Sports Rivals : Soccer and Lawn Tennis

Nadal Missing Out Due To Knee Injury

2009-06-10T01:19:00.000-07:00

Things don't look all that well for the Spaniard. Rafael Nadal, currently World no. 1, is obviously making a move to treat his knee injury. The injury is showing no signs of disappearing. Unless Nadal wants to keep on playing lawn tennis for a couple more years, he has to be serious in treating his knee.

The treatment isn't doing much good for his play, though. He lost in the fourth round of the French Open to Swedish Robin Soderling, and his position as the top male tennis player is in danger. Federer is slowly inching his way up again, not to mention other threats like Andy Murray and Andy Roddick.

from Mail Online:

Rafa's long battle with injury

2004: Out for two months with stress fracture of his left foot.

2005: Misses season-ending Masters Cup and Australian Open (January 2006) with strained ligaments in his left foot.

2007: Played less in latter part of the season to manage tendinitis in his knees.

2008: Out of Davis Cup final and Masters Cup with tendinitis.

2009: Misses AEGON Championships with tendinitis.

Kaka Transfers to Real Madrid

2009-06-10T00:55:00.000-07:00

I dreaded making this post. I love Kaka, and I like AC Milan. Both of them together was a really great combination for me. But soccer can really bring you down when it comes to their financial stakes. I hate how money revolves in this world.

Kaka's transfer to Real Madrid was finalized last week. After so many rumors about Manchester City and Chelsea hounding the Brazilian star, it's Real Madrid who gets the upper hand. I guess Real Madrid was the right choice. It's definitely one of the most prestigious clubs in the world of soccer, so Kaka made a good decision on which club to transfer.

The transfer was worth £56million, and Kaka's salary has now gone up to £200,000 a week over the six years of his contract. Real Madrid is currently planning to sign in more players from other clubs, one of them Cristiano Ronaldo (who I suppose will be expecting a higher sales figure for his potential transfer).

Kaka has expressed has cleared up some rumors after publicly announcing his transfer. He has expressed his wish to stay in AC Milan, but has to consider the financial situation of the club. He has also asked some friends for advice, among which is David Beckham, who told him that joining Real Madrid is a good choice to further strengthen his career.

from Mail Online:

"I wanted to stay but the world crisis affected my decision. I knew I’d only leave Milan to play for Real. I spoke with the Milan directors and we reached the conclusion that the best thing for everybody would be to sell."

"I've been weighing up the offer from Real Madrid a lot. It's an important project for me to continue growing in my career. I'm not going to Real Madrid for money, as I had other offers. But I knew I would only leave Milan to play for Real Madrid.

Only small details were missing, such as the medical exams I passed this morning. The deal was sealed long time ago."

Crazy Fan Attacks Federer During French Open

2009-06-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

This is the moment when a fan jumped into the court and tried to make Roger Federer wear a hat. The fan was wearing what appeared to be a Barcelona flag, so I have no idea what the real deal is with him.

Federer's response to the attack:

First, I didn’t know exactly what happened. All of a sudden I heard the crowd, and I looked over and he jumped over the fence or something. That gave me a fright, just like seeing him so close right away.

The good thing is like it happened before, you know, so that’s why I guess I didn’t panic. It happened in Wimbledon before when two guys ran out on the court, and once I think it was in Montreal when I lost to Roddick when I was playing for my No. 1 ranking in the third set.

Som it wasn’t the firsttime. Normally they always kind of look at me and go, I’m so sorry I have to do this, because they have some sort of a reason for it, you know. (Laughter.)

I remember the English guy was actually quite funny. He looked at me and goes, I’m so sorry I have to do this. I was like, Okay, just don’t touch me, you know.

This guy, I don’t know, he looked at me and I was not sure what he wanted. It seemed like he wanted to give me something. So I was actually okay,because I saw he wasn’t pulling for anything stupid.

It definitely felt uncomfortable once he came close to me. Looking back, it definitely threw me out of my rhythm a little bit. One game later I thought that maybe I should have sat down and taken a minute or two to kind of reflect on what just happened. Was that real or what?

But I don’t know. I mean, I wanted to play on and whatever, get over it. But it was a touch scary, yes.

The crazy fan is known to be Jimmy Jump .. nice nickname. Jumping into courts and fields seem to be his hobby, and Stade Roland Garros was his latest target.

