I just need to win the French Open

Roger's Rome interview for Tennis TV is interesting. He sounds a lot more wary than usual about his chances, aware that his confidence has taken a hit, but he also sounds like he's being realistic, and maybe a tiny bit hopeful that this is the point where he starts to get back some form. Rafaesque, he says he's not looking past the first round at the moment.

It's clear that he doesn't know really yet where his game is. He's lost it somewhere, in the last year, and from what he says I guess he doesn't think it's come back yet. He's been working on his forehand and 'working to get his serve back'. I must say I'm glad to hear that he's being so realistic and focussed about what he needs to do with his game.

Another interesting thing is that he admits that recent losses have not only dented his confidence but that they have confused him, leaving him unsure of what areas of his game to work on.  I remember him saying recently that he doesn't work on his weaknesses. But here, he says that his losses have propelled him to work maybe on the wrong things, strengths instead of weaknesses. 

This seems important and it strikes me that, like many people have pointed out, Roger cuts a bit of a lonely figure. He's confused, and who's there to help him wade through all this confusion and focus on the things he needs to work on most? Most importantly, someone to help him work out what he does want from this part of his career. 

I sometimes wonder if it would help him mentally to be 'on message' about what he wants, and cut down on the contradictions:

"I don't necessarily need to get to No. 1; I just need to win the French Open," Federer said. "That's what my goal is.

Compared with: 

"If you're not No. 1 then it's about winning titles and getting back No. 1. That's the position I'm in now."

Interview is here.

 

Beige and peach Rafa

I look at this picture and imagine Rafa in ten years time, presenting the Olympics from a sofa on Spanish TV. But no, would he be able to sit still for long enough? 

The book is apparently inspired by Rafa's career, by Jordi Sierre i Fabra. 

Pic via rafaelnadal.com

The unbearable sweetness of Rafa

pics via zimbio

Hot pink Rafa

I'm pretty excited about the tennis today. Honestly, I'm hankering for Rafa v Stan in the final. Okay, let that be my prediction.  And Rafa to win, as most of you voted in the last poll.

If Mandy beats Rafa today on clay, I'll eat my RF brand hat.  Rafa extended his winning streak at Monte Carlo to 25, as of yesterday. 

On a different note, I literally cannot wait for Rafa to strut out onto court Philippe Chatrier dressed in hot pink.

Thanks to vamosbrigade for the link!

Male tennis players and their taste in films

I found these throwaway ATP films actually pretty revealing. Ivan Ljubicic, thanks for upholding the intellectual side of things with your love of depressing Russian films.  Rafa can't pick a favourite because he likes so many, A Rod gets sucked in every time by Shawshank (but hey, who doesn't?), Gilles Simon loves Troy. Nole thought Slumdog Millionaire was brilliant.  Gonzo always wants a comedy so he can relax and not have to think too hard.

Apart from this, these men LOVE Gladiator. Clearly it resonates with something deep in a tennis player's soul. Swords, sandals, oiled thighs. Ah yes, Gladiator, I love it. Braveheart comes up a few times too, which I find completely inexplicable. 

Roger's favourite films are "action films" such as Rambo, James Bond, Top Gun... and Dirty Dancing. 

Jamie and Andy

Everything about this picture makes me laugh.  Also, Jamie looks likes he's wearing an Alice band.

It's from a Guardian article from last year: 

Andy Murray is mid-rant. This one is not caused by an offensive line-call, or a double fault, but by Britney Spears. And the recipient of his tirade is not some unfortunate umpire, but his brother Jamie, who is trying, with gallant futility, to defend Ms Spears's honour. Andy feels she has brought her highly visible woes on herself. 'If you want to be a massive superstar like a Paris Hilton or a Britney, you end up putting so much effort into trying to become famous,' he argues.

'That'll be the headline,' Jamie observes. '"Murray slates Britney."'

Andy turns to me and deadpans: 'She's a very solid parent and a role model.'

Jamie defending Britney... Actually that makes me like him a lot. Poor Britters. More on fame:

AM There are so many great singers out there that don't get followed around because they don't do anything stupid. You have a decision, if you decide to do every single interview that anyone asks you to, going to Las Vegas... This is where our lifestyles differ...

AM To chase fame...

JM But she's not chasing fame!

AM But if you look at Elton John...

JM He's a bit fucked up as well, isn't he?

AM Not to the same extent as Britney Spears. He still has a life, doesn't he? She's shaved herself bald. What is that?

JM Elton John's bald.

A life-size chocolate Rafael Nadal

Are they implying Rafa needs to be licked all over? I am so there.

I think that white hatted patissier is very sweet, and his dedication makes me want to irrationally burst into tears. It doesn't look much like Rafa though, although it does capture something of his expression around the eyes, no?

Tennis fashions of yore

Amongst the craziness and angst that has been March tennis (just don't talk to me about Roger), Jim Courier gives us a slightly alarming insight into the death of men's tennis short shorts. It's all Pete Sampras's fault, apparently:

As Pete started rocking the long shorts on the match courts every other manufacturer got on the train and the rest is history. Rafa took it to the next level with the "low boys" but has since pulled back from the edge (of his ankles). Now and then I hear from people who mention that they miss the short shorts and would like to see them make a comeback. I am not in that camp and find it funny (and awkward) when I see clips of us playing in those days. My K-Swiss shorts these days are the perfect length, just above the knee cap. A few yrs ago Johnny Mac and I were practicing in NYC and he surprised me by pulling off his sweatpants to reveal the blue and black checker board Nike short shorts from 1984 (vintage) that he had pulled out of his closet. He fit in them perfectly (which is pretty awesome in and of itself) but even Mac was forced to admit that he looked ridiculous. 

So there you have it...a little tennis fashion history, not that you asked for it... 

The full post is here

Thank you, Jim. Now I am fixating on Rafa in a little pair of tennis hotpants. Would satin be good or bad? Why yes, my mind has many hidden shallows, thanks. While my mind's in the gutter, have some Feli Lopez: