the bands to work that area. In one featured exercise, he takes the band at shoulder height and lifts the handle upwards, forcing his rotator cuff to work hard. Work with the bands is not the reason why Nadal has bigger biceps, triceps and forearms than most players, he says. He has monitored other players’ routines and says that he does no more than they do to work those areas of the body.

His natural physique lends itself to larger muscles in the arm, especially his left arm, which is noticeably larger than his right one. He calls the tennis court his “gym” and says that his frequent mashing of the ball there has given him a left arm to rival Popeye’s. Rafael Nadal’s Training Consists of a Core Body Workout Later in his workout, Rafa does core work. Standing anchored to the wall by bands around his knees, he does front bends at the waist, a sort of standing sit-up that will give fire to the belly. Later, he does a variety of push-ups, including a few sets where he grips elevated stands to maximize the dip. He also does a form of pull-up, raising his body slightly and repeatedly for almost one minute, then repeating. Finally, Nadal does work on the exercise ball, balancing on it for light sit-ups that work multiple muscles in the core as he balances on the ball. The lower back is also worked more strenuously when a ball is used because the back is arched much more than during a traditional sit-up. Nadal also does a form of a plank, resting on his elbows while his feet are elevated and resting on top of the ball.

This, too, does wonders for the muscles in his core. A round of catch with his trainer, using a medicine ball, ends the workout on a light note. Nadal is careful to turn his body completely with each toss of the ball, fortifying the very muscles that he will use later in the week or month as he takes his racquet back and unscrews his body in a powerful motion, launching another rocket from the forehand or backhand side. Stretching – A Key part of Nadal’s Training Rafael Nadal’s Training regimen concludes with extensive stretching, which he considers key to his overall fitness and success on the court. Nadal has a personal therapist who stretches him out every day, using different exercises to work different muscles according to the playing surface used at that time. During tournaments on grass courts, for instance, Nadal works his lower body much more than normal due to the low bounces that result from the skids on grass. He plays much lower to the court during these tournaments and is frequently hunched over. Rafael Nadal’s Training program probably does not look like what most Americans would predict. There are no free weights clanging around, no inclined benches for challenging sit-ups.

The workout is both more high-tech and more low-tech than one might anticipate. An expensive vibrating platform is used often during the sessions in the gym, yet the rest of the workout can be done by anyone with a few elastic bands, a balance ball, a chin-up bar and a medicine ball. All of these elements combine to produce a body that until recently has seemed indestructible and almost unbeatable. Improve Your Tennis Technique Now! If you want to play like the PROS, then you need to have the game. Check out our Tennis Ebooks and be on the way to improving all of your tennis strokes without the trial and error. Click Here to Improve Your Tennis

Question: What athlete is known as "Rafa"?
Answer: Rafael Nadal