Roger's Federer 14th Grand Slam As Nadal Stops His French Open Winning Streak

2009-06-08T21:18:00.001-07:00

We can honestly say that Roger Federer is the man!

Despite losing the World's no. 1 title to Rafa, and losing a couple more time after that, Federer got back up to his feet and conquered the lawn tennis world again. He laid low for a short while as he and his longtime girlfriend-fiance finally got married last April. But he has finally marked a new beginning as he wins his 14th major Grand Slam title - the French Open!

It used to be that it was Rafael Nadal who wins in the French Open. He lost out in the fourth round, though, to Sweden Robin Soderling, and is currently spending some sweet time off with his girlfriend. It's also healing time for his knee injury, so he's taking it easy. I'm sure he'll come back with a vengeance once he's okay. Then there might be another epic battle between the longtime rivals.

"I knew the day Rafa won't be in the finals, I will be there, and I will win. I always knew that, and I believed in it. That's exactly what happened," Federer said. "It's funny. I didn't hope for it. But I believed in it."

Throughout the match, Federer remained his cool. Even when a crazy fan came dangerously close to him came onto the court, the Swiss player played calmly and went on for the win against Soderling - 6-1, 7-6 (1), 6-4.

"Every time I played Roger, after the match, I always said, 'I played so bad today.' Now I learned that it's not that I played bad," Soderling said. "He makes me play bad."

Soderling didn't play all that bad. He had surprised tennis fans after he swept off Nadal, No. 10 Nikolay Davydenko, No. 12 Fernando Gonzalez and No. 14 David Ferrer. If he'll beat out Andy Murray, too, then I will keep tabs on this guy.

Rebirth of Sports Rivals

2009-06-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

I mean this blog, and not the rivalry that the four players seem to have had in the past. I remember the days when it was obviously Ronaldo vs. Kaka and Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal. But then soccer and lawn tennis is not really just a rivalry between two people. There are other prominent and talented players in the fields and they just keep coming for the crown and the glory. Andy Murray, for example, is the talk of the British media. Ronaldo is still as popular as ever, but he's constantly being pitted against others (last one I heard was against Lionel Messi, who is also a very talented soccer player).

I guess I felt down when Federer started his meltdown after losing to Nadal, although I have no ill feelings towards Nadal. He is a great player, too. But Federer losing made me lose some motivation in continuing this blog. Childish, I know. But time management also became a problem.

Thankfully, I can set aside some time now for more postin' lovin' to this blog. Let's start at how the our favorite top players are doing now, shall we?

Ronalodo Welcomed, Forgiven

2008-09-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo is back, seemingly in good form. And he was welcomed like a hero as Manchester United and Chelsea took the field and he started in the bench.

His disapproving plan to get a record-breaking transfer deal to Real Madrid over the summer certainly disappointed, and even disgusted, Manchester United fans. But as his position on the matter was stamped down, resulting in him staying in Manchester United, there have been some grumbles as to whether he will be welcomed with open arms.

It seems that everything is going according to his thoughts, though. He had stated that his fans will still be loyal to him. And he wasn't wrong.

From Mail Online:

I’m already in the history of the club. When I play the fans will love me again.

No way do I see myself in the shirt of another Manchester team. [when asked about a move to Manchester City with a price of £135 million] I didn’t realise I was worth that much!
With this Golden Boot I have changed football a little. [about winning the Golden Boot for his incredible 42 goals] Usually strikers won it and I’m a winger. I have been the most consistent and the best.

Kaka Stays Put In AC Milan

2008-09-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

Despite rumored deals of an £80-million transfer to Chelsea, another rumored transfer is hit on the Brazilian world player of the year. Kaka is said to have been offered a transfer to Manchester City! Hmm.. If you think about Ronaldo and Kaka in one team, it would probably be splendid. But Kaka has dismissed any claims of moving to another team.

From Mail Online:

Before it was Real Madrid, now it's England that is in fashion. The market is like that, just as Milan make offers other clubs make offers to Milan.

But I will never ask to leave. I have always been treated well by (club) executives and my rapport is excellent. Perhaps one day they (club executives) may change their approach with respect to me but I don't see that happening.

I will only leave if Milan decide to sell me or perhaps on the day when we no longer have the same objectives and that day has not come. Milan has done a good job in the transfer market, the club still wants to win and be competitive and those are my aims.

Federer Back On Victory Road As He Wins US Open Finals

2008-09-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

I guess all Roger Federer needed was another win to get back on the victory road. And he's definitely back on that road. He beat out Andy Murray in the US Open finals Monday night, September 8. It was a 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 win, and it gave Federer his fifth consecutive US Open championship.

Winning the US Open also gave Federer his 13th Grand Slam title. He is now the only man in the history of lawn tennis to win five straight titles at two major events. One more and he'll be tied with Pete Sampras' 14 Grand Slam titles.

From Roger Federer official site:

I felt like I was invincible for a while again.

I always knew that if I were to get one Slam under my belt, especially the last one, things weren't looking that bad, like everybody was talking about. I didn't feel I was under pressure to prove myself in trying to win here, but this definitely feels very sweet.

Murray Upsets Nadal in US Open Semi Finals

2008-09-10T10:37:00.001-07:00

Andy Murray has been on a roll with getting close to the crown of the Grand Slam tournaments. In this year's US Open, he finally managed to get one step closer as he beat out 1st ranked Rafael Nadal in the semis.

The 21-year-old Scotsman defeated Rafa in 4 sets, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-4 in a match that began Saturday but was halted by rain in the third set.

Nadal Honored With the Prince of Asturias Award

2008-09-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

The Prince of Asturias Award is an annual award given to Spanish individuals who have made notable achievements in various fields. One of these is sports, in which Rafael Nadal has undoubtedly made his mark in lawn tennis.

Rafael Nadal is the Number one tennis player in the world and is considered the best Spanish player of all time. This season, the four-time winner of the French Open, also won the men's singles title at Wimbledon and was the gold medalist at the Beijing Olympic Games. Committed to the noblest values of sport on and off the court, his sense of social responsibility led him to establish a foundation focusing on social work among disadvantaged groups and cooperation for development.

It is apparent how the Jury of the Prince of Asturias Awards selected to give Rafael Nadal the award, given how Nadal had become an icon and a role model for his country.

And what does Rafa have to say? From his official site:

It’s an incredible honour for me to receive the ‘Principe de Asturias Sport Award’. I’m extremely grateful to the jury and everyone else who chose me as it’s an achievement greater than usual, it makes me feel proud.
Not only does this represent great sport values but also, and most importantly, good human values. This award is one of the best things that could happen to me outside of the tennis court because it says to me I’m doing this right when it comes to human values.

I always try to do the right thing inside and outside of the tennis courts no matter what. This award represents something different to a sports award and the fact that it’s been given to me means it’s not only thanks to my hard work but also because of those around me, specially my family.

To be given an award like this in what has been a very special year for Spain’s sport makes it even that much more special.
All nominees are of an extremely high level and the simple fact that I was considered amongst this group of people is satisfactory enough, even if I had not won the award.

Ronaldo's New Girlfriend

2008-08-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

It's pretty clear now what Ronaldo's girlfriend preference is: a brunette model.

His new girlfriend, Letitizia Filippi, 30, is a dark-haired model. There's a plus to this girl, though! Apparently, she's also talented in ball control. Must be something she picked up from the Portuguese footballer.

Ronaldo's Interview On the Real Madrid Transfer

2008-08-22T14:37:00.001-07:00

It's been decided that Ronaldo is staying with Manchester United. But the mess that the issue made still clings on. Here is Ronaldo's full interview by a Portuguese newspaper (from Daily Mail):

The Cristiano Ronaldo Interview in Full

Another Nadal-Federer Epic Final?

2008-08-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

We can certainly expect another epic match between the two top players of lawn tennis, and it may just come sooner than later. It looks like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are at different ends of the chart of US Open draws!

Baijing Olympics Gold Goes To Nadal

2008-08-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

2008 is certainly Rafael Nadal's year --- from winning the French Open and the Wimbledon tournaments to getting the Olympic gold medal in lawn tennis singles. Oh, and he's now the top-ranked player of male lawn tennis!

From UK Daily Record:

He said: "In my wildest dreams I never thought I could do what I have this year.

"I know how difficult it is to win these things and especially here because you only have one chance every four years.

"I arrived very tired but probably the reason I won this title is because I had a fantastic time in the Olympic village."

Federer on US Open and Davis Cup

2008-08-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

The US Open has just started and Roger Federer is set to meet with Maximo Gonzalez (Argentina) for the first round of the tournament.

Federer is the 4-time holder of the US Open champion title. We might see him get his pace back in after a couple of defeats this year.

Federer is also looking forward to the Davis Cup tournament on September, with Sweden up against Belgium.

Officially World Nos. 1 and 2

2008-08-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

As of August 18, 2008, the tallies are done and the two top lawn tennis players have officially switched positions. Rafael Nadal is now on top as the World No. 1 male lawn tennis player, while Roger Federer takes on the World No. 2 position.

Federer Wins Olympics Doubles With Wawrinka!

2008-08-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

He didn't achieve his dream of getting the gold in the lawn tennis singles tournament of the Beijing Olympics. But we all know that Roger Federer can still win in any match, and win he did.

Federer won the gold in doubles with Stanislas Wawrinka, beating another Swedish pair (Thomas Johannsen and Simon Aspelin) in the finals. Roger Federer got his Olympic gold after all!

Federer Exits Olympics Tennis Singles

2008-08-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

It's another heartbreaker for the Swiss as he was surprisingly defeated by American James Blake. This year doesn't seem to be a good one for Roger Federer.

The match was seemingly one-sided and James Blake took all the cards. Even Federer's formidable forehand was failing the athlete.

Federer had hoped to win in singles. But his defeat sealed it. He still remains for doubles, but he had hoped his victory would be in singles.

It's Hot In Beijing

2008-08-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

It's a problem echoed by Rafael Nadal:

"The problem is the humidity, no?" he said. "The (truth), I didn't feel nothing (from) the pollution. That didn't affect ... me. The problem is the humidity. I had to change the shirt every 10 minutes."

And.. va va voom: there's the pic.

Other players also couldn't take the heat and went on shirtless. Aside from Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Guillermo Canas, Nicolas Massu, Fernando Gonzalez, Jonas Bjorkman, and Lleyton Hewitt also took their shirts off --- view this blog post.

The Tennis Stars At the Beijing Olympics

2008-08-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

The Beijing Olympics has begun, yet amidst the glorious celebration of sports victories, there are some simple things that trouble our lawn tennis stars. They're both at the top of their game, but they're also evidently not too comfortable with the setting.

For Roger Federer, it was the issue of not staying at the Olympic Village. Some people might frown on Federer's decision not to go along with everyone else to the Olympic Village. But it's pretty obvious from his character that he values peace and privacy, which he won't get if he stays in the Village. He prefers to be alone most of the time.

And as the one of the most famous athletes of the world, he also catches attention of many fans and people. Even fellow athletes are asking for his autograph and Federer just didn't want all that attention.

"Taking the bus and not being in control of my own schedule, and many people recognising me in the village. It was not as enjoyable as Sydney, which I loved."

Federer isn't the only one. Other star athlets like Ronaldinho and Kobe Bryant also opted not to stay at the Olympic Villages.

To be crowned World no. 1 Rafael Nadal, who is making his Olympic debut, is quite happy to be staying with the Spanish team in the Olympic Village.

"It's very different from the regular tournaments on the tour. You are in the Olympic Village, so it's always very nice to be with the rest of the sportsmen of the world."

Kaka To Transfer To Chelsea?

2008-08-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

Just last month, there were speculations of Chelsea's Roman Abramovich making a bid for AC Milan playmaker Kaka. And just last month, Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon claimed they did not make an offer for the Brazilain midfielder --- and that it is unlikely.

Recently, however, Kaka's agent has stated that the clubs are indeed talking about a transfer. There are no decisions yet. While Kaka's agent is willing to talk, Kaka himself has not stated anyything about the rumored transfer.

Ronaldo Is the Key..

2008-08-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

After a lot of news revolving around Ronaldo's failed transfer to Real Madrid and his disapproving behavior throughout the ordeal, here's an article that captures just how much it was worth for Manchester United to hold on to the winger:

Ronaldo has won it already

Ronaldo Stays In United

2008-08-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

After a long controversy on whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo will stay with Manchester United or part from his team, the Portuguese star has finally made a decision: he's staying. It seems his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has managed to convince him that staying in United is the best thing for him right now.

Despite this, Ronaldo is still keen on playing for Real Madrid, and might only be staying in Manhcester United for just another season.

From Daily Mail Online UK:

Ronaldo said: 'Sir Alex Ferguson heard my reasons, I heard his and we have an agreement that the best for both parties would be if I stay. Therefore, I can confirm that next season I will play in Manchester United.

'For a while, my desire was that Manchester would accept Real Madrid's bid. To say the opposite would be cheating people and my own conscience.'

Kaka: FIFA World Player of the Year 2007

2008-08-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a look back at the FIFA World Player Gala 2007 at the Zurich Opera House, Switzerland, where the FIFA World Player of the Year 2007 was chosen.

The date was December 17, 2007. Kaka emerged victorious over nominees Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.

Here's a picture of the three: Kaka as the winner, Messi in second place, and C. Ronaldo in third.

Got to hand it to Messi. He's shorter and has a lighter build than Kaka and Ronaldo but he's a fighter in the field.

Nadal Will Be World No. 1!

2008-08-04T13:36:00.001-07:00

Despite a stunning loss to No. 3 Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal will still be expected to take the no. 1 spot in men's lawn tennis. Djokovic put an end to Nadal's winning streak of 32 matches, and is said to be climbing onto the no. 2 spot as the points clock in this season.

The final rankings will be confirmed on August 18, 2008. We'll see how the the top three make their rounds.

Federer On Losing Cincinatti Masters

2008-08-04T13:19:00.000-07:00

Roger Federer has it tough now that Rafael Nadal's fast catching up to take his crown as number 1. After losing in the ATP Masters, Federer has no choice but to keep on winning his future matches if he wants to retain his title.

From FOX Sports:

“So far it's OK,” Federer said.

“I guess I'll analyse and assess my game after the US Open.

“For the moment it's just all a blur. So many tournaments in a row, big tournaments in a row, it's hard.

“It's a tough trip we've got up in front of us now, going back to China and coming back to the Open.

“I'm looking forward for the next two tournaments. Those are really the ones that can make this season from a good one to a great one again. I hope I can manage to pull off something in the next couple of weeks.”

So Far.. for Roger Federer

2008-08-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

Failing to snatch that sixth Wimbledon victory may have caused Roger Federer more pain than we seem to believe.

The number 1 player is now out of the Cincinnati Masters after losing to Croatian Ivo Karlovic. He was first defeated by Gilles Simon in the second round of the tournament. He won in his next match, against Robby Ginepri. But his latest loss booted him out of the tournament.

His position as World no. 1 is also threatened, now more than ever. His losses and Rafael Nadal's victories are speedily closing the gap between them. Nadal is set to overtake Federer and get the top rank if he continues to win the Cincinnati Masters.

So Far.. for Rafael Nadal

2008-08-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

The Spaniard has been tasting a lot of victories lately. After winning the Rogers Cup early this week, Rafael Nadal has sealed his fifth consecutive tournament win! It has indeed been a good year for the player, who won Best Male International Athlete in the ESPY Awards 2008 (against Ronaldo and Kaka).

Just earlier this year, Rafael Nadal proved that he was clay court king as he won the French Open. Then he went on to a great Wimbledon mens final against Roger Federer. It was considered as the greatest (and longest) ever Wimbledon mens finals!

His rivalry with the World no. 1 has always been celebrated by lawn tennis fans. Both were equally talented and skilled that either one of them is welcome to reign over mens' lawn tennis.

Nadal won Wimbledon 2008, knocking Federer off his hopes of getting a sixth Wimbledon title. And now with Federer on losing grounds at the Cincinnati Masters and with only hundreds of points between them, Nadal is poised to get the top spot away from the Swiss.

So Far.. for C. Ronaldo

2008-08-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently hot celebrity status. He took time off the field for his ankle surgery, but even without football action the Portuguese star is still being tailed by the media.

First, he broke off with Spanish model Nereida (who at first denied the split). Then he went to L.A. to attend the ESPY Awards 2008 as a nominee for Best Male International Athlete (fellow soccer player Kaka was also a nominee but they both lost to lawn tennis champ Rafael Nadal). His stay in LA was also heavily covered by the press --- from his grand entrance on the ESPY red carpet, to snubbing Paris Hilton, to his bronze tan.

But perhaps Ronaldo's most pressing problem would be on whether or not he gets to transfer to Real Madrid or not. He certainly wants to. But Manchester United is not letting him go, and the whole situation is still on fire.

So Far.. for Kaka

2008-08-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

No major news on Kaka these days. The latest we heard is how he became a father 2 months ago. June 10, to be exact. He and his wife Caroline welcomed their newborn Luca Celico Leite.